W3 Complex

What it is and who it welcomes

W3, at 1 to 3 Charles Street, is Blackpool's other gay sauna. It welcomes gay, bisexual and curious men. It opened in 2007 under the name WetWetWet, which some locals still use. It is spread over several floors just south-east of Blackpool North station, about five to ten minutes' walk from the Queen Street and Dickson Road bars.

It is for adult men only. Bring photo ID in case you are asked. You don't need to be a member, so you can simply turn up and pay on the door.

Facilities

• Dry sauna with wooden benches. It runs anywhere from about 45°C up to 100°C, depending on the session.
• Turkish-style steam room seating about 13, kept at a gentler 40 to 50°C with high humidity. You go in through a chamber with changing coloured lights.
• Outdoor hot tub and walled garden, reached by decking. It is used for cooling off, sunbathing in summer and smoking.
• Sun shower, paid by the minute.
• Naturist massage with a male therapist, about £45 for 45 minutes. Book at reception or online.
• Cabins and play areas on the upper floors.
• Lockers and showers.

The lower level is the easiest part to get around for visitors with limited mobility. The upper floors are reached by stairs.

Hours and prices

W3 is open every day except Christmas Day. Its standard hours are 11am to 8pm, with a later finish of around 10pm on Saturdays. Hours are extended for bank holidays and big events such as Pride.

• Single entry: about £13
• Early bird (before 1pm): about £1 off
• Day pass: about £16, with up to three visits on the same day
• Weekend pass: about £38, with unlimited returns from Friday to Sunday
• Wednesday Madness: a cut-price midweek offer, about £10

Themed days

• Naked Thursdays: a clothes-free day.
• Naked PrEP Day: a monthly clothes-free special on the third Thursday of the month.
• Swimwear and Underwear Fridays: jocks, briefs, boxers or trunks only.
• Late Saturdays: the longest opening of the week, and usually the busiest.

Weekends are the busiest time overall, and weekday daytimes are quieter.

Sexual-health clinic

On the last Friday of every month, W3 hosts a sexual-health outreach clinic. It offers rapid HIV and syphilis tests, a full STI screen, and advice on PrEP and safer sex. It is one of the easiest ways in Blackpool to get tested without an appointment at a hospital clinic. Check the date before you go, and ask staff whether you need to pay sauna entry if you are only visiting the clinic.

Etiquette and staying safe

• Consent matters. A shake of the head or a "no thanks" is a full answer, so move on politely.
• Phones and photos: keep them away in the locker areas and play areas. Other men's privacy matters.
• Heat and alcohol don't mix. Drink water, take breaks in the garden and leave the steam room if you feel dizzy.
• Safer sex: use condoms, get tested regularly, and take PrEP if it suits you. The monthly clinic is there to help.
• Look out for each other. Tell staff if someone seems unwell or if anyone makes you feel uncomfortable.