Wild Swimming & La’al Sauna: A Lake District Guide
23rd January 2026
Wild Swimming in the Lake District & La’al Sauna
Whether the fells are dusted with frost or glowing in the midsummer sun, there is one local experience that has become our favourite year-round ritual: a visit to La’al Sauna.
“La’al” is Cumbrian for “little,” but the experience is anything but little. This wood-fired sanctuary was the first wood fired, Nordic inspired sauna in the Lake District.
These hand-built saunas are crafted from beautifully converted horse boxes and feature elegant HUUM stoves alongside carefully hand-crafted interiors. Designed as a peaceful retreat, they offer the perfect space to slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the restorative benefits of heat and traditional ‘Löyly’ steam.
La’al Sauna is located at Bank Ground Farm on the ‘East of the Lake Road’ beside Coniston Water, just a 20-minute drive from our Coniston cottages – Charcoal House and Sawmill Cottage.
Direct lake access via private jetties and a swim ladder allows you to enjoy a refreshing wild swim before or after your sauna session, with beautiful views across the lake towards the Old Man of Coniston.
A Ritual for Every Season
The saunas are named Yan and Tan and are insulated with local sheep’s wool and fuelled by kiln-dried logs, these saunas offer a refined take on traditional heat therapy. The L-shaped seating on 2 tiers is perfectly placed to give you a panoramic view across Coniston Water whilst the health benefits of the wood-fired heat go to work.”
The hot/cold ritual is a profound “sensory reset” that happens when you balance the elements.
The endorphin high that you feel when you step out of a steaming sauna into a refreshing cold lake gives you a natural chemical rush. The cold water immersion triggers a release of endorphins and dopamine that lifts your mood and clears your mind for hours.
Make it Part of Your Stay
We suggest our guests book a session during their time at our nearby cottages. It’s a wonderful way to “wash off” the journey and settle into a slower pace.
Top Tip: Check the La’al Sauna website for their current times during your stay, and be sure to book in advance—it’s a favourite for locals and visitors alike.
Wild Swimming in the Lake District
There is a unique sense of liberation that comes with wild swimming. Stepping off the shore and into the cool, clear depths of a lake is more than just a swim, it’s a way to become part of the landscape rather than just a spectator.
Why We Love the Dip
In the Lake District, water is the heart of everything. Whether you are looking for a vigorous morning workout or a quiet, meditative float, our lakes and tarns offer a perfect sanctuary. The silence found mid-lake, with nothing but the sound of your own breath and the fells rising up around you, is a feeling that stays with you long after you’ve dried off.
Our Favourite Spots near our cottages
Coniston Water with its many pebbled beaches, bays and gently shelving shores, Coniston is perfect for those new to wild swimming. The water is often remarkably still and reflective.
Our Coniston cottages – Charcoal House and Sawmill Cottage.
With literally hundreds of incredible spots for wild swimming across the Lake District, the possibilities are endless. I encourage you to research online and find the locations that feel right for your particular needs and swimming capabilities.
A Gentle Note on Safety
To keep the experience as joyful as it should be, we always recommend:
Acclimatise: Take your time entering the water, especially in the cooler months.
Be Visible: A bright tow-float is a great companion, making sure you’re seen by local boaters.
Warmth is Key: Have your dry robes and a flask of something hot ready for when you get back on dry land.
