Scotland


<p>Maybe we should thank the Finns for our ever growing obsession with sauna. For eight years they’ve topped the UN&#8217;s <a href="https://worldhappiness.report/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Happiness Report</a> as the most contented nation on the planet and some attribute their happiness to their love of sauna. Since we Scots live at a similar latitude it’s perhaps unsurprising that sauna culture has hit our shores – and <em>hard</em>. After all, when it comes to inspiration on how to get through the cold and dreich seasons, we need to share all the intel.</p>



<p>Judith Dunlop was the first in Scotland to open a seaside sauna – Dune in Elie, in the East Neuk of Fife – in 2022, and many have followed in her footsteps since. “It made headlines!” she says. “Most people had never heard of such a thing and I didn’t know of anyone else operating a seaside sauna at that time. It was a step into the darkness, the unknown. But I have a massive belief in what I am doing.”&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/Judith-Dunlop.jpeg" alt="Judith Dunlop" class="wp-image-1693" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/Judith-Dunlop.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/Judith-Dunlop-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/Judith-Dunlop-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/Judith-Dunlop-768x1152.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Judith Dunlop</figcaption></figure>



<p>Though research into the benefits of sauna is ongoing, the evidence seems to point to positive effects on respiratory health, dementia and cardiovascular health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For Judith, it’s much more straightforward: “Sauna is, for me, a means of helping people achieve a connection with nature, along with feeling free in their own bodies. I believe it helps people to connect with their authentic selves and to form connections with others.”</p>



<p>So grab some pals and a towel and head to the coast. Here are some of our favourite seaside saunas around Scotland.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-scottish-seaside-saunas-elie-cellardyke-and-st-andrews">The Scottish Seaside Saunas, <a href="http://elieseasidessuna.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elie</a>, <a href="http://cellardykeseasidesauna.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cellardyke</a> and <a href="http://standrewsseasidesauna.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Andrews</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/Elie-Seaside-Sauna.jpg" alt="Elie Seaside Sauna" class="wp-image-1691" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/Elie-Seaside-Sauna.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/Elie-Seaside-Sauna-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/Elie-Seaside-Sauna-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/Elie-Seaside-Sauna-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Elie Seaside Sauna</figcaption></figure>



<p>The tidal pools all along the East Neuk of Fife tell you there’s a long history of dooking in this part of the world. So it makes sense that one of the first seaside saunas in the UK was founded in Elie by Judith Dunlop, a passionate advocate of the benefits of Finnish-style sauna, not just for health but for communities. Head to one of the saunas at Elie, Cellardyke or St Andrews you can experience one of the highest-quality, well-researched but also friendly and welcoming sauna experiences around.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wild-bathing-oban-argyll"><a href="https://www.wildbathing.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wild Bathing</a>, Oban, Argyll</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="940" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/B3284ED8-BE70-48D9-9EFC-BF41E1557025.jpeg" alt="Wild Bathing, Oban seaside sauna" class="wp-image-1696" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/B3284ED8-BE70-48D9-9EFC-BF41E1557025.jpeg 940w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/B3284ED8-BE70-48D9-9EFC-BF41E1557025-188x300.jpeg 188w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/B3284ED8-BE70-48D9-9EFC-BF41E1557025-642x1024.jpeg 642w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/B3284ED8-BE70-48D9-9EFC-BF41E1557025-768x1226.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" /></figure>



