Coming in Spring 2026
A new outdoor space that brings all kinds of people together for the simple pleasure of hot sauna and cold water
Sawna is a not-for-profit community project
Our mission is to make hot & cold therapy affordable and accessible to all Cardiffians
Bathing has long been an essential part of many cultures, from the hammams of Morocco to the saunas of northern Europe.
Saunas and cold plunges have proven health benefits, including relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief as well as the wider social wellbeing that comes with a third space.
Here in Wales, we’re waking up to sauna culture. Nearby there's Taffside, Hikitalo, Outdoor Sauna and Mor a Sawna, as well as a mobile sauna for the hardcore Dawn Stalkers.
We are Community Interest Company (CIC) and a proud member of the Community Sauna Network.
This means all profit goes directly into the site and into the community, covering concessions and keeping prices low.
We’re a small group of sauna lovers, working with the council and raising funds to bring this vision to life.
It’s been a long journey but the starting line is finally in sight. Then we open our doors and company stewardship to you.
Actively inclusive
A safe space for everyone, not the few
Concessions for those who need it most, and affordable pricing for all
Private, screened sessions for underrepresented groups
A welcoming, relaxed and fuss-free feel
Community first
A space for a new community to own
All profits go back into the sauna and community initiatives
Open governance, with stewardships opens to members
Cynrychiolaeth i'r hen iaith | Bilingual brand, signage & staff
Sustainable
An eco-conscious outdoor space
Improving biodiversity with green roof and local plants
Built with reclaimed materials and environmental design
No phones, no photos - strictly offline
Sawna at the
Cardiff Caravan Park in Pontcanna Fields
The site will be the opposite end to our friends at Pedal Power. A magic leafy spot with great access, lighting and security.
While this is a more affluent part of Cardiff, the parks are used by everyone. It’s also very central, with good transport connections.
We expect visitors to be made up of:
Weekday regulars from neighbouring communities, all within walking & cycling distance
Weekend drop-ins from visitors for events, as well as sport lovers and dog walkers
Both groups are necessary to make this a financially sustainable venture, and to offer both concessions and free sessions via our social prescribing scheme and outreach.
01
Wood or Electric
Electric is more common in northern Europe - it’s a good, consistent heat, you’ll like it. Wood is the backup plan.
02
Cold plunges
The yin to the yang of the sauna. In the absence of the sea (or river!), barrels and baths will be kept clean and cold using pumps and filters.
03
Communal space
The third, equally important element is the wind down. Take a beat between hot & cold, drink a herbal tea and have a chat.
04
Changing & lockers
Get changed and stash your stuff here on site, and remember to leave your phone.
05
Showers & toilet
Rinse off before the cold plunge, and with luck there’ll be a hot shower to finish.
06
Cycle Parking
We're passionate about active travel - there's no on-site parking, but there are great transport links
Designs by Downs Merrifield
This is just the beginning
Phase 1 funding comes from a WCVA community loan. This pays for planning, groundworks and core facilities - Sawna 1 , cold plunges & showers and changing.
Phase 2 & 3 will add more saunas and capacity, and be funded by ongoing profits. and crowdfunds A cashflow forecast sees Sawna 2 opening for winter 2026.
Sign up and support us
The community loan will pay for the essentials. But Sawna must be more than a utility, it must be magical from day one. That’s where you come in!
We'll be selling yearly membership packages before launch to pay for planting, landscaping and artwork.
Enter your email to be notified.
FAQs
Have you spelt Sauna wrong?
Who are the people behind Sawna?
Who did the incredible plans?
When will you be open?
How do sessions work?
How much will it cost?
What about events and hosted sessions?
What about community partnerships?
Can I get in touch?
Do you have a media kit?
