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FAQ's

  • Do you have to be a good swimmer, what happens If I fall into the River?
    You don't have to be an olympic swimmer, or be able to swim, but we do ask that you'd be comfortable if you did take a dip. You'll be fitted with a buoyancy aid before setting out, and you'll be attached to what is effectively a giant float by your safety leash. We will also go through a safety demonstration of how to get back on your board.
  • Can you Paddle Board in the Rain
    Yes, and a paddle in the rain can be as gorgeous as a paddle in the sunshiine! We will only reschedule a session in the events of high winds, thunderstorms or met office weather warnings and will do our best to give as much notice as possible.
  • What should I wear Paddle Boarding
    Synthetic Layers are the best. Some sports leggings, skins - loose clothing and layers. Try to avoid jeans and cotton which may be very uncomfortable if they get wet! Hot sunny days, swimming attire - We can give you dry bags if you need to take some extra layers with you on board. We would also highly recommend bringing a change of clothes and a towel for after your paddle, just in case you fall in- these can be left with us on site.
  • What do I wear on my feet to Paddle Board
    If it is warm enough, bare foot is best. If you would like to wear shoes we recommend wearing wet. shoes or old trainers, just make sure you have dry footwear to wear after your paddle! - SealSkinz are an amazing waterproof sock which are also great!
  • Is there a weight Limit for Paddle Boarding
    The majority of our boards are a max rider weight of 120kgs. If you weigh over this please contact us before booking, we have a few boards that can take over this weight, so we can make sure we have the right kit available for you.
  • Do I have to wear a Buoyancy Aid?
    Yes, and you will be provided with one as standard when you book a lesson or hire a board from us. We have a selection for everybody! Of course if you have your own, you are more than welcome to wear this on your session if you'd feel more comfortable in doing so.
  • Can I take my dog on. a paddle board?
    Yes, you're absolutely welcome to bring your dog on a paddle board, as long as they're comfortable around water and calm around wildlife. If your dog tends to get anxious near water or likes to chase ducks and other animals, it might not be the best environment for them, as there's plenty of both around. Their safety and comfort always come first
  • What should I bring with me to Paddle Board
    Bring a change of clothes and a towel in case you do get wet. If it is nice and sunny please bring along water and suncream. If wearing a hat or sunglasses please note these will not float if you go in, but if you are not overly attached then bring them along as the water reflects UV rays and you may catch the sun quicker. For chillier days and evenings please bring layers - small packaway windproof waterproof macs are great as are thin fleeces - we have drybags for you to take out additional layers if you are prone to feeling the cold. You may also want to bring along some insect repellent, especially if your paddle is later in the day or in the evening. We have limited waterproof phone cases available for use so if you have your own feel free to bring that along too! Finally if you have any medical items such as inhalers or epi pens, please have these with you.
  • Do many people fall in Paddle Boarding?
    It can happen, some sessions no one goes in, other sessions every one does! We try to keep people dry as best as we can. we usually say 1 in 12 :) We also run sessions where we purposely go in the water, these are great confidence builders!
  • Do you offer a bluelight discount
    Yes, we do! Please complete this form and upload a valid Blue Light Card. Once verified, we’ll send you your discount code. Blue Light Discount Code Terms: This code is issued exclusively to the registered Blue Light Card holder and is valid for one year from the date of issue. To renew the code after expiry, you will need to resubmit a valid Blue Light Card. The code must not be shared or used by anyone other than the registered holder. Any misuse, including sharing the code with others, will result in immediate revocation. This discount is valid across all our mixed sessions, events, and memberships, and applies specifically to both Sauna and Paddle Boarding activities.
  • What happens if the weather is bad?
    Our Sauna Garden is open in all weather — rain or shine — so you can enjoy the experience year-round. The only time we may need to limit access is during thunder and lightning for safety reasons. In these conditions, we do not allow use of the cold plunge tanks, as they are made of metal. Your safety is our priority, and we’ll always keep you informed if any weather-related changes affect your session.
  • Whats your cancellation Policy
    Booking & Cancellation Policy General Bookings: Customers may cancel or amend their bookings up to 48 hours before the scheduled session and will automatically receive a full refund to their original payment method. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the session are non-refundable.
  • Where is The Lions Den located?
    You’ll find us just behind The Red Lion Bishopgate in Norwich. Head to the rear car park, where you’ll see our stretch tent, outdoor café, and welcoming Sauna Garden.
  • Is The Lions Den dog-friendly?
    Yes, absolutely! We're very dog-friendly. Our resident pups, Torvi and Hudson, are often around to say hello. We also provide dog mats, treats, and water—plus plenty of love and cuddles from the team!
  • Is there parking available nearby?
    We are unable to offer parking, as the limited spaces available are reserved for Red Lion Bishopgate patrons. Please use nearby pay-and-display parking at St Helens Wharf or local on-street parking—just be sure to check for any parking restrictions.
  • Can I change or cancel my booking after it's made?
    Yes, you can! The easiest way to make changes is through our app. Please note, we have a strict 48-hour amendment and cancellation policy, so be sure to make any changes before then. To reschedule, simply cancel your existing booking in the app — the credits will be returned to your account, allowing you to rebook at your preferred time.
