Dolphin Sauna Merseyside
129 Mount Road · New Brighton · CH45 9JS / North West
About
Dolphin Sauna – New Brighton
Dolphin Sauna is the oldest gay sauna in the North West of England, located at 129 Mount Road, New Brighton, Wallasey (CH45 9JS), on the Wirral peninsula. Established in 1984 and recently refurbished, it has operated continuously for four decades. The venue is open to gay, bisexual, curious, and trans men, with a relaxed, no-attitude atmosphere. Open seven days a week, no membership or pre-registration is required — just turn up and pay at the door.
Dolphin Sauna is a cash-only venue with no card facilities. Free parking is available directly outside the entrance. New Brighton station (Merseyrail Wirral Line) is a five-minute walk, with trains to Liverpool Central taking around 25 minutes.
There’s no gay sauna in Liverpool city centre, which makes Dolphin Sauna on the Wirral the nearest dedicated option for men across Merseyside. The venue sits on Mount Road in New Brighton — about 20 minutes from Liverpool by car through the Kingsway Tunnel, or a direct Merseyrail ride from Liverpool Central to New Brighton station followed by a five-minute walk.
It also serves a wide catchment across the Wirral itself, drawing visitors from Birkenhead, Wallasey, Heswall, and West Kirby, plus men from Chester (around 30 minutes) and North Wales (40–50 minutes depending on starting point). Free parking directly outside the door and a discreet, set-back entrance make arriving by car straightforward and private. For anyone searching for a gay sauna in Liverpool, on the Wirral, or across Merseyside more broadly, Dolphin Sauna has been the go-to venue since 1984.
What's inside
Facilities
Dolphin Sauna is a compact, recently refurbished venue set across three floors. The ground floor has the reception, changing area, and a coffee bar serving snacks and soft drinks — no alcohol is permitted on the premises. Every admission includes a secure locker and a complimentary towel.
Wet and Dry Facilities
The upper floors house a traditional dry sauna, a steam room, and a communal jacuzzi. Two shower areas serve the venue.
Private and Social Spaces
Private rooms and a video area are located on the upper floors. A secure outdoor smoking area is also available.
Dress Code
Most visitors wear their towel, but you're welcome to wear your own underwear, jockstraps, or fetish gear. Underwear is also available to purchase from staff.
Entry fees
Prices
| Entry | Amount | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Entry | £12 | All days | Includes locker and fresh towel |
| Student Entry | £10 | All days | Valid student ID required |
Check the official website or call 0151 630 1516 for current pricing.
When to visit
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Sunday | 11:00–20:00 |
What's on
Events & Themed Sessions
Check official channels for current events.
New here?
Your First Visit
No membership or pre-registration is needed — just turn up and pay at the door. Entry is cash only (no cards), so bring cash with you. There are ATMs in New Brighton village, a short walk from the venue. The entrance is discreet — set back from the street with no visible signage. Press the doorbell and a member of staff will let you in. You’ll get a locker key and towel on arrival.
The venue is 18+ only with a challenge 21 policy, so bring valid photo ID if you look under 21. If it’s your first time, staff are happy to show you around — the three-floor layout is compact enough that you’ll find your way quickly.
For more on what to expect at UK gay saunas, see our guides: Preparing for Your First Visit and Etiquette and Consent.
Getting there
Directions
Dolphin Sauna is at 129 Mount Road, New Brighton, Wallasey, CH45 9JS — on the Wirral peninsula, around twenty minutes’ drive from Liverpool city centre. Free parking directly outside the entrance. The nearest station is New Brighton, a five-minute walk.
Free parking is available directly outside the venue on Mount Road — no charge, no permit. For sat-nav, use CH45 9JS. From Liverpool, the most direct route is via the Kingsway Tunnel (toll road — £2.30 single or £1.60 with a pre-paid T-FLOW account). From the M53 (Chester, Ellesmere Port direction), leave at Junction 1 and follow the A554 towards New Brighton.
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New Brighton station (Merseyrail Wirral Line) is a five-minute walk. From the station exit, turn left onto Atherton Street, walk south along Victoria Road, then right onto Mount Road. Trains run every 15 minutes to Liverpool Central (around 25 minutes) and Liverpool Lime Street (around 25 minutes), crossing under the Mersey. Evening and Sunday services drop to every 30 minutes. Timetables: merseyrail.org
Liverpool Lime Street is the main long-distance station, served by Avanti West Coast (London Euston, ~2hrs 15mins), TransPennine Express (Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh), CrossCountry (Birmingham, ~1hr 40mins), and Northern Trains (regional North West). From Lime Street, walk downstairs to the Merseyrail platforms and take the Wirral Line to New Brighton — last stop, you can’t miss it.
The 432 is the most useful route from Liverpool city centre — runs from Cook Street/Whitechapel through the Kingsway Tunnel to New Brighton, with a stop on Mount Road near the venue. Journey time around 30–35 minutes. The 433 follows a similar cross-river route. Local routes 410, 414, 107, and 229 serve nearby stops across the Wirral. Timetables: merseytravel.gov.uk
What visitors say
Reviews
Dolphin Sauna has operated continuously in New Brighton since 1984, and visitor feedback centres on three consistent themes: the welcoming staff, the cleanliness of the venue, and the relaxed, no-pressure atmosphere.
Staff at Dolphin Sauna are frequently praised for being friendly and approachable. Several visitors specifically mention feeling at ease from the moment they arrive, with reception staff described as welcoming and helpful — particularly to first-timers. The venue works with Sahir House, Liverpool’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity, to provide referrals to confidential support for anyone who needs it.
The standard of cleanliness is one of the most commonly mentioned positives. Visitors regularly describe the venue as spotless, with the compact layout kept in good condition following its recent refurbishment.
The relaxed, no-attitude atmosphere is a recurring theme. The venue attracts a calmer, more mature crowd than larger city-centre saunas, and visitors highlight the easygoing environment where people can unwind at their own pace. The compact size contributes to a community feel that regulars value.
> Based on publicly available reviews from Google Reviews and TravelGay as of March 2026. Monitored by gaysaunas.co.uk.
Read our guide Gay Sauna Reviews: Understanding Fair Feedback & Review Etiquette
Based on Google Reviews as of May 2026.
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