Read Time: 11 mins

 

 

There’s something timeless about the pull of heat, wood, and quiet. That’s why outdoor saunas have become one of the most desirable wellness additions across the UK, not just for luxury spas, but for private gardens and glamping sites looking to stand out.

The numbers tell the story. The UK wellness economy is now worth over £180 billion, with spa and thermal experiences contributing nearly £2.9 billion in 2024 alone (Global Wellness Institute; GlobalData).

As more Britons seek natural, restorative ways to unwind, outdoor saunas are quickly becoming the next must-have wellness upgrade. Yet one question still holds many people back: “Do I need planning permission?”

The good news is that, in most cases, you don’t. Small, freestanding saunas often qualify as Permitted Development (PD), meaning you can install one without a full planning application. In this guide, we’ll explain how that works, what the limits are, and why adding a sauna could be the simplest, smartest upgrade you make this year.

 

Why Outdoor Saunas Are Booming in the UK

The rise of outdoor saunas isn’t just a fleeting wellness trend. It’s part of a deeper lifestyle shift.

Over the past few years, British travellers have shown a strong preference for experiential, nature-based stays. The UK glamping market alone reached roughly £165 million and continues to grow at nearly 10% per year (Polaris Market Research).

In addition to that, the UK’s growing appetite for cold-water therapy and heat wellness, as well as saunas, has become more than a luxury. They’re now a marker of holistic wellbeing. Studies from Uppsala University found that regular sauna users report better sleep quality and improved mental health,  benefits that appeal to both glamping guests and homeowners alike.

 

From a business perspective, adding a sauna can also be a smart move:

• Sites offering wellness features like saunas see up to 25% higher nightly rates on average (Global Wellness Institute).

• Saunas extend the usable season for glamping stays, no need to rely on summer bookings alone.

• And compared to full spa buildings, saunas require minimal groundwork and far less regulatory overhead.

Put simply: they boost bookings, extend the season, and make guests remember your site for all the right reasons.

 

 

Understanding UK Planning Permission for Outdoor Saunas

Planning permission might sound intimidating, but for most outdoor saunas, it’s much simpler than people think.

In the UK, planning permission is the process local councils use to control how land and buildings are developed, ensuring changes fit safely and sensibly into the area. Thankfully, the system also recognises that small, everyday additions like sheds, garden offices, and saunas shouldn’t be buried in red tape.

Instead, most small saunas are covered by what’s called Permitted Development (PD) rights, a set of clear national rules that let you build certain types of structures without needing full planning permission.

According to the official UK Planning Portal, outdoor saunas and cabins count as outbuildings under these PD rights, as long as they meet specific limits and conditions.

 

Key Rules for Outdoor Saunas Under Permitted Development

1. Location relative to your home

Your sauna must not be built forward of the principal elevation. In other words, not in front of your main house façade. The structure should sit to the side or rear of your property, not the front garden.

2. Height restrictions

Outbuildings must be single-storey, with a:

• Maximum eaves height of 2.5 m

• Maximum overall height of 4 m (if it has a dual-pitched roof)

• Maximum overall height of 3 m (for flat or mono-pitch roofs)

If your sauna is placed within 2 m of any boundary, the total height must not exceed 2.5 m. (Planning Portal)

 

3. Coverage and footprint

No more than 50% of the land around the “original house” can be covered by outbuildings. This total includes sheds, garden rooms, and saunas combined. Raised platforms, verandas, or balconies higher than 0.3 m are not permitted.

 

4. Designated land and listed buildings

If your property lies within a National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation area, or the grounds of a listed building, additional restrictions apply. Always check with your local planning authority before building.

These rules apply to most properties in England and are broadly similar across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland (though details can vary slightly).

Crucially, the Planning Portal explicitly notes that sauna cabins and ancillary garden buildings fall under the same PD rights as sheds or home offices, meaning most ready-made saunas can be installed without a full planning application.

