News / sauna
New sauna to open at community farm
A new wood-fired sauna is opening on Saturday at Hartcliffe City Farm, adding to a growing number of wellbeing-focused spaces across Bristol.
The site marks the first permanent sauna project from Stone & Steam, founded by Katie Green, who has been developing the location since December last year.
The sauna will host carefully planned guided sessions – photo: Katie Green
It houses a traditional 16-person Swedish-style cedar sauna, heated by wood fire and complemented by a cold plunge pool and outdoor showers.
Other facilities include two separate changing rooms, one of which is female-only to maximise comfort and accessibility, as well as an outdoor seating area arranged around a fire pit for visitors to use before or after sessions.
Changing facilities are available to sauna users – photo: Gabriel Lordon
The sauna has been designed to take advantage of its surroundings at Hartcliffe City Farm, with large windows offering views of both open countryside and the city beyond.
According to Katie, the setting helps create a calm atmosphere away from urban noise.
Sessions last 75 minutes and can be booked either privately or as part of a public group.
Each session will be guided by Katie herself, who leads participants through a structured routine involving cycles of sauna use and cold immersion.
Katie Green wants to connect members of the community through her sauna – photo: Gabriel Lordon
Katie has spent several years studying bathing cultures internationally and describes bathing culture as “a cornerstone of civilisation and community life.”
She told Bristol24/7: “Sauna’s weren’t just about detoxing, they were used for trauma release, prayer, song and bringing people back to centre as a community.
“I found them incredibly grounding and healing, and that experience really stayed with me.”
“There is so much healing power in heat therapy,” she said.
Sauna use is widely associated with reduced stress and improvements in anxiety and depression, due in part to its effect on stress hormones.
The project, Katie said, is “very much an extension of my long-standing work in community mental health.”
View this post on Instagram
Katie shared that accessibility has been a key consideration in the project, aligning with the values of Hartcliffe City Farm and the local community.
“Sauna should be for everyone, and it shouldn’t be a luxury.”
“There is so much healing power in heat therapy” says founder Katie Green – photo: Katie Green
Looking ahead, Stone & Steam plans to introduce additional sauna practices, including the use of essential oils and leaf whisks, known as vihta or vanta, which are used to circulate steam and stimulate circulation. Lavender salt scrubs and clay masks are also expected to form part of future guided sessions.
Visitors can also extend their visit by stopping at the Haybale Café, located on site at the farm, which is open from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
Main photo: Gabriel Lordon
Read next
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
