United Kingdom
Edinburgh's sauna culture is one of the UK's fastest-growing, buoyed by the city's cold-water swimming revival and a broader urban wellness trend that has seen dedicated sauna venues open across the city since 2020. The Firth of Forth provides outstanding cold-plunge access — Portobello and Cramond beaches are within 20 minutes of the city centre, and seasonal sauna operators have established venues at both sites. City-centre options include One Spa at Sheraton Grand (one of Scotland's largest hotel spa complexes) and a cluster of boutique wellness clubs in the New Town. Edinburgh saunas generally require swimwear in mixed sessions. The combination of Scotland's cool climate, dramatic Old Town setting, and Firth access makes the hot/cold contrast cycle as rewarding here as anywhere in northern Europe.
Sheraton Grand One Spa is the largest hotel spa in Scotland. Floatworks and several boutique wellness clubs in the New Town offer dedicated sauna sessions. Portobello and Cramond beaches have seasonal floating and wood-fired sauna operators with Firth of Forth access.
Yes — Portobello Beach (20 minutes from city centre) and Cramond are the main options. Water temperature in the Firth ranges from 5°C in winter to 14–16°C in August. Year-round sea swimming is well established in Edinburgh.
Most dedicated sauna venues require advance booking — weekends sell out 3–5 days ahead. One Spa at Sheraton Grand accepts same-day hotel spa bookings on most weekdays.
Generally yes in mixed sessions — UK sauna culture defaults to swimwear in mixed settings. Some single-gender sessions at dedicated sauna venues may be swimwear-optional; check the venue policy.
