Off-Grid Free Flow Social Sauna & River Plunge

Brand new for this year, a wood-fired forest sauna followed by an invigorating river plunge.

Relax into deep heat amongst the trees, then awaken the body in the free-flowing river — a shared off-grid ritual in the heart of nature.

Supervised by HIVE Sauna’s experienced sauna masters, with a dedicated plunge monitor and qualified lifeguard on duty. All sessions include qualified supervision, safety floats, and lifeguards.

Basic off-grid facilities with communal changing (no indoor showers). For 16+. All participants must be able to swim 50m competently. Make sure you bring Swimwear, towel, water bottle, and suitable footwear.

Pre-Book Here

Off-Grid Private Party Social Sauna & River Plunge

Brand new for this year, book the entire wood-fired forest sauna for your group and enjoy a shared hot–cold ritual in nature.

Relax into deep heat amongst the trees, then take turns plunging into the free-flowing river — your own off-grid experience in the heart of Wilderwild.

One booking secures exclusive use of the sauna for your party (up to 8 guests).

Supervised by HIVE Sauna’s experienced sauna masters, with a dedicated plunge monitor and qualified lifeguard on duty. Basic off-grid facilities with communal changing (no indoor showers).

For 16+. All participants must be able to swim 50m competently. Make sure you bring Swimwear, towel, water bottle, and suitable footwear.

Pre-Book Here

Lithuanian Birch Leaf Sauna & Cold Plunge Ritual with Hive Sauna & Friends

Experience the authentic Lithuanian sauna tradition, where the wood-fired sauna is infused with the scent of fresh birch leaves. This ancient ritual includes the use of a birch leaf whisk (venik) to gently stimulate circulation. The soothing aroma and therapeutic heat prepare your body for a refreshing cold plunge in the river, completing a rejuvenating contrast therapy experience.

Each ticket secures one place in a shared session.

Supervised by experienced sauna masters, with a dedicated plunge monitor and qualified lifeguard on duty. Basic off-grid facilities with communal changing (no indoor showers). For 16+. All participants must be able to swim 50m competently. Make sure you bring Swimwear, towel, water bottle, and suitable footwear.

Pre-Book Here

Ambient Sauna & Music

Immerse yourself in heat, water, and sound with a totally unique wellness experience.

Begin with a wood-fired sauna, letting warmth ease tension and open the senses. The session flows with soothing immersive, experimental electronic and ambient soundscapes. A musical soundtrack to your journey, enhancing the atmosphere with meditative textures and fluid rhythms. This shared off-grid experience blends nature, community, and sound: heat, water, and music in perfect harmony.

Includes music throughout your session. Supervised by HIVE Sauna’s experienced sauna masters, with a dedicated plunge monitor and qualified lifeguard on duty. All sessions include qualified supervision, safety floats, and lifeguards. Basic off-grid facilities with communal changing (no indoor showers). For 16+. All participants must be able to swim 50m competently. Make sure you bring Swimwear, towel, water bottle, and suitable footwear.

Pre-Book Here

Saunaguss & River Plunge Ritual with Hive Sauna & Friends

Experience the art of Saunaguss, where our skilled Aufgussmeister performs a choreographed towel ceremony, filling the sauna with waves of aromatic botanical essences.

This immersive ritual combines rhythmic towel swinging with carefully timed ladle pours to intensify the heat and envelop you in a cloud of invigorating scent — culminating in a refreshing cold plunge for the ultimate contrast therapy experience.

Each ticket secures one place in a shared session.

Performed by a certified Aufgussmeister, with a dedicated plunge monitor and qualified lifeguard on duty. Basic off-grid facilities with communal changing (no indoor showers). For 16+. All participants must be able to swim 50m competently. Make sure you bring Swimwear, towel, water bottle, and suitable footwear.

Pre-Book Here

Yoga + Sauna

Start with a gentle 30-minute yoga warm-up, using mindful movement, breath, and mobility to awaken and energize the body. Transition into an off-grid sauna to relax muscles, deepen warmth, and release tension.

Conclude the session with a refreshing river plunge, revitalizing the senses, boosting circulation, and leaving you feeling grounded, invigorated, and fully connected to nature in this immersive outdoor experience.

Each ticket secures one place in a shared session.

Wear comfortable clothing, warm layers for outdoors, swimwear, towel and water. Mats for yoga are provided. The Sauna is supervised by HIVE Sauna’s sauna masters, with a dedicated plunge monitor and qualified lifeguards. Basic off-grid facilities with communal changing (no indoor showers).Ages 16+.

