Wyld Sauna, Liverpool is the UK’s first floating sauna. Inspired by the traditional Scandinavian sauna culture, Wyld Sauna aims to offer visitors an opportunity to breathe and refresh amongst the urban sprawl of Liverpool.
During our stay in the city, we jumped at the opportunity to give the ice baths, plunge pools, sauna and even a spot of wild swimming a go, right on the Princes Dock. Our brief but thoroughly enjoyable hour at Wyld Sauna reminded us of just how beneficial time out from your everyday can be.
Not only did it give us a boost of energy, ready to explore more of the city but the hot and cold experience also gave us a huge boost to our mood. Rosy cheeked, we left with a quirky and fond memory of the city, vowing to ensure that we add saunas and cold swims into our weekly routine.
Want to give it a go yourself? Read on for our full review of Wyld Sauna, Liverpool.
Where is Wyld Sauna, Liverpool?
You’ll find Wyld Sauna down an unassuming road leading off the Princes Docks. Initially, we presumed we had taken a wrong turn as we walked through industrial units that line the water’s edge.
However, tucked away, surrounded by modern high rise offices, Wyld Sauna is a mini floating sanctuary of calm. In fact, it’s unconventional location is actually what makes it even more special; offering an escape from the frantic comings and goings of everyday life in the city.
How Much Does Wyld Sauna cost?
A session at Wyld Sauna costs between £5 – £12.50, dependent on the time of day you’re visiting. Each session lasts an hour and includes unlimited use of the sauna, cold plunges and baths, alongside the dock swimming.
A regular membership is also available, so you can book in bulk and easily keep track of your bookings.
What’s Included in Your Visit to Wyld Sauna Liverpool?
Wyld Sauna is a small, but perfectly formed, authentic Scandi experience.
Having visited saunas in Finland and Sweden, the hot and cold experiences mirrored the traditional Nordic experience of the sauna, ice cold plunge pool and (or) wild swimming. Admittedly, although the views out over the Docks didn’t quite meet the scenery of Helsinki or Finnish Lapland, the physical experience was very similar.
The glass covered sauna houses 30 people, with views out over the inky water. On the decking, you’ll find two wooden plunge pools, two ice baths and a ladder down into the Dock, where you can “enjoy” a swim after reaching sweaty temperatures inside the sauna.
When we first arrived, we were adamant we would only try the sauna; not keen on the idea of a freezing cold dip in the middle of Liverpool in November. After our first round in the sauna, however, and encouraged by the brilliant guide, we found ourselves screaming as we plunged into the ice baths.
Not only that, we even got into the freezing Dock, which turned out to be, a surprisingly enjoyable experience.
Enjoy the hot-cold cycle as many times as you like
We ended up enjoying the cycle of hot sauna and cold water five times, becoming increasingly addicted to the zingy, energised feeling we had after every round. We were advised to spend 8-15 minutes in the sauna per round (as beginners). In terms of the cold experiences, our guide advised no longer than 3-4 minutes to avoid any issues with blood pressure.
Unexpectedly, having completed the wild swimming and plunge pools, by the time we got in the (slightly) warmed baths, it felt positively balmy. In fact, we probably could have laid in the bath tubs for far longer than advised.
What Do I Need to Bring with Me to Wyld Sauna?
There’s not a huge amount you need to bring with you to Wyld Sauna other than a swimsuit, towel to sit on in the sauna and a towel to drive off with after. I would recommend bringing some flip flops/sliders with you for moving between the outside and inside, however, as we did find it a little slippy.
Please note that you’re not allowed to use shower gels, essential oils, shampoos or face wash at the sauna.
There is, however, Himalayan salt available at the outside showers for you to scrub with after a session.
Can you get Changed at Wyld Sauna?
There are two unisex changing rooms at Wyld Sauna, which I would say could be improved a little. Indeed, if we’re giving an honest review of Wyld Sauna, Liverpool I would say it was a little awkward trying to get dry in a small confined space with the opposite sex too. There is one curtain/changing area but during busy times, it wasn’t possible to use it.
I feel like it would be easier to have male and female changing rooms, so people can change and dress more freely.
The changing rooms come complete with hairdryers, swimming costume dryers and lockers.
Is There Food and Drink at Wyld Sauna?
Yes, there is a small but perfectly formed bar offering cold and hot drinks and food from Liverpool’s eatery Pomegranate. Obviously, as a health based experience, the food matches this ethos with acai bowls, protein balls, buddha bowls, fresh juices and artisan coffee available to buy.
Is Wyld Sauna Liverpool Worth a Visit?
Absolutely!
Admittedly, we hadn’t given our trip to Wyld Sauna too much thought ahead of our trip to Liverpool. In fact, I was beginning to see it as a bit of an inconvenience, worrying I’d have wet hair for our journey home on the train. Surprisingly, however we both agreed that our hour at Wyld Sauna was the unexpected highlight of our time in Liverpool.
With endorphins flowing, our cheeks rosy and still laughing at memories of plunging into the Docks, we walked away from the sauna wishing we had a floating sauna closer to home. Allowing us a sacred hour out of the hustle and bustle, away from our phones, Wyld Sauna surpassed all of our expectations.
So grab a partner or group of friends, and head on down to this unique experience in Liverpool.
Pin for later: Our Honest Review of Wyld Sauna Liverpool:
