There are plenty of beautiful things to do around Lulworth Cove, but the Saltwater Sauna is a little bit different.
A wood-fired sauna sits right on the edge of the Cove, with the sea just a few steps away. You spend time in the heat, then head outside for some fresh sea air — and, if you’re feeling brave, a dip in the water — before heading back into the sauna.
It’s a wonderfully simple experience, and one that feels particularly special with the cliffs and sea of the Jurassic Coast around you.
And the best bit if you’re staying at Honeysuckle Cottage? It’s only about a 10-minute walk away.
Where is the Saltwater Sauna?
The Saltwater Sauna is at Lulworth Cove Beach, right on the edge of the Cove.
Sat Nav location: BH20 5RH
The sauna is run by The Saltwater Sauna, with changing facilities available at The Lodge at Lulworth nearby. The sauna itself has sea ladder access, so it isn’t suitable for everyone.
If you’re staying at Honeysuckle Cottage, you can walk down to the Cove rather than worrying about parking.
What is a beach sauna session like?
Sessions last 65 minutes.
The idea is to move between the heat of the sauna and the cold outdoors. The Saltwater Sauna recommends spending around 10–15 minutes in the sauna before cooling down in the sea or using the beachside shower, then repeating the process.
You don’t have to be an experienced sauna user or cold-water swimmer, though.
And you certainly don’t have to get into the sea.
You can simply enjoy the warmth of the sauna, step outside into the sea air and enjoy the view.
Communal or private?
There are two ways to book.
Communal sauna
The communal sessions are shared with other people, with a maximum of six people.
A 65-minute communal session is currently £15 per person.
There is a limit on how many places one person can book, which keeps the communal sessions feeling like a shared experience rather than a private booking.
Private sauna
If you’re coming with friends or family, you can book the whole sauna privately for up to eight people.
A 65-minute private session is currently £95.
For two people, the communal session is obviously the less expensive option, but a private sauna could be a lovely treat if you’re celebrating something or travelling as a small group.
What do you need to take?
The sauna recommends bringing:
- Swimwear
- Two towels — one to sit on and one to dry yourself
- A water bottle
- A robe
- Flip-flops or suitable footwear
There are separate changing facilities and lockers at The Lodge at Lulworth, together with a hot outdoor shower and drinking water.
Nudity isn’t permitted in the sauna.
What about the sea dip?
This is entirely optional.
If you’re a regular cold-water swimmer, you’ll probably be very happy to make the most of the sea ladder.
If you’re not, don’t feel that you’re missing the point. The combination of the hot sauna, fresh sea air and beautiful setting is an experience in itself.
And personally, I think there’s something rather nice about sitting in a warm sauna looking out over Lulworth Cove without feeling that you have to prove anything by jumping into the sea.
When is the best time to go?
There’s something appealing about the sauna at any time of year.
In summer, you can combine it with a day around the Cove and a swim afterwards.
But I’d be tempted to choose a cooler day.
There’s something rather wonderful about warming up in a wood-fired sauna while looking out at a dramatic Jurassic Coast sky, then stepping outside into the sea air.
The Saltwater Sauna also runs sessions into the evening, so an afternoon or early evening booking can work particularly well during a stay.
The sauna and a stay at Honeysuckle Cottage
This is one of those local experiences that makes staying in West Lulworth so easy.
You can walk down to the Cove from Honeysuckle Cottage, have your sauna session, perhaps stop for something to eat or a drink afterwards, and then walk back to the cottage.
No driving. No worrying about parking. And no need to plan a whole day around it.
The Saltwater Sauna is also close to The Lodge at Lulworth, so you could combine your session with dinner there. The Lodge currently offers its own Sauna & Stay packages, although you don’t need to be staying at The Lodge to book a sauna session.
One of our favourite things to do in Lulworth
If you’re staying at Honeysuckle Cottage and fancy doing something a little different, I’d definitely put the Saltwater Sauna on your list.
It’s not a spa day and it’s not a luxury treatment.
It’s much simpler than that: a warm wood-fired sauna, the sea, the cliffs and an hour to slow down.
And that’s a pretty good combination.
Want to stay at Honeysuckle Cottage?
Private parking for two cars, Lulworth Cove around a 10-minute walk away and the Saltwater Sauna right on the edge of the Cove.