A new sauna complex – YOYO Yard – has opened in Brighton’s North Laine, and my friend and I were lucky enough to try it out for free during its opening week.
YOYO Yard opened in mid-March and generously offered free sauna sessions for the first week and half-price sessions for the second. My friend and I were welcomed by a friendly sauna host who showed us around the new venue on Cheltenham Place.
Although I love a beachside sauna, I also loved the cosiness and warmth of YOYO Yard. The sauna is spacious, and we were treated to oil-infused steaming and friendly chats at this community-focused friendly and inclusive space. There are also changing rooms, a hot tub, a cold dip and a cold shower. Hour-long sessions are £14 during peak times and £12 off-peak.
YOYO Yard has been set up by Alice Wilson and John Shortland Gambier, who have lived in Brighton nine years and 17 years, respectively, are passionate about art and have big plans for the space, which they designed and built themselves. There are artist makers’ studios at the back, with the sauna space at the front.
Alice shared some more about the custom-built sauna: “It’s been made completely using Finnish sauna design principals, from the angle of the roof to the gaps in the seats and fan placement all to give maximum ‘löyly’. It’s also electric which, while you may not get that romantic crackle, it’s better for the environment, for your lungs and compatible with for the smoke controlled zone we’re in. “
“The wood used is thermo aspen, which gives off a lovely smell. We also have the Himalayan salt brick wall inside. This is supposed to be very good for your respiratory health and sleep.”
Something else that makes YOYO stand out from other saunas is among the couple’s big ideas, they are planning to hold sessions where new parents can bring their babies and enjoy the facilities.
Alice said: We’ve had three kids together in Brighton and I really felt at the time that there were hardly any provisions made by organisations like gyms or yoga studios or anywhere that deal with fitness and wellness for brand new mums.
“You’ve just been through a huge physical ordeal and are desperate to feel yourself again. You’re so housebound and it’s terrible for your mental health. We’re starting sauna sessions where you can bring your newborn and have them looked after in a safe space while you have a sauna, and nip out for a feed or cuddle whenever they and you want.”
Read more: What’s On in Brighton 2025
As well as their passion for an inclusive space, the pair are well-versed on the benefits of sauna.
Alice added: “I think the lovely thing about the sauna culture that is emerging in the UK is that because it is so new here, people who are adopting it into their lifestyle are really recognising the huge difference it can have on your physical and mental health.
“I’m noticing that its attracting groups of people who are in need of that healthy dose of intense relaxation. It’s attracting people who are marginalised by our society and suffer because of it, like new mums, people with chronic pain, people who have suffered from trauma or addiction, or just people who need a break from the stresses of everyday life.
“I feel that sauna and cold immersion therapy should be prescribed by the NHS.”
The couple plans to build a calendar of events in the next few months that reflects what people who come to the sauna want. They are also hoping to build a 10 metre living wall in the sauna garden in the next few weeks.
John said: “The first few weeks have been very busy and it’s been lovely meeting the amazing folk of Brighton. It was great fun giving a free week away and then a half-price week and then 20% off week. It was a brilliant way for us to meet lovely sauna folk and learn the business.
“We are super excited about offer new sessions like parents with newborns, family sessions (kids welcome with parents care), men’s mindful hour, silent saunas, Aufgus and whisking rituals, and we are trying to get a wooden wheelchair so we can offer accessibility options to our guests. There are so many interesting ways sauna can be used.
“Our sauna seems to be very friendly, communal and there is a great sauna community in Brighton. We can’t wait to add to this.”
Alice added: “Sauna is great for recovery if you’re working your muscles hard through sports and training. But it has so many benefits for us all, particularly for mental health.
“The difference in people when they walk in compared to when they walk out is quite amazing. Leaving they are relaxed, energised and with beaming smiles. It’s bloomin’ lovely!”
YOYO Yard: Artist Open Houses
YOYO Yard is taking part in Artist Open Houses in May. Twenty-five artists use the YOYO Yard space and some of them will be showcasing and selling work as part of the Central Trail.
Alice said: “On the art studio side of things, I’m very interested in sculpture and ceramics, and John in photography. We wanted to make a creative hub were people can work together, share and collaborate.
“We have 25 artists who use the space including ceramicists, illustrators, videographers, painters, an amazing paper artist, a photography book shop @_janeandjeremy and massage therapists @hozho.wellness.massage.”
Address: 36 Cheltenham Place, North Laine, Brighton BN1 4AB
Website: https://www.yoyoyard.co.uk/
