Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-have-a-sauna-in-the-woods-or-by-the-sea">Have a sauna in the woods or by the sea</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1429" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/forest-sauna-Screenshot-2025-12-16-at-15-01-18-The-Forest-Sauna-@theforestsauna-•-Instagram-photos-and-videos.png" alt="The Forest Sauna" class="wp-image-114849" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/forest-sauna-Screenshot-2025-12-16-at-15-01-18-The-Forest-Sauna-@theforestsauna-•-Instagram-photos-and-videos.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/forest-sauna-Screenshot-2025-12-16-at-15-01-18-The-Forest-Sauna-@theforestsauna-•-Instagram-photos-and-videos-800x762.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/forest-sauna-Screenshot-2025-12-16-at-15-01-18-The-Forest-Sauna-@theforestsauna-•-Instagram-photos-and-videos-1000x953.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/forest-sauna-Screenshot-2025-12-16-at-15-01-18-The-Forest-Sauna-@theforestsauna-•-Instagram-photos-and-videos-400x381.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/forest-sauna-Screenshot-2025-12-16-at-15-01-18-The-Forest-Sauna-@theforestsauna-•-Instagram-photos-and-videos-768x732.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Forest Sauna</figcaption></figure>



<p>As from the madding Christmas shopping crowds as you could possibly be, head into the woods for a <a href="https://www.theforestsauna.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Sauna &amp; Plunge</a> at the Happy River Retreat in Wareham Forest. Relax in the heat, brave the cold plunge or jungle shower, all the while surrounded by bird song and nature <em>awww</em>. Sauna by the sea at <a href="https://www.thebaysidesauna.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bayside Sauna</a>, West Bay; <a href="https://revivewildsauna.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Revive Wild Sauna,</a> Weymouth and Portland; <a href="https://www.seasidesaunahaus.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seaside Saunahaus</a>, Seatown; and <a href="https://shorelinesauna.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shoreline Sauna</a>, Lyme Regis. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-let-art-relax-you">Let art relax you</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2250" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-RWA-OPen-©-Khali-Ackford-@kolabstudios-RWA-2-Sep-25-111.jpg" alt="174 RWA Open Exhibition, Bristol" class="wp-image-112155" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-RWA-OPen-©-Khali-Ackford-@kolabstudios-RWA-2-Sep-25-111.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-RWA-OPen-©-Khali-Ackford-@kolabstudios-RWA-2-Sep-25-111-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-RWA-OPen-©-Khali-Ackford-@kolabstudios-RWA-2-Sep-25-111-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-RWA-OPen-©-Khali-Ackford-@kolabstudios-RWA-2-Sep-25-111-267x400.jpg 267w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-RWA-OPen-©-Khali-Ackford-@kolabstudios-RWA-2-Sep-25-111-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-RWA-OPen-©-Khali-Ackford-@kolabstudios-RWA-2-Sep-25-111-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-RWA-OPen-©-Khali-Ackford-@kolabstudios-RWA-2-Sep-25-111-1365x2048.jpg 1365w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">172 RWA Open Exhibition. Photo © Khali Ackford &#8211; @kolabstudios </figcaption></figure>



<p>Looking at original works of art in a gallery has been scientifically proven to reduce stress levels and boost your immune system. Browse or buy art at the Royal West of England Academy’s <a href="https://www.rwa.org.uk/collections/events/products/annual-open-exhibition-172" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">172nd Annual Open Exhibition</a> – over 600 works in every conceivable medium – in Bristol, <strong>until Sun 28 Dec</strong>. Up at the excellent <a href="https://www.eastquaywatchet.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Quay</a> in Watchet, British pub culture meets storytelling from a queer perspective in <em>Down the Hatch</em>, an exhibition by Bristol-based artist Jo Lathwood, <strong>until Sun 4 Jan</strong>. <em><a href="https://swheritage.org.uk/events/a-life-outside-hope-bourne-on-exmoor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Life Outside: Hope Bourne on Exmoor</a></em>, at the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury, is the first museum exhibition showcasing the work and life of West Country artist and writer Hope Bourne <strong>until Sat 10 Jan.</strong> Previously unseen works on paper and art decor, shooting paintings, monumental open air sculptures and iconic kinetic machines by <a href="https://www.hauserwirth.com/hauser-wirth-exhibitions/niki-de-saint-phalle-and-jean-tinguely-myths-and-machines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Niki de Saint Phalle &amp; Jean Tinguely</a>, are on show at Hauser &amp; Wirth Somerset in Bruton, until <strong>Sun 1 Feb</strong>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stretch-yourself">Stretch yourself </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/people-yoga-2557534_1920-stock-snap.jpg" alt="yoga somerset dorset bristol" class="wp-image-114851" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/people-yoga-2557534_1920-stock-snap.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/people-yoga-2557534_1920-stock-snap-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/people-yoga-2557534_1920-stock-snap-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/people-yoga-2557534_1920-stock-snap-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/people-yoga-2557534_1920-stock-snap-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Stock Snap from Pixabay</figcaption></figure>



