I’ve Become a Little Bit Obsessed with Outdoor Saunas in the Cotswolds. Here’s Why.

I’ve developed a bit of an obsession recently. And it’s not something I particularly saw coming.

Outdoor saunas.

More specifically, The Sauna at the Cottage in Ashleworth, Gloucestershire, which I’ve now visited three times, for three completely different experiences. And every time I’ve left wondering when I can go back.

Now, I wouldn’t necessarily have described myself as a sauna person before all this. I liked the idea of it, but I think there’s sometimes a perception that sauna culture comes with a whole set of rules. How long you should stay in, when you should take a cold plunge, how many rounds you’re supposed to do and whether you’re actually doing it all properly.

And that’s one of the things I’ve loved most about discovering The Sauna at the Cottage.

There really isn’t any of that.
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A Different Kind of Sauna Experience

Tucked away in the Gloucestershire countryside at White End House in Ashleworth, The Sauna at the Cottage is a beautiful little escape from everyday life.

It’s run by Maddie, who has created something that feels genuinely welcoming, relaxed and completely unpretentious.

Her approach to sauna is refreshingly simple. It’s not about telling you what you should be doing, pushing you to stay in the heat longer or making you feel that there’s a right or wrong way to experience it.

It’s about listening to your body, finding what feels good for you and taking whatever you need from the experience.

Want to sit in the sauna for five minutes and then head outside for some fresh air? Lovely. Fancy trying the cold plunge? Go for it. Would you rather just sit, relax and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet? That’s absolutely fine too.

There’s no pressure, no competition and certainly no lectures about the correct way to sauna.

And I think that’s what makes it so accessible, particularly if you’re new to it or feel a little intimidated by the idea.

Maddy has created an atmosphere where you can simply turn up, be yourself and enjoy the experience in whatever way works for you.
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Three Visits, Three Completely Different Experiences

One of the things I hadn’t appreciated about The Sauna at the Cottage is just how many different ways there are to enjoy it.

My first visit was during the summer, when I attended one of their wellness retreats combining outdoor yoga, a sound bath and sauna.

It was one of those experiences where you arrive not quite knowing what to expect and leave wondering why you don’t do things like this more often.

Practising yoga outdoors, enjoying a sound bath and then spending time in the warmth of the wood-fired sauna was such a lovely combination.

There was something about being outside, slowing everything down and giving yourself permission to do absolutely nothing else for a few hours.

I also met some genuinely lovely people.

And that’s something I’ve noticed across all my visits. There’s a really nice sense of community around the place. People come along for different reasons, but everyone seems to share that desire to slow down, connect and enjoy something a little different.
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A Little Time Out, Just the Two of Us

My second visit was a completely different experience.

Rich and I booked a private sauna session, which meant we had the whole place to ourselves.

No plans, no distractions, no phones demanding our attention. Just the two of us enjoying the warmth of the sauna, stepping outside for some fresh countryside air and occasionally braving the cold plunge.

And I really loved it.

There’s something quite special about spending time together without all the usual distractions of everyday life.

We could take everything at our own pace, chat, sit quietly or just enjoy being outdoors.

And while the cold plunge was certainly invigorating, there was absolutely no pressure to do anything other than what felt comfortable.

It’s such a lovely thing to do as a couple, particularly if you’re looking for something a bit different from the usual dinner out or spa day.

The Sauna at the Cottage offers private wood-fired sauna sessions for up to six people, so it’s also a brilliant option for a small group of friends who fancy a little time out together.

And the best part? You can make the experience entirely your own.
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Sauna, Good Conversations and Some Brilliant Women

My most recent visit was for something called Gather, a networking event for female business owners, hosted by Maddie in collaboration with Anya from The Cotswold Juicery.

Now, networking can sometimes feel a little formal, can’t it?

There’s often that pressure to introduce yourself, explain what you do and make sure you’re having all the right conversations.

Gather was the complete opposite.

It was relaxed, welcoming and full of interesting women running their own businesses, all coming together to connect, share experiences and enjoy a little time out.

And there’s something wonderfully refreshing about networking when nobody’s standing around in a suit holding a name badge.

The conversations felt natural, I met some genuinely brilliant women and came away feeling like I’d been part of something really lovely.

I’m hoping Gather becomes a regular fixture because I think there’s something special about creating spaces where women in business can connect without all the usual formality.

And if a sauna and a little time to unwind are involved, even better.
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More Than Just a Sauna

Another thing I love about The Sauna at the Cottage is that Maddy is constantly finding different ways to bring people together.

Alongside private sauna sessions, you can join shared sessions, where you’ll enjoy the experience alongside other guests. There’s also a growing calendar of special events, from wellness retreats and supper clubs to social gatherings and collaborative experiences with other local businesses.

And if you fancy making a little more of an occasion of it, there are some lovely extras to explore.

You can extend your sauna experience with a countryside picnic or make use of the wood-fired pizza oven. There are also opportunities to add little treats, such as a bottle of prosecco, depending on the experience you’re booking.

I love that flexibility.

It can be a peaceful hour to yourself, a date with your other half, an afternoon with friends or a whole evening built around good food, good company and a little time to unwind.

It doesn’t have to be a serious wellness ritual. It can just be something really lovely to do.

And I think that’s a big part of its appeal.
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Why I Think Everyone Should Give It a Go

What I’ve realised over these three visits is that the thing I enjoy most isn’t necessarily just the heat of the sauna or the cold plunge.

It’s the opportunity to properly stop.

We’re all so busy, and even when we do make time for ourselves, there’s often something else competing for our attention.

But when you’re sitting in a sauna, there’s really not much else to do other than be there.

You slow down. You notice how you’re feeling. You have proper conversations. Or you sit in comfortable silence.

And you leave feeling like you’ve given yourself a little bit of time back.

I also think it’s lovely to see independent businesses like The Sauna at the Cottage creating experiences that bring people together in such a genuine way.

Maddy has built something that feels personal, thoughtful and completely in keeping with the slower pace of life we love here in the Cotswolds.
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A Little Something for Our Tucked Away Guests

At Tucked Away, we’re always looking for brilliant local experiences that we can share with our guests.

Not necessarily the obvious tourist attractions, but the independent businesses, hidden gems and interesting experiences that make a stay in the Cotswolds feel that little bit more special.

And The Sauna at the Cottage is exactly the sort of place we love recommending.

Whether you’re visiting for a romantic weekend, enjoying a few days away with friends or simply looking to carve out a little time for yourself, I think it’s a wonderful addition to a Cotswold escape.

In fact, we love it so much that we’re working on a little something behind the scenes with Maddy, which we hope will give our Tucked Away guests an extra little treat when they book a sauna experience during their stay.

We’re not quite ready to share the details yet, but watch this space.
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In the meantime, if you’ve never tried an outdoor sauna before, I’d really encourage you to give it a go.

You might just find yourself becoming a little bit obsessed too.

I certainly have.
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Charlotte, Co-founder of Tucked Away

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Plan Your Visit to The Sauna at the Cottage

Where: White End House, Ashleworth, Gloucestershire, GL19 4LA

What to expect: Wood-fired outdoor sauna, cold-water therapy, private and shared sessions, seasonal food experiences and special events.

Perfect for: Couples, friends, solo visitors, wellness enthusiasts and anyone who fancies trying something a little different in the Cotswolds.

Website: www.thesaunaatthecottage.com

Book your experience: Book directly with The Sauna at the Cottage

Fancy making a few days of it? Explore our collection of thoughtfully designed Cotswold holiday cottages and discover what it really means to get Tucked Away.

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