The Art of Slowing Down: Finding Sanctuary and Stillness Closer to Home
Genuine relaxation can be closer to home than you’d think, no passport or flights needed. The UK offers corners of quiet that you might not be expecting. Sometimes it’s about changing your pace and truly looking at the space around you.
The term ‘staycation’ is gaining popularity and for good reason, a genuine reset might just be half an hour down the road somewhere you never thought to explore. Here are some places to look for local sanctuaries to slow down and rejuvenate.
Local Waterways
It is widely known that spending time near water is good for the soul, whether that is from personal experience or research. The UK’s rivers and canals offer a specific type of peace and slowness which is hard to replicate elsewhere.
The canals across the country are often a place people walk by, though they rarely stop to take in the fresh air. Often, there are narrowboats available for hire, or there are waterside cottages you can stay in that change how you plan your day. You aren’t rushing to see the landmark but rather watching the family of swans pass by or waiting for a lock to open.
The great thing about a narrowboat is that it feels remote and connected to nature while also running through major towns and cities. The Leeds Liverpool Canal offers 127 miles of walking, boating, wildlife-watching, runs through two major cities and connects many lovely locations along the way. A canal holiday is an accessible way to disconnect without needing a car or a long drive, which makes it a great option for a restorative Friday to Sunday trip.
Countryside Escapes
Getting into the countryside is a traditional way to find peace, restore energy levels, and find stillness; the North of England remains one of the best places for this. The Yorkshire Dales makes a fantastic spot for disconnecting, to get back in touch with nature or hobbies you’ve been neglecting, due to the irregularity of the mobile network and wifi signal.
For those seeking regular escapes, looking into stunning lodges for sale in the Yorkshire Dales is a great option, as owning a dedicated space makes regular and spontaneous getaways much easier.
The key to visiting small places in the countryside is to avoid ‘honey-pot’ villages on particularly busy days such as bank holidays. Instead, try quieter valleys such as Swindale or other less-visited parts of North Yorkshire. These trips are less about planning specific activities and attractions and are more about taking some time for yourself to just enjoy wherever you decide in the moment.
Coastal Retreats
There are two kinds of ‘beach holiday’. One where it is hot and busy, and you slot yourself in among the other sand lovers. The other is cooler, calmer and much quieter. The kind of holiday you get depends entirely on when and where you decide to go.
The Northumberland coast is often described as vast stretches of empty sand, brooding castles and feels worlds apart from the promenade further south. In spots such as Bamburgh or Craster, even in the summer, it is possible to walk for miles without bumping into crowds of people.
Equally, the Suffolk coast brings peace and rejuvenation. Dunwich and Shingle Street are simple by design and offer a stripped-back experience that keeps the masses away. With no arcades or large hotels, there are just pebbles that go on for miles, being knocked around by the tide.
This kind of getaway is easy, the only requirements are a good pair of walking boots and a flask with something warming inside.
Dog Friendly Breaks
When taking a break with the intention of resetting, a four-legged friend can be one of the best ways to do so. They are equally, if not more, excited to get out and explore. They require a steady pace to the day: walking, resting, taking in your surroundings and stopping to greet another trekker passing you on a trail.
Finding the perfect dog-friendly break usually involves looking for accommodation that is truly dog-friendly rather than ‘tolerant’. The Lake District and the New Forest are obvious choices, where pubs rarely turn away a muddy spaniel, and trails start right from the doorstep. Though there are plenty of places across the country, such as Shropshire Hills and the Forest of Dean, that offer great walking trails without the heavy footfalls of the National Parks. This kind of break takes you out of the norm and lets you focus on the here and now, with your dog, spending hours walking in the woods rather than ticking off itineraries.
Simplicity of Camping
Camping strips back travel to the basics and provides the perfect excuse for a digital detox. Whether it’s a pop-up tent in a quiet corner in a Dark Sky Reserve such as Cranborne Chase or a small site in a farmer’s field in Cornwall, the act of sleeping outdoors forces an immediate shift in perspective. It takes away the complexity and pressure of modern life and makes room for the simpler tasks, like boiling water on a gas stove for your morning brew.
The real value lies in the immersion. Waking up to the sound of rain on the tent or the morning chorus at the crack of dawn. People find it grounding, the physicality of being in the wilderness, being a part of it rather than witnessing it. A weekend spent out in a field, even just twenty miles from home, acts as a total reset. It’s cheap, accessible, and arguably the most effective way to slow time down.
Does Real Escape Require a Flight?
The success of a trip shouldn’t be measured in air miles. It is defined by how effectively the noise of everyday life is turned down, not drowned out. Whether watching rain fall on the canal or putting up a tent regenerates you, it’s important to take the time to find these sanctuaries and build on them. Taking a few days to simply exist before getting back to the everyday.
Amélie is a health and wellness junky. Certified yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance in the Vinyasa and Ashtanga styles, she has a Yoga Instructor Certification – Level I (300 hours) and Yoga Instructor Certification – Level II (200 hours) under her belt. She also has a certified Open Water Diver certification with PADI and SSI Scuba Schools International Freediving Level I certification with SSI Scuba Schools International. She’s been vegan for over 15 years and is obsessed with anything wellness-related.