Perched on a hillside in Hathersage, The Furnace is a new wellness experience offering a wood-fired sauna and cold plunge tubs. Not only is it great for mind and body but offers spectacular views over the Peak District too.

Keen to find out more, we spoke to founder Matthew Phillips.

Tell us about Peak Furnace and how it started? 
The Furnace is a mobile, wood-fired sauna and cold plunge experience situated in the heart of the Peak District. It was founded from my own personal desire to have access to a sauna amongst the beautiful scenery of the Peak District, it has been an idea of mine for a while now and I’m excited to see it finally materialise. I often spend weekends in the Lake District and North Wales where they really seem to be ahead of the curve with sauna culture and it became a tradition for me and my friends to always seek one out when away. After that it seemed crazy that the Peak District seemed to be lacking and I guess that’s where the idea was born!

Who’s involved? 
At the moment it is just myself running the business side of things however I do have some friends and family helping me run the day to day who will be happy to welcome customers when I’m not around! 

Where are you based? 
We are currently based at Thorpe Farm, Hathersage, Hope Valley, S32 1EG (Hope Valley Ice Cream).

Will you popping up in other locations? 
We certainly will, we plan on moving to various locations throughout the Peak District and surrounding areas as well as popping up at local events. The idea is that Thorpe Farm will remain our main location though. 

What do you offer? 
We offer a one-hour sauna relaxation session with a cold plunge contrast to be enjoyed as much as desired throughout the hour. 

Is the idea to move between the sauna and the plunge? 
Yes exactly, we tend to recommend 10-15 minutes in the sauna at a time, each with a cool off in-between in whichever way people feel comfortable, some are happy to just stand outside and cool off in the fresh breeze if the cold plunge doesn’t appeal, there is also a cold shower which is a little less immersive as the tubs and then of course our main point of cold water therapy is the cold plunge tubs.

How many people can you accommodate? 
Our capacity comfortably seats eight people at a time.

When do you open? 
We are currently just running on the weekends with sessions starting at 11am and finishing at 8pm, although we are looking into running evening sessions midweek for an end of day unwind. 

What types of people have you had visiting so far? 
So far we have had locals popping by, to people all the way from France who have been visiting the Peak District for its climbing scene. We have also found it to be popular with running groups who have stopped by at the end of a long day in the hills for an ideal recovery and relax session. 

What are your future plans? 
Our plans are to establish ourselves with a strong foundation in the Peak District and build a solid connection with locals coming as regulars as well as an exciting excursion for tourists visiting the Peak District. We hope it becomes a base for all Peak District goers to enjoy as a slow morning activity, or at the end of an active day, rain or shine.

With sessions starting from £15, click here to book.