<p>Founded by three sisters: Audrey, Kirsty and Jo, Wild Bathing has two saunas: A handcrafted sauna from Latvia called the Coorie In at Tralee Bay Coastal Park and the six-seater Snug at Ganavan Beach. They founded their business after their mum developed Alzheimer&#8217;s five years ago. “We read that saunas can help reduce the chances of developing dementia,” says Jo. Locals bring picnics and their saunas have hosted sea shanties and Gaelic singing. With an infinity window nestled under the trees overlooking the bay it’s a popular spot.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-escape-sauna-castleton-north-berwick"><a href="https://escapesauna.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Escape Sauna</a>, Castleton, North Berwick</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/4945B428-F163-4D6D-A89C-38631FAC1E70.jpeg" alt="Escape sauna, North Berwick" class="wp-image-1698" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/4945B428-F163-4D6D-A89C-38631FAC1E70.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/4945B428-F163-4D6D-A89C-38631FAC1E70-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/4945B428-F163-4D6D-A89C-38631FAC1E70-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Inspired by his Norwegian cousins, Stuart first had the idea to set up a sauna on their family’s 430 acre farm. It’s a breathtaking spot overlooking the Firth of Forth and the famous Bass Rock. You can make your cold dip in the sea if you like, but there’s also a plunge pool and cold shower a bit closer to hand for those who don’t want to walk too far. Floor-to-ceiling windows make the view a mesmerising one. Right next door to local favourite cafe and bakery Drift, there’s cake and hot drinks to be found before or after.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clyde-coast-saunas-firth-of-clyde"><a href="https://www.clydecoastsaunas.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clyde Coast Saunas</a>, Firth of Clyde</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/Clyde-Coast-sauna.jpeg" alt="Clyde Coast Sauna" class="wp-image-1700" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/Clyde-Coast-sauna.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/Clyde-Coast-sauna-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/Clyde-Coast-sauna-768x1024.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Right on the water at Kip Marina in Inverkip, tucked in a peaceful cove, is a gorgeous hand-crafted wood-fired sauna with direct access to the sea. “It’s a space that lifts you away from the hustle and bustle and brings a real sense of calm,” says Clyde Coast Sauna owner Sharon Jarvie. It’s not the only sauna she runs in an idyllic spot. Another at Kelburn Estate near Largs on a hillside offers panoramic views across the Clyde to Bute, Cumbrae, Little Cumbrae and Arran. “People often tell us it feels like being ‘on top of the world’.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wild-sauna-blackwaterfoot-isle-of-arran"><a href="https://www.wildsauna.scot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wild Sauna</a>, Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="693" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/20250825_183422.jpeg" alt="The Green Goddess sauna" class="wp-image-1701" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/20250825_183422.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/20250825_183422-300x139.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/20250825_183422-1024x473.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/20250825_183422-768x355.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Take a sauna in the back of a van. Specifically, The Green Goddess – a 1960’s vintage Bedford truck, which David Bennett lovingly converted into a wood fired mobile sauna seating 14 people with a large picture window. “The truck is four-wheel drive so we can park right at the waters edge,” he explains. “It&#8217;s a very cosy and intimate space, which gets you close to the elements – you can hear the wind blowing against the canvas and the waves crashing, and you can see the sea right outside the window.” For your cold plunges you’ve got choices – either run into the waters of Drumadoon Bay, or sink yourself into one of the two large Arran whisky barrels just outside.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stonesthrow-sauna-isle-of-arran"><a href="https://www.stonesthrowsauna.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stonesthrow Sauna</a>, Isle of Arran&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/IMG_1421.jpeg" alt="Stonesthrow sauna" class="wp-image-1702" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/IMG_1421.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/IMG_1421-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/IMG_1421-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/IMG_1421-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photograph: Billie Robertson Baxter</figcaption></figure>



<p>You wait for a seaside sauna, and two come at once! Or at least they do if you live on the Isle of Arran. Stonesthrow sauna is based mainly in Whiting Bay but you&#8217;ll sometimes find it at Lamlash and Kildonan as well. A handmade Scandinavian sauna it has a huge picture window that allows our guests to take in the beautiful views of the Clyde. “We run a lot of social sessions where anyone can book into any session, and the chat and laughter we hear is always so lovely,” says Amy Wegerhoff who runs the sauna with her husband Andrew. “If you enter the sauna alone, you&#8217;re sure to come out with a friend!”&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-staffin-sea-sauna-staffin-harbour-isle-of-skye"><a href="https://www.staffinseasauna.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Staffin Sea Sauna</a>, Staffin Harbour, Isle of Skye</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/Staffin.jpeg" alt="Staffin sea sauna" class="wp-image-1705" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/Staffin.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/Staffin-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/10/Staffin-768x1024.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If the landscape of Skye hasn&#8217;t taken your breath away, a cold dip in the crystal clear waters of the Minch will. Thankfully, the Isle of Skye’s first Nordic-style sauna is on hand to warm you back up again. Staffin Sea Sauna is tucked away in a harbour owned and run by the community, minutes from the Old Man of Storr. &#8220;People like the relaxed atmosphere, the Highland welcome and the simplicity of cold and heat in an awe-inspiring location,&#8221; says Denise Haugh. &#8220;Several groups of Scandinavians and Finns have declared it “the best foreign sauna” they&#8217;d attended, which pleases us immensely!&#8221;</p>


The heat is on! 9 stunning Scottish seaside saunas

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