<p>Very handily located in Shires Yard (the stylish shopping hub, formerly known as Milsom Place), hot yoga classes at Bath&#8217;s <a href="https://www.yogakave.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YogaKave</a> include Vinyasa, Flexx (their signature posture class), Yin and Sculpt. Not only aerial yoga (but doesn&#8217;t it sound fun?) but also pilates, breathwork and more, are all on offer at <a href="https://www.cliftonskyyoga.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clifton Sky Yoga</a> in Bristol. Be guided to a state of deep relaxation to the sounds of crystal singing bowls at a sound bath at <a href="https://www.thesoulspa.co.uk/sound-baths" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Soul Spa </a>in Bath.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-listen-to-candlelit-carols">Listen to candlelit carols</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/candlesticks-hans-benn-from-pixabay-1342415_1280.jpg" alt="candlesticks" class="wp-image-114856" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/candlesticks-hans-benn-from-pixabay-1342415_1280.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/candlesticks-hans-benn-from-pixabay-1342415_1280-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/candlesticks-hans-benn-from-pixabay-1342415_1280-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/candlesticks-hans-benn-from-pixabay-1342415_1280-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/candlesticks-hans-benn-from-pixabay-1342415_1280-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Hans Benn from Pixabay</figcaption></figure>



<p>The Wells Cathedral Choir sing <a href="https://www.wellscathedral.org.uk/whats-on?event=99595528" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carols by Candlelight</a> in a cathedral illuminated by over 3,000 flickering candles, <strong>Fri 19, Sat 20 &amp; Sun 21 Dec.</strong> Let the sounds of Pachelbel’s <em>Canon</em>, Vivaldi’s <em>Winter</em>, Bach’s <em>Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring</em> and highlights from Handel&#8217;s <em>Messiah</em> flow over you at <a href="https://www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/whats-on/a-baroque-christmas-by-candlelight-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Baroque Christmas by Candlelight</a> at St George&#8217;s Bristol, <strong>Sun 21 Dec.</strong> Feast on the mellifluous sounds of <a href="https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/carols-by-candlelight-3/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Armonico Consort&#8217;s Carols by Candlelight</a> at Lighthouse Poole, <strong>Sun 21 Dec.</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treat-yourself-to-a-spa">Treat yourself to a spa</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1875" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/royal-crescent-spa-481106381_18488740588049253_199640166084456028_n.jpg" alt="royal crescent sp" class="wp-image-114854" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/royal-crescent-spa-481106381_18488740588049253_199640166084456028_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/royal-crescent-spa-481106381_18488740588049253_199640166084456028_n-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/royal-crescent-spa-481106381_18488740588049253_199640166084456028_n-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/royal-crescent-spa-481106381_18488740588049253_199640166084456028_n-320x400.jpg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/royal-crescent-spa-481106381_18488740588049253_199640166084456028_n-768x960.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/royal-crescent-spa-481106381_18488740588049253_199640166084456028_n-1229x1536.jpg 1229w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Royal Crescent Hotel &amp; Spa, Bath</figcaption></figure>



<p>A few hours in a luxury day spa will leave you feeling rested, restored and ready for anything, especially if you treat yourself to a massage and lunch while you&#8217;re there.  Our favourites include the spa at <a href="https://www.royalcrescent.co.uk/the-spa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Royal Crescent</a>, the five-star hotel slap bang in the middle of the Bath&#8217;s iconic 18th century Royal Crescent; the <a href="https://monartspa.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monart Day Spa</a> in the grand Queen Mother&#8217;s Square in Poundbury, and the <a href="https://thenici.com/spa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spa at The Nici</a>, the Miami-inspired luxury cliff top hotel in Bournemouth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stroll-around-a-museum">Stroll around a museum</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/shoemakers-museum-549385335_122217941600252248_2818402314379544486_n.jpg" alt="shoemakers museum somerset" class="wp-image-114852" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/shoemakers-museum-549385335_122217941600252248_2818402314379544486_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/shoemakers-museum-549385335_122217941600252248_2818402314379544486_n-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/shoemakers-museum-549385335_122217941600252248_2818402314379544486_n-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/shoemakers-museum-549385335_122217941600252248_2818402314379544486_n-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/12/shoemakers-museum-549385335_122217941600252248_2818402314379544486_n-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shoemakers Museum</figcaption></figure>



<p>Visit the new <a href="https://shoemakersmuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shoemakers Museum</a> in Clarks Village in Street, showcasing 200 years of shoemaking, design and personal stories – from high street staples to fashion revolutions. Be awed by nature in the 100 breathtaking images revealing the hidden stories of our planet’s wildlife in the <a href="https://www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wildlife Photographer of the Year</a> exhibition at the Bristol Museum &amp; Gallery until <strong>Sun 26 April.</strong></p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE? </h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/pickleball-padel-where-to-play-dorset-somerset-bristol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pickleball vs Padel: what’s the difference – and where to play near you</a></li>



<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-body-retreat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Body Retreat, Dorset: retreats by women for women</a></li>



<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/some-like-it-hot-the-best-outside-saunas-near-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Some like it hot! The best outside saunas near you</a></li>
</ul>


Find your little bit of calm this Christmas

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