 

Practical Tips to Stay Within the Rules

• Keep it compact. Even a generous six-person sauna will usually sit well within the 4 m height limit. If you’re placing it close to a boundary, keep the total height under 2.5 m.

• Think of your neighbours. Leave enough space for maintenance and avoid shading or blocking nearby gardens.

• Prepare a solid base. Not a planning requirement, but essential for safety and longevity. A level concrete pad or reinforced decking works best.

• Double-check local bylaws. Rules can vary slightly depending on the region or land designation. When in doubt, speak with your local council’s planning team before ordering.

 

We’ll Help You Get It Right

When you buy an outdoor sauna through GlampLaunch, our team helps you navigate all of this, from placement and foundation advice to ensuring your sauna meets local planning criteria.

We’ll guide you through every step so your installation stays compliant, stress-free, and ready to welcome guests faster.

 

The Growing Appeal of Outdoor Saunas in Glamping

Glamping, or “glamorous camping”, has transformed from a niche concept into one of the UK’s fastest-growing holiday sectors. What began as a quirky alternative to traditional camping has become a mainstream tourism choice, attracting guests who want nature, comfort, and style in one stay.

So, what’s driving this rapid growth?

 

1. A Desire for Unique, Restorative Experiences

After the pandemic, travellers have become more intentional about where and how they spend their time away. They want experiences that feel safe, restorative, and memorable. Glamping strikes that perfect balance: it offers the comfort of a boutique hotel with the freedom and connection to nature that traditional camping provides.

Add a private sauna, and suddenly that stay transforms from a simple weekend getaway into a wellness retreat, a space to rest, recover, and recharge.

 

2. The Rise of the UK Staycation

Short breaks and local escapes are firmly here to stay. With busier lifestyles and travel costs rising, many Brits are choosing to explore closer to home.

For glamping operators, that’s a golden opportunity: sites with spa-like features such as outdoor saunas can command significantly higher nightly rates and attract off-season bookings too.

 

3. The Wellness Boom

The UK wellness economy is now valued at over £180 billion, and the global market hit £5 trillion in 2023, expected to exceed £7 trillion by 2025 (Global Wellness Institute). Guests are no longer just booking holidays; they’re booking recovery time.

Outdoor saunas deliver proven wellness benefits, from lower stress and better sleep (Uppsala University) to improved circulation and relaxation, all of which perfectly complement glamping’s connection to nature.

 

4. The Power of Social Media

A modern glamping site isn’t just a destination, it’s a photo opportunity.

A wood-clad sauna with panoramic glass facing a forest, lake, or mountain view is instantly shareable, and that Instagram-worthy design becomes free marketing.

In fact, hosts who feature visually appealing amenities like saunas often see higher organic reach and more direct bookings thanks to user-generated content.

 

Why It Matters

Outdoor saunas are no longer an optional luxury. They’re fast becoming a defining feature of premium glamping and wellness-focused accommodation.

They add tangible value, boost booking potential, and align perfectly with how UK travellers are choosing to spend their leisure time in 2025 and beyond.

 

 

Why Most Outdoor Saunas Qualify as Permitted Development

The main reason most outdoor saunas don’t require full planning permission comes down to two simple factors: size and purpose.

An outdoor sauna is classed as an ancillary structure, something used “for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse” (Planning Portal). It means your sauna is there to enhance how you use your home or holiday site, not to serve as a separate dwelling or business premises.

Because of that, small freestanding saunas fall neatly under the UK’s Permitted Development (PD) rights for outbuildings, the same rules that apply to sheds, garden rooms, and home offices.

The team at EIRA Therapy backs this up, explaining that most single-storey sauna cabins don’t need planning permission, provided they stay within the standard size limits:

• No taller than 2.5 m if placed within 2 m of a boundary

• Up to 4 m in height if positioned further away

Local rules can vary slightly, so it’s always worth confirming with your local planning authority, but for the majority of homeowners and glamping operators, these national guidelines are all that’s required.

