Putting Britain back on the map of great bathing cultures

Sweat bathing is an ancient practice with deep roots. There are many living traditions, some of which are recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. Britain, too, has its own bathing past: quiet, fragmented, often forgotten. But today, a vibrant new culture is emerging. And as with all cultural movements, to understand where we’re going, we first look to where we’ve been.

Now in its 3rd year, the 2025 UK Aufguss Championships saw the spectacle of sauna theatre performed against a backdrop of skyscrapers in Canary Wharf, London.