Gay saunas in London: our 7 addresses, from Soho to the East End
Open around the clock near Waterloo, a gym and sauna off Oxford Street, neighbourhood saunas in Kennington and Stratford: 7 gay saunas in London, with tips for a first visit.
London has 7 gay saunas on our map, spread between the West End, the South Bank, Kennington and the East End. Some are open around the clock, some focus on massage, others are friendly local spots with loyal regulars. Here is how they compare, so you can pick by area, time of day and mood.
Central London
Sweatbox Soho, a gym and sauna open 24/7
On Ramillies Street, just off Oxford Street, Sweatbox Soho is a men-only gym and sauna over three floors. It presents itself as a safe, exclusive space to relax and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Handy if you want a workout and a sauna in the same visit, right in the middle of Soho.
Covent Garden Health Spa, near the theatres
On Endell Street, in the heart of Covent Garden, the Covent Garden Health Spa has a sauna, steam room, spa pool, wet room and private rest cubicles. It also offers massages and has a licensed bar, a few minutes from the West End theatres.
Saunabar Portsea, small and focused on massage
At 2 Portsea Place, near Marble Arch, Saunabar Portsea is a small, friendly and discreet gay sauna. It specialises in massage and has a dry sauna, a steam room, a jacuzzi and a bar. A good choice if you prefer a quieter place.
South of the river
Pleasuredrome, never closes
In a railway arch on Cornwall Road, a minute from Waterloo station, Pleasuredrome has been running since 1996. What sets it apart is that it is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Facilities include a large spa pool. The address for a late night or an early morning after a train.
The Locker Room, back after a refit
On Cleaver Street in Kennington, The Locker Room is a sauna for gay and bisexual men, back after a full refit. It has long welcomed regulars and travellers in a safe, relaxed setting where men can meet without fear of rejection or abuse.
East London
Sailors, a health and social club in Limehouse
On Commercial Road in Limehouse, Sailors is a health and social club for gay and bisexual men. It has a sauna and steam rooms, a spa pool, private relaxation cabins and lounge areas, for a long afternoon away from the centre.
E15 Club, a guided tour on arrival
On Leytonstone Road in Stratford, E15 Club is easy to reach by public transport. On arrival, the staff are happy to give a quick tour of the club, which helps on a first visit. Facilities include a steam room, a large dry sauna and an infrared sauna.
Which sauna to choose?
- Late at night: Pleasuredrome or Sweatbox Soho, both open around the clock.
- For a first visit: E15 Club, with its welcome tour, or the smaller Saunabar Portsea.
- For a massage: Saunabar Portsea or the Covent Garden Health Spa.
- For a workout too: Sweatbox Soho and its gym.
- For a long, quiet afternoon: Sailors in Limehouse or The Locker Room in Kennington.
Tips for a first visit
- Check the official website for opening hours, theme days and age-based entry.
- Bring ID: entry is for adults only.
- Consent comes first: a look or a gesture invites, a step back or a shake of the head means no.
- Drink water between sauna and steam room, and take breaks.
- Use protection: most saunas provide condoms, so help yourself.
- Respect privacy: no photos and no phones in the wet areas.
See every address on our London map and in the gay sauna section.