  • Do I need to book in advance or can I drop in?
    You're always welcome to drop in and relax in the Cabin and Den, but we highly recommend booking your sauna session in advance, as we do get very busy
  • What are your opening hours?
    Opening Hours The Cabin/Den Monday to Saturday: 8:00am – 10:00pm Sunday: 8:00am – 9:00pm The Sauna Garden Monday: 5:00pm – 9:45pm Tuesday to Thursday:  Morning: 7:00am – 10:30am  Evening: 3:45pm – 9:45pm Friday & Saturday: 7:00am – 9:45pm Sunday: 7:00am – 8:45pm
  • Can I use the cold plunges?
    If you've purchased a sauna ticket, access to our cold plunges is included. You're welcome to alternate between the sauna and cold plunge throughout your session.
  • Will I get a confirmation email for my booking?
    Yes, you will receive a confirmation email. However, if you've booked for a guest and entered their email address, the booking will appear on their account, and they will receive the confirmation email instead.
  • What do I need to wear?
    All guests must wear swimwear during their session. We also ask that you sit on a towel — this helps protect the wood, keeps the saunas clean, and shields your skin from the heat. We recommend bringing a spare towel to dry off after your session.
  • How old do you have to be to used the Sauna?
    Age Restrictions Children aged 13 to 16 may use the sauna during private sessions only (full sauna must be booked), with a responsible adult present at all times. Children under 13 are not permitted to use the sauna.
  • Can I book for a group or private hire?
    Our saunas provide the perfect setting for everything from social gatherings to relaxed get-togethers. You can either book and pay in full or request a payment link to share with your guests. Each sauna can comfortably accommodate up to 8 people, with a total capacity of 32 people per hour—ideal for larger groups. For mixed public sessions, we limit the Sauna Garden to 12 guests, averaging around 6 people per sauna for comfort. If you're booking privately, you can choose to have up to 8 guests per sauna. Want to bring 16 people? Book both saunas. For groups larger than 16, you can either book an additional hour or split your group into two 30-minute sessions. Fill out the enquiry form, and one of the team will be in touch to help plan your ideal experience.
  • How do I book a Sauna session?
    All our bookings are managed online. You will need to first create and account before you can book your session. We kindly ask that each participant books individually, as everyone is required to complete our 'Getting to Know You' form. This helps us ensure a safe, personalised, and high-quality experience for all. If you're booking for a friend, please see other FAQ for this.
  • What do Sauna Hats do?
    Sauna hats, traditionally made of wool, felt, or straw, protect your head from overheating in a sauna by providing insulation and trapping cooler air around your head.This allows you to stay in the sauna longer and experience the full benefits without feeling uncomfortably hot.They also protect your hair and scalp from becoming too dry and brittle due to the intense heat.
  • How cold are your cold plunges?
    We have five cold plunge tanks available: Two are chilled to 5°C Two are set at 10°C One is ambient, matching the surrounding air temperature
  • Do I get access to the cold plunges?
    If you've booked a sauna session with us, cold plunges are included. You're welcome to alternate between the sauna and cold plunge throughout your session.
  • How do I sign in to my account?
    Follow this link Or The My Dashboard link on your first booking confirmation email. Or The sign into your account button on the booking page OR Sign in through our App
  • How do I book more than one person on?
    We ask each guest to register individually — just like you would at a gym — so we can collect the necessary information in advance. Since our services can impact health and wellbeing, it's important for us to ensure everyone is safe, supported, and gets the best possible experience. Individual registration also allows us to tailor the session more personally and ensures a smooth check-in on arrival. If you'd like to bring a guest and cover their booking, you can easily add them through our app. Just head to your app store and search "The Lions Den" to download it. Step One – Choose your preferred session, towards the bottom you will see My Guests. Select the add guest button (Before booking, please check the available spaces to ensure there’s enough room for your guests.) Step Two – Add your guests’ details. An email address isn’t mandatory, but it helps us check if they’ve already completed our "Getting to Know You" form — so if you know it, please include it. You can repeat this step up to five times, allowing you to book for yourself and up to five guests. Want to bring more? We’d be happy to arrange a private sauna session and offer a group discount — just get in touch! Step Three – Make your payment. Select the number of passes based on how many guests you've added. Please ensure the number of passes matches the number of people you're booking for (including yourself). If the numbers don’t match, your guests won’t be booked onto the session — so double-check before you complete your purchase. Set 4 – Confirmation Please note that you will only see confirmation for your own booking. Any guest bookings will appear under their individual accounts. You can view your session by heading to ‘My Bookings’ in your app. From there, you can make changes or cancel if needed. For more help, see: How do I amend my booking?
  • How do I create an account
    Head to our booking provider Bsport to create an account
  • How do I reset my password?
    If you've forgotten your password, you can request a reset from the sign-in page. A reset link will be sent to your registered email address—be sure to check your spam or junk folder just in case. Still having trouble? Feel free to email us at hello@thelionsdennorwich.com.

Get in Touch

The Lions' Den

79 Bishopgate

Norwich

NR1 4AA

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