In short: If your sauna is modest in height, positioned at the back or side of your property, and doesn’t dominate the garden, you’re almost certainly in the clear. That means no lengthy planning process, no costly delays, and a much faster route to installation.

 

Design Tips to Stay Within Planning Rules

Outdoor saunas come in all shapes:, barrel, cube, pod, or classic cabin, but a few simple design decisions can help you stay compliant while keeping your site beautiful.

1. Roof shape matters: A pitched roof allows a little more height (up to 4 m) under PD rules. Barrel saunas naturally benefit from this, making them both efficient and compliant.

2. Keep your footprint sensible: Your sauna should complement your outdoor space, not take it over. Remember, no more than half your garden can be covered by outbuildings (Planning Portal). Keeping a good balance of green space helps protect your PD rights.

3. Use glazing to your advantage: Panoramic glass fronts or skylights not only make your sauna feel larger and brighter but also reduce its visual impact, helping it blend naturally into the setting.

4. Choose natural finishes: Cladding your sauna in cedar, larch, or thermowood allows it to blend harmoniously with gardens and rural surroundings, a small design choice that can reduce neighbour objections and improve visual compliance.

When you choose a sauna through GlampLaunch, our design team will help you select models that fit perfectly within permitted development rules, so you can focus on creating an amazing guest experience, not chasing paperwork.

Health & Wellness Benefits: The Science Behind Saunas

Outdoor saunas aren’t just stylish additions. They’re proven to boost health and happiness. A 2024 study by Uppsala University found that people who used a sauna at least once a month were happier, slept better, and had more energy than those who didn’t. The optimal benefit came from one to four sessions per month; beyond that, results plateaued.

So what makes sauna bathing so powerful?

• Better heart health: Heat exposure dilates blood vessels, improving circulation and lowering blood pressure. Regular use has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Faster recovery: The warmth eases muscle soreness and inflammation, helping guests relax after hikes or outdoor activities.

• Stress relief & improved sleep: Saunas trigger endorphins that calm the mind. As the body cools, melatonin rises, promoting deep, restorative rest.

• Social connection: A sauna creates a calm, screen-free space where guests can unwind and reconnect, boosting mental well-being.

For glamping owners, these benefits go beyond comfort. Saunas attract wellness-focused guests, extend the booking season, and turn a stay into a memorable, rejuvenating experience.

 

Why Choose GlampLaunch Saunas

At GlampLaunch, we design outdoor saunas for both glamping businesses and private homeowners, combining Scandinavian craftsmanship, sustainable materials, and full compliance with UK Permitted Development rules.

Here are three of our most popular models that typically don’t require full planning permission:

• Rustic 6 Person Traditional Outdoor Sauna Cabin: A cosy, wood-built cabin with a pitched roof that blends perfectly into rural gardens and woodland retreats.

• 4 Person Traditional Outdoor Sauna Cube with Changing Room: Compact, modern, and low in height, ideal for small gardens, glamping pods, or wellness corners at home.

• The “Hobbit” Pod – Luxury 6 Person Sauna with Changing Room: A charming curved design that fits neatly within PD height limits while adding a unique, storybook aesthetic.

Every GlampLaunch sauna is built from premium timber, with durable fixings, high-grade insulation, and the option for professional installation. Whether for a commercial site or a private home spa, our saunas are designed to look beautiful, perform brilliantly, and install easily, all without the planning hassle.

 

Conclusion: Build Your Wellness Haven Without the Red Tape

The UK’s passion for wellness-focused travel is stronger than ever. With the UK wellness economy now worth over £180 billion and growing each year (Global Wellness Institute), there’s never been a better time to create experiences that help guests, or yourself, relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature.

At the same time, the global sauna market continues to heat up, rising from around £680 million in 2023 to more than £1.2 billion by 2033 (Market.us). These trends confirm what glamping owners and homeowners already know: wellness isn’t a fad, it’s the future of outdoor living and travel.

