Welcome to South Downs Sauna Lewes

Our woodland sauna is a place to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the elements. To ensure everyone has a safe and relaxing experience, please read the guidance below before your visit.

Sauna Guidance & Safety

All guests use the sauna facilities at their own risk.

If you have any medical conditions, underlying health concerns, are pregnant, or are taking prescription medication, we strongly advise consulting your GP before booking a session.

We ask all guests to follow safe sauna etiquette:

Before Entering:

• Remove shoes, sandals or flip-flops before entering the sauna.

• Remove jewellery to prevent burns.

• Please sit on a clean towel (towels are available on request).

During Your Session:

• Typical sauna rounds are 5–12 minutes (maximum 20 minutes at a time), followed by cooling off outdoors.

• Listen to your body — there is no timer or temperature gauge inside.

• Do not touch the stove, stove cage or sauna stones.

• Only pour the provided sauna water onto the hot stones.

• Follow team guidance on safe water pouring.

On Site:

• Alcohol, smoking and nudity are not permitted anywhere on the site.

• Please keep entrances and exits clear at all times.

• Enter and exit carefully.

• The cold shower and bucket shower are used at your own risk.

South Downs Sauna Lewes is not responsible for loss or damage to personal belongings.

If you are booking on behalf of a group, it is your responsibility to ensure all members of your party have read and understood this guidance.

We reserve the right to refuse admission to anyone who is intoxicated or whose behaviour presents a health or safety risk.

Children

Children aged 7–16 are welcome during private hire sessions only (full sauna booking required).
An adult family member or guardian must supervise at all times.

Cancellation Policy

We sauna in all seasons — rain, cold and misty woodland air are part of the experience.

However, in extreme weather conditions (such as high winds posing a risk from tree branches), we may need to close. In these instances, guests will be refunded within 24 hours.

If guests need to cancel or reschedule:

• 48 hours’ notice is required for changes.

• Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable.

• Bookings may be transferred to a friend with prior notice.

Location

The sauna is located just off the South Downs Way, nestled within a private woodland garden in East Sussex.

Full location details and directions are provided upon booking.

It is approximately a 5-minute walk from on-street parking and public transport links.

Our Woodland Space

South Downs Sauna Lewes is designed to feel natural, simple and grounded.

Facilities include:

• Finnish-style sauna

• Cold shower and drench bucket

• Compost toilet

• Small changing area with standing cubicle

• Woodland benches

• Fire pit seating area

The cold shower is accessed via a woodchip path and is level on a flagstone base.

Guests are encouraged to take their time between rounds — cool down, sit by the fire pit, and enjoy the woodland setting.

Ground & Access Information

• The site is reached via a short incline walk.

• The ground is natural woodland terrain (grass and woodchip paths).

• Some areas are uneven.

• Paths may become slippery in wet weather.

• There is a step up into the sauna and changing area.

Guests are advised to wear appropriate footwear when arriving.

Inside the Sauna

• Shared bench seating (single level).

• Electric stove with sauna stones.

• Non-slip, robust flooring.

• No internal timer — we encourage intuitive sauna use.

We promote mindful sauna practice: heat, cool, rest, repeat.

Accessibility

Section to be confirmed following accessibility review.

Carers & Companions

Carers or companions are welcome free of charge.
Guests are asked to contact us in advance via the contact page so arrangements can be made.

Private Hire & Events

The sauna and woodland space are available for:

• Private group bookings

• Celebrations

• Retreat collaborations

• Wellness events

Guests are invited to contact us to discuss event enquiries.