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Chariots gay sauna

Gay saunas in London

Meet, mingle and sweat at these steamy underground hangout spots

Written by
Hayley Joyes
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Saunas have been an essential place for gay men to relax, hang out and cruise since ancient Roman times or even earlier. And 21st century London's not short of places to get steamy, from Soho to Shoreditch and down to the fleshpots of Vauxhall. Many of London's gay saunas are theoretically 'members only' but you can almost always just turn up and get in for a small fee. Then, you'll be issued with a towel and a locker. Inside, what you get will vary from an intimate spot for a few sweaty guys to a giant nude pleasure palace, complete with swimming baths, naked workouts, and late night foam parties. These spots are typically reserved for men only: for other genders who want to enjoy a good soak (but less cruising) check out our guide to London's best spas

Recommended: head out on the tiles at London's best LGBTQ+ nightclubs.

Gay saunas in London

  • LGBTQ+
  • Waterloo

Following the sad closure of Chariots, this is now Waterloo's only gay sauna. Decorated in an industrial style and recently renovated, the venue is spread over two floors and features two steam rooms, a sauna, a slick maze, private rooms, spa pool, sunbeds and a cafe. Very busy at the weekends, it also picks up considerable trade during the week, largely due to the all-night opening hours and close proximity to Waterloo station.

  • Nightlife
  • Nightlife venues
  • Limehouse

This popular East End sauna is conveniently located next to legendary LGBTQ+ nightspot BJ’s White Swan – so if you don’t pull at the pub, you could always try your luck here. In addition to the sauna, there’s a large steam room, a cinema room and video cabins, plus a ‘huge fun shower’. Start lathering!

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  • Health and beauty
  • Saunas and baths
  • Oxford Street

With its striking black and red design and sleek fittings, this state-of-the-art gay gym and sauna looks more like a club than a traditional fitness centre. The sauna occupies the lower two floors and features two giant steam rooms, two Turkish hot rooms, a 14-man jacuzzi, large stylish chill-out room with TV and wi-fi, two video lounges and a maze of innovative and striking cabins, some with two-way mirrors for the exhibitionists among you. Spa treatments include hot stone massage and spray tanning. Every Wednesday the venue hosts a foam party, complete with DJs. Or head down to the naked workouts on Sundays, with special guest hosts each week.

  • Things to do
  • Edgware Road

This intimate, no frills central London sauna might not have the bells and whistles of some of the city's bigger spots, but its (predominantly older) crowd enjoy its clubby atmosphere. In addition to a sauna, there’s a steam room, massage parlour, bar, video room and private rooms - all a stone's throw from Marble Arch tube.

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  • LGBTQ+
  • Covent Garden

This Covent Garden spot offers saunas, a wet room, a spa pool, a steam room, massage treatments, and a red-lit licensed bar for a quiet drink after your sesh. There are discounts on offer for under-30s (with valid ID) during the week. Then, things kick into gear on Saturday night with a nude cruising party til 2am.

  • Things to do
  • Kennington

Locker Room is a small, friendly neighbourhood sauna in Kennington. Freshly renovated, it offers a 20-man sauna, a 16-man steam room, plus free towels and refreshments.

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