Step into warmth, leave the world outside.

Opening in early September, our new 12-person sauna and cold plunge mark the start of a new chapter for the Lido. A place to slow down, breathe deeper, and rediscover the pleasure of doing nothing at all. The cold plunge is there if you want it, for the full contrast of heat and cold, but it’s entirely optional. Plenty of our guests simply enjoy the warmth of the sauna alone.

Sauna has been enjoyed across the world for centuries, as a place to pause, reconnect and spend time with others, or simply with yourself. Ours brings that tradition to Petersfield, right alongside the pool.

Is it for me? Yes. Some people come for quiet reflection. Others come with friends. Many pair it with a swim. Whatever brings you here, no previous experience is needed.

What’s it like inside? Designed for up to twelve guests, our sauna is perfect for warming up after a swim or relaxing with friends. There’s space to sit back, breathe, and let the heat do its work. Step outside and you’ll find our cold plunge, ready for those who want the full contrast of heat and cold.

How hot is it, and can I come alone? Most sessions are enjoyed between 80°C and 90°C. Some people stay ten minutes, others longer. There are no rules here, only your own pace. And yes, plenty of people come alone.

Can I combine it with swimming? Absolutely, it’s one of our favourite parts of the Lido. Warm water, cool air, deep heat. Swim first and relax after, or simply come for the warmth. As autumn arrives and mornings turn crisper, the sauna is another way to enjoy the Lido all year round.

New to sauna? Start here. Trying something new should feel exciting, not intimidating. Here’s what your first visit looks like, from arrival to leaving.
Arrive ten minutes early. Time to settle in, find your feet, and shake off the rush of getting here.
Shower. A quick rinse before you enter, it’s part of the ritual, not just the rules.
Sit on your towel. Bring two: one to sit on, one for drying afterwards.
Relax. Ten to fifteen minutes is typical for a first round. Breathe, and let the heat take over. There’s no need to rush, and no expectation that you already know what you’re doing.
Cool down. Step outside, take the air, or try the cold plunge options. There’s no right way, only what feels good to you.
Repeat, if you wish. Many people enjoy two or three rounds, with a cool down in between. One is just as valid.

  • What should I wear? Normal swimwear.
  • Do I need a towel? Yes, bring two. One to sit on, one for drying afterwards.
  • Should I shower before entering? Yes, a 30 second shower before is part of sauna etiquette.
  • How hot is the sauna? Generally 80-90°C.
  • How long should I stay inside? Most people enjoy 10 to 15 minutes before cooling down, but always listen to your body.
  • How many rounds should I do? Two or three is typical, with a cool down between each, though one round is just as good.
  • What is the cold plunge? A dedicated tub for cooling off after a sauna round. The contrast of heat and cold is part of the experience, and many people say it’s when they feel best.
  • Do I have to use the cold plunge? No. Some people alternate between heat and cold, others cool down naturally. There’s no right or wrong approach.
  • Can I visit alone? Of course. Many of our guests come solo, it’s a wonderful way to spend an hour to yourself.
  • Can I chat, or read a book? Both are welcome. Some visits are social, others are for quiet reflection. Follow your mood.
  • Can I wear glasses or jewellery? Glasses are fine. We’d suggest removing metal jewellery, as it can get hot.
  • Can I take my phone in? We’d rather you left it behind. Sauna is best enjoyed away from screens.
  • Can I wear flip-flops? No, but we’d recommend them for the walk to and from the sauna.
  • Can I eat before or after? Yes. A light meal beforehand is fine, avoid a large one right before your session, andarrive well hydrated. Eating afterwards is no problem at all.
  • Can children use the sauna? Currently the sauna can only be used by people age 16+.
  • Is sauna suitable for everyone? Most people can enjoy sauna safely. If you’re pregnant or have a heart condition or another medical condition, speak to your GP before visiting

Learn about sauna with Emma O’Kelly – Tuesday 15 September

At Sauna Talk: The Power of Deep Heat, Emma will share some of what she has discovered travelling through the sauna world: its traditions and rituals, its extraordinary resurgence in Britain, the relationship between heat and cold, and why so many people seem to emerge from a sauna feeling calmer, clearer and just a little different.

Sauna

Enjoy the warmth of our new sauna beside the pool. Come on your own, with friends or combine your session with a swim. No previous sauna experience is needed. Access to the cold plunges included.

  • 25 minutes
  • Over 16s £6 (online price) £7 (pool price)

Contrast therapy

Move between the deep heat of the sauna and the cold plunge for the full hot-and-cold experience. Take it at your own pace, and remember the plunge is always optional. Access to the pool included.

  • Starting in October
  • 55 minutes
  • Over 16s £14 (online price) £15 (pool price)

Familiarisation sessions

New to sauna or simply want to know what to expect? Our familiarisation sessions will introduce you to the sauna, explain how everything works and give you the chance to ask questions before your first session.

  • 55 minutes
  • Over 16s £5 (online price)

Please read through our Sauna and Cold Plunge Safety and Etiquette Guidelines prior to booking your event.