North west London is home to some of the city’s best sauna rooms, from luxurious spas to local gems.
Early uses of sauna can be traced back to Finland over 7,000 years ago and have long been celebrated for their health and relaxation benefits, with regular sessions known to boost circulation, reduce stress and even improve sleep.
Sauna use has exploded across the UK in recent years, with the number of public sauna sites rising from 45 in 2023 to 147 this year, according to figures from the British Sauna Society.
If you’re looking for a spot to get a sweat on, whether a long-time user or a first timer looking to see what all the fuss is about, here are some of the best sauna spots to check out in North West London.
Moberly Spa
Located less than a ten-minute stroll from Kensal Rise station inside the Everyone Active Sports Centre is Moberly Spa.
The spa boasts a sauna and steam room, with treatments such as Swedish and deep-tissue massages available too.
If you purchase the Spa Relax Package, you can have full access to the spa, gym and swimming pool for just £25.
Rio’s Kentish Town Sauna and Spa
Nestled in the heart of Kentish Town High Street, Rio’s is just a five-minute walk from the station.
Rio’s boasts multiple sauna cabins, steam rooms and plunge pools, providing a perfect balance of heat and cooling off and is even open all night until 7am, if you fancied a midnight sweat.
It is a perfect spot to take a partner as single admission comes in at £36, but for mixed couples it is priced at £40 all in.
St Pancras Spa
Found inside the iconic St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, this luxurious spa is just a stone’s throw from Kings Cross station.
The facilities include a sauna, steam room, swimming pool and relaxation areas, with lockers, bathrobes, towels and slippers provided.
It is on the pricier side, coming in at £70 for admission, but this grants full access to all of the facilities for four hours.
Parliament Hill Lido
Situated on the southern edges of Hampstead Heath, this spot is just a three-minute walk from Gospel Oak station.
Their outdoor pool is open all year round and boasts a sauna for swimmers to warm up in after a crisp winter dip.
The sauna here is fantastic value for money, with tickets costing £3.50 for an hour session for swimmers, but be wary of availability as there are only 30 tickets per session and sold on a first come, first served basis.
Porchester Spa
Thought to be the oldest spa in London, this iconic relaxation spot is less than five minutes by foot to Royal Oak station.
There is a variety of different rooms available, including a sauna, two steam rooms, three Turkish hot rooms and a cold plunge pool and has just undergone a £3million refurbishment this year.
Spa admission for non-members is £30.90, but if you are a resident of the Borough of Westminster, you can land a pretty decent discount.
Picture credit: Upslash.com
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