UK's first floating sauna is coming to Liverpool's Princes Dock this Autumn

Liverpool Waters’ Princes Dock neighbourhood, renowned for its iconic city backdrop and water-based health and leisure industry, is set to host the UK’s first public floating sauna this Autumn.

Plans for WYLD Sauna, offering a traditional Nordic sauna experience, have been approved by Liverpool City Council.

This exciting addition is expected to perfectly complement the diverse range of leisure activities, bars, cafes, restaurants, and hotels now available at Princes Dock.

Waterside regeneration specialist Peel Waters is collaborating with WYLD Sauna to deliver the ultimate swim-sauna experience on the banks of Princes Dock. This venture provides residents, visitors, and commuters with a serene escape in the heart of the city.

WYLD Sauna was founded by outdoor swimming and sauna enthusiasts who were inspired by the booming popularity of floating saunas in Scandinavia. Their mission is to bring this unique experience to various locations across the UK, starting with Liverpool.

The WYLD Sauna Experience

The WYLD Sauna at Princes Dock will feature a floating pontoon equipped with a 30-person sauna. Amenities include:

Two ice baths
Two cold waterfall showers
Four heated outdoor showers with salt rub
Outdoor seating
Changing rooms with hair dryers, lockers, changing mirrors, and swimsuit dryers
Direct water access from the sauna

Traditional Finnish saunas are known for their restorative and calming properties, offering numerous mental and physical health benefits. These benefits are enhanced by alternating between the heat of the sauna and the cold water immersion.

Jon Miller, Co-Founder of WYLD Sauna, said:

“This is amazing news and we’re super excited to get started on this UK first at Liverpool Waters. We’re aiming to have the sauna installed in September, with a public launch soon after!

“During the design process, we identified that sauna goers are keen to enjoy refreshments and nibbles post sauna, so we have now incorporated a floating café for our guests to enjoy. We also aim to forge partnerships with local businesses such as gyms, hotels, clubs, tourist boards, and wellness centres.

“We are planning lots of exciting activities to mark the opening, including a grand launch event, some exclusive pre-launch sessions, hosted guided tours, plus demonstrations and wellbeing workshops and talks to showcase the features and benefits of hot and cold contrast therapy, supported and organised by the British Sauna Society.”

Early adopters and loyal followers can sign up for the newsletter on the WYLD Sauna website to gain access to special events and pre-launch bookings starting in early September.

Liza Marco, Senior Asset Manager for Liverpool Waters, said:

“We are very excited that Liverpool Waters will be the first destination in the UK to have a public floating sauna, and the location for this experience is perfect.

“We are looking forward to seeing Princes Dock buzzing with people enjoying WYLD Sauna, as well as the open water swimming, canoeing, and yoga already on offer. Combined with bars, cafes, restaurants, and hotels, the unique backdrop of cruise ships enhances the appeal of this location.

“Princes Dock is a great destination for our growing number of residents, visitors, and commuters who want to take a break and enjoy soaking up this incredible place, in the heart of Liverpool’s historic docks.”

Opening Hours and Booking Information

WYLD Sauna will be open from early morning until late evening, Monday – Sunday. Sessions will operate on a pay-as-you-go basis, starting from £5 an hour. Bookings will open in mid-September.

For the latest news in Liverpool click here.