Pre-Book Here

Fenwick Ridley

Fenwick Ridley is back at Deer Shed Festival for another year, bringing his expertise, warmth, and enthusiasm to lead the highly anticipated Sauna and Ice Bath experience.

The gold medal-winning ice swimmer and gentle giant is ready to guide participants through a unique wellness journey, combining the invigorating effects of cold-water immersion with the soothing heat of a sauna.

For those new to ice swimming, the idea of stepping into freezing water might feel daunting—but Fenwick’s approachable, encouraging style makes it accessible and empowering. He explains how a quick dip in icy water, followed by a sauna session, not only benefits the body physically but also supports mental health, building resilience, focus, and calm.

With Fenwick’s guidance, participants leave feeling refreshed, energized, and inspired to embrace this transformative practice.

FIRE & ICE Contrast Therapy

Experience the power of FIRE & ICE with Northumbrian Sauna, guided by Fenwick Ridley – Team GB ice swimmer, Captain, and qualified Sauna Master.

This immersive session combines the intense warmth of a wood-fired sauna with the invigorating chill of Brass Monkey’s ice bath. More than relaxation, Fenwick guides you through contrast therapy to safely harness the benefits of heat and cold, leaving you feeling stronger, clearer, and more alive while connecting with nature and others.

Each ticket secures one place in a shared session.

All sessions include qualified supervision. After your Sauna and Ice Bath, warm up with shared indoor changing facilities, showers, and unlimited hot tea. For 16+. All participants must be competent swimmers. Make sure you bring Swimwear, towel, water bottle, and suitable footwear.

Pre-Book Here

Debbie Adams & Claire Sutton

We’re thrilled to welcome back Debbie Adams and Claire Sutton to lead the Wild Swim programme at the 2026 festival.

English Channel swimmer Debbie Adams brings expertise, passion, and a commitment to making swimming accessible to all. She advocates for the mental and physical benefits of wild swimming and manages three English Channel relay teams this year, prioritizing safety while ensuring an unforgettable watery experience.

Claire Sutton, a former competitive swimmer inspired by the 2012 Olympics, discovered open water swimming in 2013. From running a swim school to competing in the Great North Swim and English Channel swims, Claire now shares her experience and expertise with the next generation of outdoor swimmers, triathletes, and club swimmers.

We can’t wait to have them back onsite running our Wild Swim programme.

Introduction to Wild Swimming

New to wild swimming or feeling a little nervous?

Dive in with confidence in our Introduction to Wild Swimming session at Deer Shed! Designed for complete beginners, this gentle and supportive experience will help you explore the joys of outdoor swimming in a safe, welcoming environment.

All sessions include qualified supervision, safety floats, and lifeguards. After your swim, warm up with shared indoor changing facilities, showers, and unlimited hot tea. For 16+. All swimmers must be able to swim 50m competently. Make sure you bring Swimwear, towel, and a float (if possible).

Pre-Book Here

Social Wild Swim

A social and relaxed wild river swim for mixed abilities in the heart of nature.

Perfect for swimmers of all abilities, this session offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can connect with the outdoors, embrace the refreshing waters, and share the experience with others in a supportive, friendly environment.

All sessions include qualified supervision, safety floats, and lifeguards. After your swim, warm up with shared indoor changing facilities, showers, and unlimited hot tea. For 16+. All swimmers must be able to swim 50m competently. Make sure you bring Swimwear, towel, and a float (if possible).

Pre-Book Here

Experienced Open Water Advanced Wild Swim

This year, seasoned wild swimmers can take their adventures further in a special session on the stunning River Swale. Designed for those experienced in rivers, lakes, or the sea, participants will explore longer distances, fully supported by expert long-distance open water swimmers Debbie Adams and Claire Sutton.

All sessions include qualified supervision, safety floats, and lifeguards. After your swim, warm up with shared indoor changing facilities, showers, and unlimited hot tea. For 16+. All swimmers must be able to swim 50m competently. Make sure you bring Swimwear, towel, and a float (if possible).

Pre-Book Here

Night Wild Swim

Experience the magic of wild swimming under the stars with our first Night Wild Swim Session at Deer Shed! This enchanting session offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the River Swale after dark, guided by the soft glow of luminous floats (provided).

