Sauna boom brings new wave of wellbeing to Barnard Castle

Sauna culture is taking off in Barnard Castle – and TCR Hub’s lake is turning into an epicentre of wellbeing for the town.

Elements Sauna is thriving after Claire and Gareth Cook opened their full-time Finnish sauna beside the hub’s lake and is forming partnerships with others to promote healthier lifestyles and self-care.

And now they’re working with Dyane Turner from Dyane’s Wild Dip & Swim Therapy, taking full advantage of the combination of hot sauna and cold water right outside.

“We’re really lucky because the water here is so close to the sauna and you can get that contrast very quickly,” said Claire.

“We have quite a few people when it’s been their first dip of the toe into open water swimming, and hopefully we provide a nice, safe place for them.

“Open water swimming is the sort of thing that people would like to do, but if you’re going to the river for the first time you need to know what you’re doing, and that’s where Dyane comes in.”

Dyane has been open water swimming all her life, taking the plunge three or four times a week, but a serious chest infection last winter kept her out of the water and encouraged her to look more closely at the physiology behind it.

That study, coupled with years of experience, RNLI training and qualifications in therapy and outdoor first aid make her an ideal guide into open water.

“I want people to swim safely and to know what to look for,” Dyane said.

“It’s about knowing the signs, understanding to come out before any hypothermia might set in.

“Then in the spring I’d like to focus on young people and teaching them to access the water safely so they can enjoy it without risking themselves or their friends.”

Both Claire and Dyane are vocal advocates of taking the plunge.

“Being in the cold water is such a wonderful experience,” said Claire.

“Dyane was there for me when I started five years ago, she knew and gave good advice about what to bring.

“And after the sad events in the summer, what Dyane does is really important.

“Where else can people learn cold water and open water safety?”

Dyane added: “People talk about a blanket ban, but there is so much health – physical and mental – benefit to being in cold water, we just need to know how to access it safely.”

Sauna, too, makes a demonstrable contribution to wellbeing.

“You don’t see a grumpy open water swimmer, and you do’t see a grumpy sauna-goer,” said Gareth.

“There’s a magic about that.

“Even when people come along sceptical, when they leave they tell us they enjoyed it more than they expected.”

“The tradition comes from Finland, and I think the Finns were ranked the happiest nation for the ninth year running.

“I’m sure a lot of that is to do with sauna,” added Claire.

“It’s a place where people can come together, there are no screens, people can spend time chatting to friends.”

Dyane is one of several people working alongside Elements.

The TCR Hub sauna holds regular joint events with Andrew Yeadon of Barnard Castle Tai Chi Qigong and seasonal retreats with Noreen Gormally.