The Best Gay Saunas in London

London is home to some of the best gay saunas in Europe. The UK capital has one of the largest LGBTQ+ populations on the planet, so there’s no shortage of gay men looking for mischief. While you can find plenty of mischief on the apps, there’s something to be said for meeting people in real-life situations. Even better if they’re all wearing towels and their inhibitions are low.

Gay saunas bring people together and mediate encounters that wouldn’t otherwise happen. You might not find your next husband in a gay sauna - although some have! - but you may very memorable encounters. As London is home to some of the hottest and most upwardly mobile gay men on the planet, you’ll find a varied cross-section of guys in the saunas.

Sweatbox Soho (Oxford Street area)

Oh, Sweatbox – often dubbed the Disneyland of gay saunas (only sweatier). Located in the heart of Soho, it’s so convenient you might literally stumble in when your night is either ending or just getting started. The design is sleek black-and-red, more like a club than a gym, and in fact it is part gym – there’s a workout area for the fitness-minded. Sweatbox’s facilities include giant steam rooms, a 14-man jacuzzi, a “steam maze, and countless private cabins to… relax in. They host regular parties (including a weekly foam party), and even naked workout sessions on Sundays. The crowd skews younger  – and if you’re under 25, you’re in luck with free entry on certain days. For everyone else, it’s about £20 for a day pass (or £25 for a weekend-long ticket). With its high density of hotties and opportunities to socialize and, perhaps, shag, Sweatbox feels as much a part of gay London culture as any nightclub. All in all, we’d say it’s the best and the busiest gay sauna in London.

Pleasuredrome (Waterloo)

If Sweatbox takes the lead, Pleasuredrome is a close second. One of the most famous gay saunas in the UK, Pleasuredrome is a true London institution. Spread over two floors in a more industrial style, it boasts 24/7 opening hours and a prime location near Waterloo Station. The facilities are top-notch – think two steam rooms, a sauna, a spa pool, a cruising maze, private pods, and even sunbeds. The mixed crowd means you’ll see all ages and types, especially on weekends when it’s very busy. Unusually for London, Pleasuredrome has a 24-hour bar. If you’re ever at a loose end in Waterloo at 3am and you fancy a drink, go to Pleasuredrome. You don’t have to cruise if you’re not in the mood: some guys sit at the bar in their towels and watch all the trade go by.

Sailors Sauna (Limehouse, East London)

This popular East End sauna keeps things down-to-earth and frisky. Sailors Sauna sits right next to the White Swan pub in Limehouse – so if you don’t find a mate at the bar, you can hop over here to try your luck. The vibe is cruisy and fun. Facilities aren’t as expansive as the central saunas, but you still get a large steam room, sauna, video/cinema lounge, private cabins and even a “huge fun shower” that fits multiple lads at once. Don’t be surprised if a convivial atmosphere means people actually talk to each other between steamy moments. Prices hover around £18, making it a bit more affordable. It’s no-frills, but Sailors a fun part of London’s gay scene. There’s even an outdoor deck with mismatched plastic chairs, should you be willing to brave the London weather in your towel.

Covent Garden Health Spa (Central London)

A clean, well-equipped sauna near Soho, Covent Garden Health Spa combined spa facilities with a bit of cruising. By day it’s relatively chill – you can actually get a massage or enjoy the spa pool – and by night (especially Saturday nights) it turns into a nude cruising party until 2 AM. Its prime central location makes it a potential draw for the ever-abundant hotties in London who may find themselves at a loose end.

Facilities include a dry sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, a fully licensed bar with a red light ambiance, and private massage rooms. They try to entice younger guys with under-30 discounts on weekdays. The crowd here is mixed, skewing a bit older on average. Standard entry is about £20 (with cheaper entry at off-peak hours).