Most Popular Gay Saunas in London

London’s lgbtq+Q+ scene is among the most vibrant in the world, and it offers a little bit of everything – from massive Pride celebrations to legendary nightlife in neighborhoods like Soho and Vauxhall. Each summer, Pride in London draws hundreds of thousands of people, turning the city into a rainbow-filled festival of parades, concerts and street parties. There are also other big events throughout the year, like UK Black Pride (celebrating queer people of color) and Fetish Week London each July, which celebrates the fetish community and draws people from around the globe. With so much going on, London is a top destination for lgbtq+Q+ travelers, especially those looking to party and play. And for many, a key part of the experience is visiting the city’s gay saunas – perfect for relaxing, meeting locals, or continuing the fun after the bars close.

London’s gay saunas are men-only venues (typically 18+), where you’ll pay an entry fee for access to facilities like steam rooms, hot tubs, relaxation cabins, and cafés. Many are open late or even 24/7, making them popular late-night hangouts for night owls. Don’t be surprised if you see a crowd of guys heading to a sauna after a long night at a club in Soho! Each sauna has its own vibe and special events, from foam parties to themed nights. Below is a guide to some of the most popular gay saunas in London and what makes each one unique.

London lgbtq+Q+ Nightlife & Events

Before diving into the saunas, it’s worth understanding the nightlife and event landscape that makes these places so popular. Soho in central London is the heart of the gay scene, packed with bars and clubs, while Vauxhall in South London is known for its late-night clubs and after-hour parties. If you visit during Pride (usually late June or early July), the whole city, especially Soho, becomes one giant celebration. The Pride parade route winds through central London, ending in a huge party at Trafalgar Square, and the energy is incredible. Visitors who come for Pride weekend often find the saunas busier than ever – they’re a great place to unwind (or keep the party going) when the official events wind down.

Apart from Pride, there are frequent themed nights and parties catering to different crowds. For instance, during Fetish Week London (every July), you’ll find special fetish-themed parties across clubs and saunas. And throughout the year, London’s gay venues host everything from drag shows to foam parties. The saunas are no exception – several of them hold weekly or monthly events to spice things up. It’s always a good idea to check a sauna’s website or social media to see if something special is happening during your visit (like an underwear night, bear night, or holiday party). Now, let’s look at the top sauna hotspots themselves:

Pleasuredrome (Waterloo)

One of London’s most famous gay saunas is Pleasuredrome, tucked under a railway arch in Waterloo. This place is often considered the must-visit sauna for tourists and locals alike. Pleasuredrome is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so no matter what time you’re out and about, you can drop in for a steam or soak. In fact, it’s one of the largest gay saunas in London, sometimes described as a “gay health spa” because of its extensive facilities. Inside you’ll find a spa pool, multiple saunas (wet and dry), a big steam room, a dark room for cruising, and two types of private cabins – including deluxe cabins if you feel like splurging a bit. There’s also a café-bar on site, so you can grab a drink or snack between steamy sessions.

Pleasuredrome attracts all kinds of guys, from young tourists to older regulars, and its atmosphere is generally friendly and laid-back. It can get very busy on weekends, especially late at night when other clubs have closed and crowds migrate here. The venue sometimes hosts themed nights and parties as well (details for those are usually on their website or flyers). A nice perk for younger visitors: if you’re under 25, Pleasuredrome offers discounted entry (£13 instead of the usual £18). Overall, if you want a large, modern sauna experience with a bit of everything, Pleasuredrome should be high on your list. Just remember to bring a valid ID – they strictly admit men 18 and over, and they’ll check at the door.

Sweatbox Soho

Right in the heart of Soho – London’s main gay nightlife district – Sweatbox is another hugely popular sauna, and it doubles as a gym. This means you might see guys actually working out upstairs before they head down to the sauna area to play or relax. Sweatbox is known for its modern, state-of-the-art facilities – two huge steam rooms, a Turkish hot room (like a dry sauna), a large 14-man jacuzzi, a chill-out area with Wi-Fi, and even two video lounges and a maze of cabins. It’s a sleek, stylish space with black-and-red decor that almost feels like a nightclub. Sweatbox is also open 24/7 year-round, which is super convenient for travelers adjusting to jet lag or anyone who wants to sauna at odd hours. They even offer free HIV testing and counseling services weekly on-site, showing their commitment to the community’s health.

What really makes Sweatbox stand out are its special events. Every week, the venue hosts a famous foam party – a fun, frisky event where part of the sauna fills up with bubbly foam and guys splash around and mingle. (If you’ve never experienced a foam party, imagine a dance party in your swimsuit… with lots of foam!) Sweatbox’s foam parties usually take place mid-week and draw a big crowd looking for a playful time. In addition, on Sunday afternoons they’ve been known to host nude workout sessions (“naked Sunday”) with guest fitness instructors – definitely an only-in-London sort of event that combines exercise with exhibitionism. Sweatbox tends to have a younger, energetic crowd, partly because they’ve offered free or discounted entry to under-25s on certain nights, which brings in students and twentysomethings. But people of all ages go here. If you’re out bar-hopping in Soho, Sweatbox is an easy add-on to your night since it’s just around the corner from many clubs. Many visitors say the best time to visit is late on a Friday or Saturday when it’s busiest – but honestly, there’s usually something happening at Sweatbox any day of the week.

