Steam, Splash, Repeat: A Perfect But Chilly Norwich Adventure

There’s something wonderfully rebellious (or crazy) about voluntarily getting into very cold water, especially when most sensible people are still warming their hands around a morning coffee and yet, that’s exactly how our latest adventure began - because nothing says good life choices quite like a river dip followed by a sauna session.

Our day kicked off beside one of Norwich’s most iconic landmarks, Cow Tower. The sky was a threatening shade of grey and suggested drizzle, but we are 'crazy wild swimming ladies' so nothing was going to dampen our enthusiasm. We made base camp on a bench close to our carefully chosen river entry point and performed the time-honoured ritual of the speedy outdoor change earning a mixture of confused looks and cheerful encouragement from passing dog walkers - always a sign you’re doing something slightly unhinged (and completely wonderful).

We donned our customary bobble hats and made our way towards the river. The level was unusually low, meaning we had to tiptoe across a patch of slippery mud before reaching the water. This caused quite a kerfuffle and lots of giggling along the way, we feared we may not only sacrifice a flip-flop or two but possibly our dignity aswell. Phew - we made it to the water which was shallow to begin with. We waded in up to our waists where we stood for a moment, skin tingling, senses buzzing then we were off. We headed up stream pushing gently against the current, passing Cow Tower which loomed above us on the bank side. After the bend we let the current gently carry us back. The water wasn’t quite as icy as expected, but it still delivered that unmistakable cold-water wake-up call - a shock to the legs that makes you feel instantly, gloriously alive. Freshly invigorated, we threw on towel robes and flip-flops and wandered the short distance to The Lion’s Den sauna.

Fortune smiled on us—we were welcomed straight in, giving us time to shower and stash our bags before the real fun began.

While the sauna preparations were underway, some of us decided the next logical step, after a river swim was, of course, an ice bath. Wow - those tubs meant business. Even after the river dip, that cold water packed a punch. But that’s the magic of cold-water immersion: the moment where you steady your breathing, convince your brain you’re not actually in mortal danger and then sink in, first you sit, you think about putting your arms in and finally when you think that's it, you pop those shoulders under! Deep breath in, slow breath out… and suddenly you feel triumphant, clear-headed and oddly euphoric.

Just as our legs began to go numb, the call came to head into the sauna - cue collective joy.

And honestly, it was perfect. Sitting with friends overlooking the river, warmth soaking into tired muscles, fire crackling away - it felt like the world slowed down for a while. Conversation drifted, laughter bubbled up easily and we rotated between the heat and the cold dips, each round leaving us more relaxed yet somehow more energised. That contrast between hot and cold boosts circulation, eases sore muscles and leaves you feeling lighter, calmer and happier. Stress melts away in the heat and the cold resets your senses, making you feel astonishingly alive.

Of course, no group outing is complete without a little silliness and today was no different. There were the obligatory photos of course, lots of amusing (and sometimes a tad rude) 'dipping' words and squeals especially when it came to the classic “two in a tub” scenario - lol!

As always, time flew by far too quickly. Soon we were dressing for the final time and heading back to the car, our cheeks glowing and spirits high. We headed to The Belgian Monk, a popular local restaurant where cherry beer and mussels were thoroughly enjoyed—because after a morning like that, we’d earned it!

And that, really, is the beauty of sauna and cold-water dipping. Yes, there are the health perks—better circulation, muscle recovery, mood boosts, stress relief, and possibly the best sleep you’ll have all week. But beyond the science, it’s about doing something joyful and slightly wild with good people. It’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, sharing laughter and walking away feeling refreshed in both body and mind.

Chilly swims, steamy saunas, great friends and delicious food - seriously, what more could you ask for?