Steam & Salt's permanent saunas bring Nordic heat to Tynemouth's Longsands

There are few better places to warm up on a winter's morning than a wood-fired sauna on Longsands. Steam & Salt has made that possible with two Nordic-inspired saunas on the lower promenade at the south end of the beach in Tynemouth, close to the old outdoor pool.

The business first introduced sauna sessions to Tynemouth using mobile sauna tents on the beach, building a loyal following among sea swimmers, surfers and wellness enthusiasts. Building on that success, it opened its two permanent, timber-clad saunas overlooking Longsands in 2026.

The setting is the star. One wall of each sauna is floor-to-ceiling glass, and every seat faces the sea, so instead of looking at wooden walls bathers watch the waves, the surfers and the ever-changing North Sea. One local reviewer described sitting in the heat while looking across the water as an experience that leaves you "both relaxed and invigorated". There is a smaller sauna and a larger one side by side, which suits both solo visitors and groups of friends.

The sea is just steps away, and a dip between rounds is part of the appeal for many, although Living North notes that a post-sauna plunge in the North Sea is "definitely optional". Visitors' reviews praise the friendly, well organised team, who explain how sessions work on arrival and point out the safe places to get into the water.

Steam & Salt describes its sessions as a chance to escape the daily grind, unwind, cleanse the body and reset the mind. Seats are booked online, and gift vouchers are available for anyone hoping to treat a friend.

The saunas are open year round, closed on Mondays. From October to April sessions run from Tuesday to Sunday between 7am and 4.45pm, with longer evening hours from May to September, so there is time for an early swim and sauna before work or a restful hour after a coastal walk.

Longsands is already one of the North East's best-loved beaches, and Steam & Salt has given locals one more reason to head to the coast whatever the weather.

Bookings, gift vouchers and pre-arrival advice can be found on the Steam & Salt website.