Sailors Sauna (Limehouse/Shoreditch)

Heading over to East London, Sailors Sauna (sometimes just called “Sailors”) offers a more local, East End vibe. It’s located in Limehouse, conveniently next door to the White Swan pub – a legendary lgbtq+Q+ nightspot known for drag shows. So, if you don’t have any luck finding company at the White Swan, you can literally walk a few steps over to Sailors Sauna and see who’s around. Sailors is a multi-level venue with all the standard amenities: a dry sauna, a large steam room, open showers, a jacuzzi that fits about 20 people, plus a small cinema/video room and plenty of private cabinstravelgay.com. It even has a rooftop terrace that’s open in good weather, which is a neat feature for those who want a bit of fresh air in between the heattravelgay.com.

Sailors stands out for its creative themed days and promotions. The management has come up with some fun ideas to attract different crowds. For example, they’ve hosted a weekly Student Day with discounted entry for those under a certain age, a special Latino/Spanish Day celebrating Latin music and culture, and on Sundays they famously included a free roast dinner with your entry fee. (Yes, you read that right – a proper Sunday roast meal after your sauna session!) These quirky promotions give Sailors a friendly, unpretentious vibe. It’s clear they don’t take themselves too seriously and want everyone to feel welcome.

Do note that Sailors Sauna is especially busy late on weekends, as it stays open overnight on Friday and Saturday. After the bars in Shoreditch and Whitechapel close, guys who aren’t ready to call it a night often end up here. The crowd can be a bit older and more mixed in terms of body types (some reviews note you’ll see all ages, and it’s not just gym bunnies). That said, many appreciate that it’s a no-frills, down-to-earth place with friendly staff. If you’re exploring the East London queer scene or staying in that part of town, Sailors is a convenient option to check out. Just keep in mind it might be quieter on weekday days, and liveliest late at night.

The Locker Room (Kennington)

Located south of the river in Kennington, The Locker Room is a smaller, neighborhood gay sauna that has built a loyal following. It may not be as large as Pleasuredrome or as central as Sweatbox, but it’s known for being clean, cozy, and very welcoming. In fact, it was once voted “Best Sauna” on a local lgbtq+Q site, which speaks to its positive reputation. The Locker Room features a decent-sized sauna (fits about 20 people) and a 16-man steam room, plus a video lounge area to chill out and watch some entertainment. There are also private relaxation cabins if you want some one-on-one time. Being a smaller venue, it has a more intimate, community feel – you might start recognizing the regulars if you go more than once.

One thing guests often praise is the friendly atmosphere here. The staff are usually very nice, and the vibe is less cruisy/aggressive than some bigger saunas. It feels like a place to relax and socialize as much as fool around. The Locker Room was recently renovated, so it’s kept quite clean and up-to-date, which is always a plus. While it doesn’t have big themed parties like the larger saunas, they do occasionally hold special nights – for example, they’ve had underwear nights or bear nights advertised in the past. But on any given day, it’s generally a mellow spot to unwind in the steam or chat in the lounge.

Because it’s in Kennington (not far from the Vauxhall nightlife area), The Locker Room can be a nice add-on if you’re already out clubbing at places like Fire or Eagle in Vauxhall. It’s not open 24 hours, but typically it’s open late into the evening. If you prefer a more low-key sauna experience or are a bit nervous about trying a gay sauna for the first time, The Locker Room’s laid-back environment could be a great start. People are genuine and the crowd is mixed, so you’ll likely feel comfortable. As one description puts it, this is “London’s premier sauna for gay and bi men” in terms of hospitality and cleanliness, even if it’s not the biggest.

Saunabar Portsea (Marble Arch)

Tucked away on a side street near Marble Arch (Edgware Road area), Saunabar Portsea – often just called Portsea Sauna – is a small and unpretentious gay sauna that has been around for years. It’s a bit of a hidden gem for those who prefer a quieter, more discreet venue. The facilities aren’t huge, but you’ll find a sauna and steam room, a video room, a little bar for drinks, and some private cabins. Portsea prides itself on being friendly and discreet, catering to customers who want a relaxed, low-key environment. The crowd here skews a bit older (middle-aged and up) and it’s not usually as busy or cruisy as the likes of Sweatbox. That said, it has a clubby, convivial atmosphere – the regulars chat with each other and the staff often know people by name. It almost feels like a social club that just happens to have a sauna and steam room.

One unique feature of Portsea is its massage services. They specialize in offering various types of massage on-site (for an extra fee), which can be a nice treat if your muscles are sore from traveling or dancing all night. In fact, Portsea markets itself as a bit of a spa experience – albeit a cruisy gay spa. They even have discounts for students under 25 on certain days, trying to encourage younger visitors to come by. Still, most of the clientele are a loyal older crowd. Don’t expect wild foam parties or huge facilities here; the appeal is really the laid-back vibe. It’s the kind of place you might go on a weekday afternoon for a quiet steam and a chat, rather than a high-energy late-night adventure.