Perfect for all abilities, this session combines the thrill of night swimming with the relaxed and supportive atmosphere Deer Shed is known for. Whether you're a seasoned wild swimmer or new to the experience, swimming under the night sky is a truly unforgettable adventure.

All sessions include qualified supervision, safety floats, and lifeguards. After your swim, warm up with shared indoor changing facilities, showers, and unlimited hot tea. For 16+. All swimmers must be able to swim 50m competently. Make sure you bring Swimwear, towel, and a float (if possible).

Pre-Book Here

Run2Swim

Combine trail running and wild swimming in this exhilarating RUN2SWIM session at Deer Shed.

Designed for intermediate to advanced runners, the experience begins with a guided 5K trail run through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. The reward? A refreshing wild swim in the River Swale to cool off and recharge this combined session is 90 mins long. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and movement.

All sessions include qualified supervision, safety floats, and lifeguards. After your swim, warm up with shared indoor changing facilities, showers, and unlimited hot tea. For 16+. All swimmers must be able to swim 50m competently. Make sure you bring Running gear, Swimwear, towel, and a float (if possible).

Join us for a dynamic outdoor adventure—run through nature, then dive into the wild!

Pre-Book Here

Guest Wild Swim with Rowan Clarke

Rowan (Feature Editor, Outdoor Swimmer magazine) is an experienced open water coach and year-round outdoor swimmer.

From long-distance swims to icy sprints, she’s passionate about the health and wellbeing benefits of immersing in nature. Rowan loves how inclusive outdoor swimming can be and specializes in supporting those who lack confidence in the water. Whether you’re curious or want guidance to take your swimming further, this session is the perfect opportunity.

All sessions include qualified supervision, safety floats, and lifeguards. After your swim, warm up with shared indoor changing facilities, showers, and unlimited hot tea. For 16+. All swimmers must be able to swim 50m competently. Make sure you bring Swimwear, towel, and a float (if possible).

Pre-Book Here

Guest Wild Swim with Johnny Hartnell

We’re thrilled to welcome Johnny Hartnell, aka @thewildswimmingyorkshireman, to this year’s Wild Swimming special guest programme.

Rooted in the Yorkshire Dales for over 50 years, Johnny’s passion for wild swimming began in his childhood rivers and has become a daily practice connecting him deeply with nature. This session provides a relaxed, supportive atmosphere, perfect for all abilities.

All sessions include qualified supervision, safety floats, and lifeguards. After your swim, warm up with shared indoor changing facilities, showers, and unlimited hot tea. For 16+. All swimmers must be able to swim 50m competently. Make sure you bring Swimwear, towel, and a float (if possible).

Pre-Book Here

Guest Wild Swim with Thao Do

Join Thao Do, the inspiring leader of the Lake District’s @Wonderfulwildwomen community, for an unforgettable experience!

As a passionate cold water swimmer and hiker, Thao brings her expertise and love for adventure to guide you through breathtaking landscapes and invigorating swims. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or just starting your journey, this session promises connection, inspiration, and the beauty of the great outdoors.

All sessions include qualified supervision, safety floats, and lifeguards. After your swim, warm up with shared indoor changing facilities, showers, and unlimited hot tea. For 16+. All swimmers must be able to swim 50m competently. Make sure you bring Swimwear, towel, and a float (if possible).

Pre-Book Here

Guest Wild Swim with Sarah Banks

Dive into Yorkshire’s wild beauty with author and photographer Sarah Banks at Deer Shed’s Wild Retreat. Author of Wild Swimming Walks Yorkshire and Wild Guide North East England, Sarah will share secret swim spots, safety tips, ways to respect nature, and the benefits of wild swimming. Finish the afternoon with a refreshing dip in the River Swale. Perfect for swimmers, hikers, or weekend adventurers seeking inspiration and practical guidance.

All sessions include qualified supervision, safety floats, and lifeguards. After your swim, warm up with shared indoor changing facilities, showers, and unlimited hot tea. For 16+. All swimmers must be able to swim 50m competently. Make sure you bring Swimwear, towel, and a float (if possible).

Pre-Book Here

Intuitive Forest Healing

Zoe Paterson, founder of She Has Magic, brings her intuitive healing to Deer Shed’s Wilderwild Retreat 2026.

A regular Deer Shedder, Zoe offers 1:1 sessions to help you pause and reset, blending massage, acupressure, and energy work, tailored to your needs.

Pre book your session here and check in 10 mins before your session starts at the Wilderwild Retreat.