It has a homely feel
Estel is a Content Editor for Bristol Live. She joined Bristol Live in December 2019 after working at WalesOnline. She was a finalist at the 2019’s Regional Press Awards as well as the 2019’s and 2020’s Wales Media Awards. Born in Barcelona, Estel loves the countryside, yoga and a good bath.
As I continue to explore Bristol’s new-found love for saunas, last weekend I went to check out the one closest to home; the one at the Pickle Factory in Easton.
I have now been to quite a few of the saunas in the city, from the one in a car park to one by an ‘abandoned’ seal pool, and even a bit further out – such as the one by a disused quarry with a lakeside sauna and wild swimming. I love relaxing in a hot sauna after a work-out at the gym, especially after a long week at work.
I seem to have developed a soft spot for the one everyone is raving about at St Anne’s House in South Bristol, but I felt it was about time I visited the one a ten-minute walk from my house.
Open on a Thursday and Friday evening, as well as Saturday and Sunday mornings, this sauna is hidden at the back of the garden of the Pickle Factory, a community space. It is smaller than other saunas in the city – having a capacity of eight – and it is definitely quieter and more peaceful than some of the other ones I have visited.
The sauna itself felt a bit cooler than some of the others; I could easily manage 20 minutes which I would normally struggle with. For some, this might be a good thing while some may prefer a hotter temperature.
There are three barrels where you can cold plunge, and try and relax as you look at the bit of wildlife around you.
The changing area also felt a bit more clumsy than in some of the other saunas, having two cubicles outside. I have to admit my impression may have been tainted by the fact it was a windy day which made things more awkward.
However, in comparison to other saunas in the city, this sauna is a more affordable one if you are someone keen to get a membership; for £20 a month, you get four hours in the sauna which is a very good deal when most of them seem to charge at least £10 per hour.
The same group also runs a sauna down at Clevedon, by the marine lake, and I can definitely see the appeal in that. I am so happy we have all these saunas to enjoy in our city now – long may it continue.