New Nordic experience Sauna in the Woods opens in Rackheath

Sauna in the Woods, a traditional wood-fired sauna, was built by Laurence Campion-Jones after he decided to do something a little bit different with the pine trees that had fallen in the woodland he manages in Rackheath.

Instead of chopping it up for firewood, he decided to use it to build a Nordic-inspired sauna.

Starting this week, the sauna is available to be booked online (Image: Sauna in the Woods)With the help of a friend, the pair took just over eight weeks to build the structure, making everything from the sustainable wood around them. 

Mr Campion-Jones, who lives in Rackheath, said: "We try to be as biodiverse as possible. We do things like create nature piles and try to increase bird activity in the woodland.  

"Everything in the sauna, from the floor to the roof, is taken from the wood.

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A natural pool is on-site for those who need to take a cooling dip (Image: Sauna in the Woods)

"We used sawdust and clay to fill the walls and the seats are made from a large beech tree which came down a couple of years ago."

Mr Campion-Jones encourages groups to use the sauna, which can comfortably fit six people, as they are used in Scandinavian culture - a place to both relax and socialise. 

The site also includes a converted 1960s bus changing room, a natural swimming pool and a wooden plunge pool to cool off in.

The changing room is a repurposed 1960s bus (Image: Sauna in the Woods)

A selection of essential oils are available on site and extra logs will be left to top up the fire as needed.

The sauna, which costs £45 for one hour, is currently open from Tuesday to Sunday at a range of times between 10am and 7pm.