How Our Sauna & Lake Dip Experience Works

At Northumbrian Sauna, every Fire & Ice experience is professionally guided from start to finish. Whether you're joining us for the first time or have previous experience, we'll explain each stage of the session and help you enjoy the benefits of contrast therapy safely, comfortably, and confidently.

Our sessions focus on heat, a refreshing lake dip, recovery, and relaxation—not endurance or competition.

Your Sauna Experience

Your session begins in our traditional wood-fired sauna.

We recommend spending 10–15 minutes in the sauna, allowing your body to warm up gradually. There is no expectation to stay longer than feels comfortable, and you should always listen to your body. Overstaying in the heat can leave you feeling fatigued and reduce the enjoyment of the experience.

Your Sauna Master will be on hand throughout the session to provide guidance, answer questions, and ensure everyone is using the sauna safely.

The Lake Dip

After warming up, you'll make your way to the lake for a refreshing dip.

This is a dip rather than a swim. We encourage you to enter the water calmly, enjoy the cooling effect, and then return to shore.

There is no need to remain in the water for long periods. The benefits of contrast therapy come from the change in temperature, not from seeing how long you can stay in the cold. Our Sauna Master will guide you and help you understand what is appropriate for your own comfort and experience.

Before Returning to the Sauna

After your dip, we recommend taking a short moment outside the sauna before returning to the heat.

Allow your breathing to settle, let the initial cooling effect pass, and give your body a chance to adjust naturally. This short recovery period makes the transition back into the sauna more comfortable and enjoyable.

Most guests enjoy a few gentle rounds of:

Sauna → Lake Dip → Short Recovery → Sauna

Always move at your own pace.

Hydration

Sauna bathing causes you to sweat, making hydration an important part of your experience.

We recommend:

Arriving well hydrated - starting the day before is good.
Taking small sips of water between each sauna and lake dip rather than drinking large amounts all at once.
Choosing room temperature or lukewarm water during the session where possible, as this helps your body maintain its warmth more comfortably.
Avoiding very cold drinks during the session, as they can cool you internally and make returning to the sauna feel less comfortable.
Continuing to hydrate after your visit and replacing electrolytes if you've been sweating heavily.

Sauna Etiquette

To keep the sauna clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone, we ask all guests to follow these simple guidelines:

A cotton towel is compulsory for sitting on inside the sauna.
Microfibre towels are not permitted, as they are unhealthy for the sauna environment.
No plastic items are permitted inside the sauna, including plastic bottles, bags, containers, or any other plastic items due to plastic leeching.
Please enter and leave the sauna quietly and respectfully.

A Place for Peace

Our sauna is a place to relax, unwind, and reconnect.

During public sessions, we kindly ask that you whisper while inside the sauna and keep conversation to a minimum. Many guests visit specifically to enjoy the calming atmosphere, the gentle crackle of the fire, and the peaceful warmth.

We like to think of the barrel sauna as a Quiet Zone—a space that honours those seeking a moment of Zen Heat. Quiet conversation is always welcome, but please be mindful of others and help us preserve the tranquil atmosphere that makes the experience so special.

Safety First

Our guided sessions are designed to be enjoyable, relaxing, and safe.

Please do not take part if you are under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs.

If you have a medical condition that may be affected by heat or cold exposure, including heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, epilepsy, or if you are pregnant, please seek medical advice before attending and let us know before your session.

If at any point you feel uncomfortable, simply let your Sauna Master know. There is never any pressure to complete a certain number of rounds or remain in the heat or cold for a specific length of time.

Our Philosophy

Contrast therapy isn't about seeing who can stay in the sauna the longest or remain in the cold the longest.

It's about understanding your body, respecting your limits, and enjoying the powerful combination of heat, cold, recovery, and relaxation in a calm, guided environment.

Every session is led by an experienced Sauna Master who is there to help you get the very best from the experience safely and confidently.

Our aim is simple: leave feeling refreshed, revitalised, calmer than when you arrived, and looking forward to your next visit.