If you love a post-beach warm-up (or a proper spa day), North Devon has some brilliant sauna options — from full thermal suites to wood-fired sea saunas with cold dips. Below are our favourites in and around Croyde, with what facilities they offer and who they’re best for.
At a glance
- Best full spa day: Saunton Sands Hotel (Source Spa) and Woolacombe Bay Hotel (The Alchemist Spa)
- Best sauna + ice baths: Cherry Tree Sauna
- Best sauna + proper showers/changing: Surfing Croyde Bay Sauna
- Best “sauna by the sea” vibe: Sea Sauna Saunton
- Best pop-up locations: Secret Sauna
Saunton Sands Hotel – Source Spa & Wellness
A proper spa day with big views — ideal if you want the full thermal suite experience rather than a quick beach sauna.
Facilities
- Sauna: Finnish aroma sauna
- Steam room: salt inhalation steam room
- Cold: ice fountain / cooling element
- Showers: contrast shower
- Extra: marine vitality pool (Hot tub)
Best for: couples, solo reset days, and anyone who wants a “treat” session.
Woolacombe Bay Hotel – The Alchemist Spa
Great option if you want to mix sauna time with a swim and a long soak — especially good on a rainy day.
Facilities
- Sauna + steam room: part of the thermal suite
- Hot tub + heated pool: included with spa access
Best for: couples, friends, and an easy “half day” that still feels like a proper outing.
Saunton Beach Sauna (Sea Sauna)
A classic North Devon vibe: wood-fired sauna right by the sea. Perfect if you want something simple, outdoorsy and close to nature.
Facilities
- Sauna: mobile Nordic wood-fired sauna at Saunton Beach
- Cold: cool down with a sea dip (bring warm layers for after)
Best for: couples, friends, and post-walk warm-ups.
Cherry Tree Sauna (Croyde)
One of the best “sauna + cold plunge” setups near Croyde — brilliant after a wet walk or a winter surf.
Facilities
- Sauna: wood-fired sauna with sea views
- Cold plunge: two ice baths
- Showers: outdoor showers to rinse off
Best for: anyone who loves contrast therapy (hot + cold) and wants a feel-good reset as well as a good sea view.
Surfing Croyde Bay Sauna + Ice Bath
One of the best “sauna + cold plunge” setups. Super handy if you want sauna time with proper facilities nearby — this one is built for easy changing and warming up properly.
Facilities
- Sauna: Croyde sauna sessions
- Cold plunge: ice bath / cold water dip
- Showers: hot + cold showers
- Changing: heated changing rooms
Best for: post-surf warm-ups, winter breaks, and anyone who wants an easy, well-run setup.
Secret Sauna (North Devon pop-ups)
A mobile “sauna + cold plunge” setup. A wood-fired sauna that pops up in different scenic spots across North Devon (and beyond). Great if you like trying something new and booking a session when it’s local.
Facilities
- Sauna: mobile wood-fired sauna, 45-minute sessions
- Cold: depends on the location — many people pair it with an outdoor dip nearby (bring warm layers for after)
Best for: couples and friends who want a “different” experience and great views.
Tips for your sauna session
- Bring two towels (one to sit on, one to dry off), plus flip-flops for outdoorsy saunas.
- Arrive in swimwear if you can — it makes changing quicker.
- Warm layers for after: hat, hoodie, socks. You’ll thank yourself in winter.
- Book ahead in weekends and school holidays — the good slots go quickly.
- No heroics – If you’re new to cold dips, start gentle and keep it fun.
FAQs
Saunton Sands and Woolacombe Bay are your best bets for full facilities like thermal suites and pools.
Cherry Tree Sauna has ice baths and outdoor showers, and Surfing Croyde Bay offers an ice bath plus showers/changing area.
Yes — sauna + cold air is a great combo. Just bring warm layers for the walk back to the car.
For almost all of these, yes — book online where possible, especially on weekends.
Last updated: Feb 2026