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!
Located along the beach, it's ideal for warming up and winding down after a swim in the tidal pool.
Free and open to all, you won’t want to miss this super-cute beachside sauna.
By Sophie Wareham.
What is it?
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?
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.
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?
The 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?
Down on Margate Main Sands is Sea Scrub Sauna.
Their concept of their saunas combines the best of Scandinavian culture with a British twist. 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.
For more events to book into like this in Margate, don’t forget to subscribe to our free weekly what’s on guide from Don’t Miss Margate!
