• Swimwear (or even better, come in your swimwear!)

• Two towels

  • One to sit on and one to dry off with

  • You can rent on-site: £2 for a small or £3 for a large, or buy a branded CSB towel for £16

• Flip-flops/sliders

• Water bottle

• Padlock (or you can purchase one at some sites for £3)

• A bag for wet clothes

• Warm clothes for afterwards

Arrive 10-15 minutes early so you can check in, get changed, and settle in without stress. Staff will greet you and help you get oriented. You don’t need to do anything special - just be respectful and you’ll have a great time.

You'll move between hot sauna sessions and cold plunges - as many rounds as you like. Most people do 2-3 cycles. Some stay quiet, some chat. You can sit in silence or join the buzz - up to you. Rest between rounds, hydrate, and take it at your own pace.

• Do I have to plunge? (Nope.)

• Can I leave and re-enter? (Usually, yes.)

• Do I have to talk to people? (Only if you want to.)

The heat might feel intense at first, that’s normal. Stay for a few minutes, breathe deeply, and step out whenever you need. The cold plunge is shocking but invigorating. You might feel amazing. You might feel weird. Either way, you did it.

If you’re pregnant, have a heart condition, or a medical concern, check with your GP before using the sauna or plunge.

For safety reasons, please don’t wear glasses or contact lenses in the sauna - the heat can damage them.

Some quick ones before coming on-site:

• Drink lots of water

• Eat before coming (maybe something light, a heavy meal is not recommended)

• Wear a sauna hat to prevent dizziness

• Avoid alcohol or drugs

• Let staff know if you're feeling sick or dizzy

• Are there lockers? (Yes, but bring your own lock.)

• Are showers hot? (Some sites are only cold.)

• Are changing rooms gendered or shared? (Some private, some shared and some gendered depending on the location.)

• Is there drinking water available? (Yes, but feel free to bring your bottle.)

• Can I bring my own essential oils? (No, sorry!)

To keep the space calm and respectful for everyone:

Sit on a towel inside the sauna

• Please bring two towels with you. One to sit on and one to dry yourself with.

One ladle at a time

• Ask others before adding water to the stones & pause between ladles. It takes time for the heat to have an effect & too much water kills the fire.

Be mindful of others' experiences 

• This is a community space. Please be mindful of your noise level within the sauna.

Shower before you plunge

• Please rinse off your sweat! It helps keep the plunges fresh for everyone.

Toplessness is optional for all genders at Hackney Wick

• Please be covered from the waist down. Anyone, however, is welcome to be topless.

We are a neutral body space

• Please do not comment on people’s bodies or tattoos, even if your intentions are positive.

Essential oils guidance 

• Putting the wrong essential oils can affect safety. Please don’t use your own, and ask our team for more info.

This is a sober space

• The closest we’ve got to alcohol here is the whisky barrel plunges

This is a phone-free zone

• Please do not bring your phone inside the sauna. You are welcome to take pictures outside, but please ask for consent in advance.