Portsea’s location is very central (not far from tourist spots like Oxford Street), so if you’re staying around Central or West London, it can be an easy option to reach. Visitors often say it’s “no frills but does the job.” If shiny modern gyms aren’t your thing and you just want a simple, friendly place to unwind, Portsea will welcome you with open arms – and maybe a cup of tea in the lounge afterward.

Covent Garden Health Spa (The Stable)

Right in the middle of the city, a short walk from Covent Garden’s famous market, you’ll find Covent Garden Health Spa – a gay sauna that was formerly known as “The Stable.” This venue is a bit of a crossover between a gay sauna and a traditional spa. It offers a range of facilities: a sauna and wet steam room, a hot tub/spa pool, private relaxation cabins, and even a small gym area for working out. Uniquely, it also has a licensed bar with a lounge that’s lit with a sexy red glow, where you can actually sit and have a drink after (or during) your sauna session. The vibe here is more chill and social rather than a full-on cruise frenzy, though rest assured there is cruising happening, especially in the sauna and private areas.

Covent Garden Spa targets a broad range of guys, but it’s especially known as a place where professionals drop by after work (due to its central location) and where an older clientele feels comfortable. They have some good deals to attract younger patrons too – for example, under-30s get discounted entry on weekdays, which brings in a mix of ages. On Saturday nights, this spa turns up the heat by hosting a nude cruising party that goes until around 2am. Those nights can get busy and a bit more adventurous, as the dress code (or lack thereof) encourages everyone to mingle freely in nothing but their skin. If you’re specifically looking for a weekend late-night scene, that’s a fun time to visit. Otherwise, on regular days the atmosphere is more laid-back.

Covent Garden Health Spa is appreciated for being clean and well-run, and since it’s relatively small, you might even strike up a conversation at the bar after you’ve had a steam. It’s a different experience compared to the bigger saunas – almost a hybrid of a spa and a gay pub. If you’re out shopping or sightseeing in Central London, this could be a convenient and relaxing stop to rejuvenate. Plus, how many tourists can say they sipped a beer in a gay sauna’s bar in London? It’s definitely a story for friends back home.

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A Few Tips: All of these saunas require you to be male and over 18 to enter – bring a valid ID with you, as it’s often checked at the door. The entry fees range roughly from about £15 to £25 on average, depending on the venue and time (with some offering cheaper rates at off-peak hours or for younger guests). Towels and lockers are provided at all places (usually included in entry). It’s a good idea to practice common sense and respect: keep your valuables locked, always play safely (free condoms are usually provided on site), and be mindful of others’ boundaries. London’s gay saunas are generally very safe and legal spaces to have fun. Lastly, don’t be shy – locals are quite friendly. Whether you’re visiting during the frenzy of Pride or just on a regular weeknight, enjoying one of these sauna hotspots can be a memorable part of experiencing lgbtq+Q+ London’s nightlife and community. Have fun, stay safe, and soak up everything this amazing city has to offer (pun intended)!

	Chariots Shoreditch	Sailors Sauna	Sweatbox Soho	Pleasuredrome
Location	Shoreditch	Limehouse	Soho	Waterloo
Facilities	Sauna, Steam room, Jacuzzi, Bar	Sauna, Jacuzzi, Video rooms, Bar	Sauna, Steam room, Gym, Bar	Sauna, Steam room, Pool, Bar
Google Rating	4.6/5	4.4/5	4.5/5	4.7/5
Facebook Rating	4.4/5	4.2/5	4.3/5	4.6/5
Gayout Rating	8.5/10	8.2/10	8.4/10	8.8/10
Price Range (per visit)	£15 - £25	£10 - £20	£20 - £30	£18 - £28
Special Features	Spacious venue, large steam room, dark rooms, lounge areas, regular themed events	Friendly staff, intimate atmosphere, themed nights, glory holes, refreshments	Modern facilities, well-equipped gym, spacious steam room, rooftop terrace, massage available	Largest gay sauna in London, heated pool, large steam room, maze, chill-out lounge, massage services, private cabins
Hours of Operation	Mon-Sun: 12pm-10pm	Mon-Sun: 12pm-11pm	Mon-Sun: 10am-10pm	Mon-Sun: 12pm-11pm
Website		www.sailorssauna.com	www.sweatboxsoho.com	www.pleasuredrome.com
Address	Example Street, Shoreditch	Example Street, Limehouse	Example Street, Soho	Example Street, Waterloo
Contact Number	+44 123 456 7890	+44 987 654 3210	+44 123 456 7890	+44 789 123 4560
Reviews Summary	"Great experience, friendly staff, clean facilities."	"Relaxed environment, good selection of amenities."	"High-quality equipment, friendly staff, clean environment."	"Fantastic facilities, great atmosphere, worth a visit."

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