Don’t Miss Margate’s Free Beachside Sauna
Things are steaming up along the seaside
want to relax? here’s all you need to know about margate’s free sauna!
Yes it’s true! The Haeckels sauna runs free community sauna sessions in Margate, offering locals and visitors the chance to use the sauna at specific times without charge.
By Sophie Wareham
What is the haeckels community sauna?
Built in the style of a 19th century bathing machine, the Haeckel's Community Sauna is a free to use sauna open all year round for everyone and anyone to enjoy.
They use firewood from sustainably managed forests in the UK for a clean nourishing experience and compost the ash from the stove at Windmill Community Gardens, just up the road.
Go down and visit!
You must try Haeckels Community Sauna when you take a trip to the beach.
Why is it free?
Haeckel's Community Sauna believes that ‘the healing power of coastal wellbeing should be freely accessible to all’ and therefore you can visit whenever you want with no charge.
They fund the sauna themselves as well as it being funded by donations made by the public to help with any repairs and to get more firewood.
You can find out when the sauna is open by checking the regularly updated Facebook group here.
who uses the sauna?
People use this sauna to warm up before or after they have a nice cold swim in the sea, just as they do across Scandinavia, and increasingly in the UK.
Sauna usage in the UK has gone up, the number of public saunas doubled to 90 in 2024 and looks to increase to over 200 in 2025 - according to Vogue - but very few of them are free.
Saunas are also communal and social spaces where friends can catch up, celebrate occasions instead of going to the pub, and meet new people interested in cold water swimming, sauna culture and more.
What are the benefits of using a sauna?
There are lots of benefits! Saunas are beneficial to your health as they can improve blood flow which decreases your risk of cardiovascular disease and lowers stress levels. It's also good for muscle relaxation and alleviating joint pain.
Mix it with a refreshing cold dip, for a spot of contrast therapy, just be careful in the cold water. Walpole Bay Tidal Pool is free and accessible at low tide or just hit the waves at high tide from the beach.
Many people have also said it's good for their social life as you can meet new people there all the time and feel part of our diverse and engaged community here in Margate. I know I always have such interesting conversations during my sauna sessions.
Visiting here also helps you stay connected with the local environment and appreciate how beautiful Margate’s coastline is, all year round.
Where is Haeckel's Community Sauna and when can I use it?
Haeckel’s Community Sauna is located on the beach opposite the Walpole Bay Tidal pool in Cliftonville. It’s around a 25 minute walk from Margate station and the Main Sands (but well worth it!)
Where else can I use a sauna in Margate?
There is another sauna in Margate as well as the Haeckels sauna, which is down on Margate Main Sands and called Sea Scrub Sauna.
Their concept of their saunas combines the best of Scandinavian culture with a British twist, so think wooden caravan style saunas and barrel plunge pools right on the beach.
They hold private sessions and social sessions that you can book for their traditional Nordic barrel sauna with a wood fired stove or their electric steam sauna.
They also host wellness events monthly which includes events such as A Full Moon Sauna and a Breath Work / Yoga Sauna. It’s gorgeous at sunset and even after dark.
