UK Herbal Cup 2026
12 - 13 October 2026
Hoar Cross Hall Spa, Burton upon Trent
The UK is joining the Herbal Cup for the first time.
A new pathway for sauna and steam practitioners. The UK will host its first Herbal Cup national competition at Hoar Cross Hall Spa. This marks a new national pathway for practitioners working with sauna, steam, herbs, and ritual, rooted in nature-based practice.
What is the Herbal Cup?
The Herbal Cup is an international competition focused on sauna and steam rituals shaped by nature.
At its core is a simple idea: returning nature to the sauna.
Practitioners work with herbs, plants, infusions, smoke, resins, and whisks to create immersive, sensory experiences guided by heat, atmosphere, and care.
The focus is not on performance or spectacle. It is on how you work with heat, plants, and people.
For the first time, the UK will host its own national event in October at Hoar Cross Hall Spa, with winners progressing to the international final in Prague at Aqua Palace.
This competition is open to UK-based sauna and steam practitioners who are interested in working with herbs, ritual, and nature-based practice.
Whether you are experienced or developing your practice, this is an opportunity to explore a different dimension of sauna work.
Register to participate.
Ready to compete at the UK Herbal Cup 2026? Enter now to secure your place and receive full details on requirements, timelines, and preparation support.
Entrance fee £37
Rooted in herbs, ritual, and nature.
Herbal Cup celebrates the thoughtful use of natural materials as part of the sauna and steam experience. This includes:
herbal infusions and macerations
smoke and resins
whisks and plant materials
handmade preparations
The emphasis is on balance, subtlety, and atmosphere. Nature becomes the guiding thread of the ritual.
What competitors must prepare.
Competitors are evaluated across a range of areas, including:
15-Minute Sauna Ritual
A 15-minute herbal sauna ritual using natural materials such as herbs, whisks, infusions, and resins. Focused on heat, aroma, and atmosphere, with an emphasis on balance, rhythm, and connection to nature.
15-Minute Steam Ritual
A 15-minute steam room ritual centered around peeling procedures, body care, and herbal preparations. Combining scrubs, masks, and aromatic treatments, this is a hands-on, sensory experience led by the practitioner.
Themed Presentation Table
A themed presentation table setup of your ritual concept, including ingredients, preparation, and intention. This supports the judges’ understanding of your approach and the role of nature within your work.
How is the Herbal Cup judged?
Competitors are assessed across five areas, with a total of 150 points available. Judging focuses on the quality of your materials, the atmosphere you create, your technique in the heat space, your air distribution, and your overall professionalism.
Part of something bigger.
The UK Herbal Cup is one of 18 national qualifying rounds taking place across the world in 2026. Competitors from countries including Germany, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Japan, and the Czech Republic will compete in their own national events before the top practitioners from each country come together at the Global Herbal Cup World Championship in Prague in November.
The Herbal Cup has been running since 2013. It is one of the longest-standing international sauna competitions in the world, and the only one dedicated entirely to nature-led practice.
Support & preparation.
Those who register interest will receive guidance and support in the lead-up to the competition.
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A series of training sessions will be offered to participants, by experienced international practitioners on topics such as fan work and smoke techniques.
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Participants will receive a guided journey with key dates, preparation timelines, and recommended resources to support their development in herbal rituals.
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Herbal Cup is not only a competition, but a space for exchange, inspiration, and connection with other practitioners exploring nature-based sauna and steam practice.
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On the 5th May 2026 we held a webinar for the UK Herbal Cup webinar with a live Q&A offering space to understand the format, ask questions, and explore whether the competition is right for you. Watch it here.
The road to the UK Herbal Cup 2026.
April 2026 - Register interest.Register your interest to receive initial details, timelines, and updates. This is the first step to understanding the format and what to expect.
May 2026 - Herbal Cup webinar.On the 5th May 2026 we held a webinar for the UK Herbal Cup webinar with a live Q&A offering space to understand the format, ask questions, and explore whether the competition is right for you. Watch it here.
June 2026 - Sign up to compete.Competition sign-up opens, with full entry details and requirements shared.
Those ready to commit can begin preparing their rituals and concepts.
July & August 2026 - Training events.Training sessions and an in-person learning opportunity support your preparation. You’ll develop your approach alongside guidance from experienced practitioners.
August & September 2026 - Preparations.Refine your rituals, materials, and overall concept. This is the time to test, adjust, and bring your work into alignment.
October 2026 - Compete at the UK Herbal Cup.It’s time to compete at Hoar Cross Hall Spa. Present your rituals in person at the UK Herbal Cup alongside other practitioners.
November 2026 - UK winners compete at Global Herbal Cup.Alongside 17 other countries, the UK winners are invited to represent the UK at the international final in Prague. This is an opportunity to step onto the global stage of Herbal Cup.
Participant Spotlight
Meet some of the sauna masters representing the UK at this year's Herbal Cup.
Herbal Cup:
An invitation to delve deeper
An article by Monika Kļaviņa.
A Q&A with Natalie Campo.
From Spectator to Competitor: Natalie's Road to the UK Herbal Cup.
Highlights from the Sauna Showcase at Hoar Cross Hall