The best part? The UK’s Permitted Development rules make it simple. Most small, single-storey sauna cabins don’t require full planning permission, meaning you can enhance your space quickly and confidently, with no unnecessary paperwork or waiting.

At GlampLaunch, we make that process effortless. Our beautifully crafted outdoor saunas combine durability, design, and compliance, while our expert team supports you from concept to installation, ensuring your sauna looks stunning and performs flawlessly for years to come.

If you’re launching a new glamping site or adding a private retreat to your home, we’d love to bring your vision to life.

👉 Book a free consultation with GlampLaunch to discuss your dream sauna, and let’s turn your wellness idea into reality, without the planning hassle.

 

Summary

• Outdoor saunas are one of the UK’s fastest-growing wellness trends, driven by the £180 billion UK wellness economy and rising demand for restorative, nature-based experiences.

• Most small, freestanding sauna cabins don’t need full planning permission, as they fall under Permitted Development (PD) rules for outbuildings, provided they meet height, location, and footprint limits.

• Saunas boost business performance: sites with wellness features see up to 25% higher nightly rates and extended booking seasons.

• Key planning limits: maximum 4 m height (dual-pitched roof), 2.5 m near boundaries, and no more than 50% garden coverage.

• Design choices like natural cladding, compact layouts, and panoramic glazing help ensure compliance and aesthetic harmony.

• Proven health benefits, including improved sleep, circulation, and stress relief, make saunas both a lifestyle and commercial investment.

• GlampLaunch saunas combine Scandinavian craftsmanship, sustainable materials, and full PD compliance, offering fast, ready-to-install models for homes and glamping sites.

• With expert guidance and effortless installation, you can build your wellness haven without the red tape.

 

FAQs

1. Do I need planning permission to install an outdoor sauna in the UK?

In most cases, no. Small, freestanding outdoor saunas are usually classed as Permitted Development (PD) under UK planning rules. That means you can install one without a full planning application, provided it meets key limits, for example, a maximum height of 4 m (dual-pitched roof) or 2.5 m if within 2 m of a boundary, and it must be built behind or beside your main house, not in front.

 

2. What are the main rules for outdoor saunas under Permitted Development?

Outdoor saunas count as outbuildings and must follow a few clear guidelines:

• Must be placed to the side or rear of the main house.

• Must be single-storey, no higher than 4 m (dual-pitched) or 3 m (flat roof).

• Must not exceed 2.5 m in height if built within 2 m of a boundary.

• Outbuildings combined cannot cover more than 50% of the land around the original house.

• Extra restrictions may apply in National Parks, AONBs, or conservation areas.

These conditions mean most ready-made saunas from GlampLaunch are fully compliant without needing full planning approval.

 

3. Why are outdoor saunas becoming popular for UK homes and glamping sites?

Outdoor saunas are part of a wider wellness and staycation boom. The UK wellness economy is worth £180 billion, and glamping sites offering wellness features such as saunas can earn up to 25% higher nightly rates.

Guests love saunas for their restorative benefits, and for operators, they extend the booking season and create a memorable guest experience.

 

4. What are the health and well-being benefits of using an outdoor sauna?

Research from Uppsala University (2024) shows that regular sauna use improves sleep, happiness, and energy levels. Saunas:

• Improve circulation and support heart health.

• Help muscle recovery after physical activity.

• Reduce stress and promote deeper sleep through endorphin release.

• Create a calm, screen-free space for social connection and relaxation.

These proven benefits make saunas ideal for both personal wellness and guest-focused glamping experiences.

 

5. Why choose a GlampLaunch outdoor sauna?

GlampLaunch saunas combine Scandinavian design, UK compliance, and sustainable craftsmanship. Built with premium timber and durable insulation, each model, such as the Rustic 6 Person Sauna Cabin, Sauna Cube with Changing Room, or “Hobbit” Pod Sauna , is designed to fit within Permitted Development limits.

The GlampLaunch team also provides planning guidance, placement advice, and professional installation, ensuring your sauna looks beautiful, performs flawlessly, and installs without red tape.