When I started travelling, I felt like I had to pack every day on holiday to the brim, but I often left feeling like I needed another holiday to recover immediately afterwards. Now, unless I am travelling for work, I prefer a slower pace and days spent strolling around, people-watching and really taking in the places I’m visiting – the traveller version of ‘less is more’, if you will.
The UK might not be the first place that comes to mind for island hopping or skiing, but it certainly is perfect for spending a few quiet days in nature. If your idea of a proper break involves switching off your phone, going for long walks and generally doing as little as possible, a British ‘quietcation’ might be exactly what you need.
‘Quietcation’ is a travel trend all about escaping the noise and slowing things down, swapping packed itineraries and busy cities for nature, fresh air and peaceful activities. And according to new research, no matter where you are, there are plenty of places across Britain where you can find the perfect setting for one.
A new study by train operator LNER has analysed more than 100 destinations across England and Scotland to find some of the best places in the country for a quiet escape. As reported on their website, researchers “looked at factors including population density, air quality and dark skies, alongside access to green and blue spaces, protected landscapes and low-stimulation activities such as walking trails, tea rooms and independent bookshops” and, of course, how easy each place is to reach by public transport.
Taking the top spot in England is Windermere, in the heart of the Lake District, with a ‘quietcation’ score of 58.4 out of 100. Perhaps unsurprisingly for somewhere surrounded by some of England’s most spectacular countryside, walking played a big part in Windermere’s win. According to LNER’s research, the destination has a whopping 475 nearby walking trails, more than any other English destination included in the study. It also recorded six tea rooms, two bookshops, 6.59 hectares of blue space and 8.87 hectares of green space.
And there are few better places to slow down than beside England’s largest lake. Windermere stretches for 10.5 miles through the Lake District, surrounded by rolling fells and woodland, with 18 islands scattered across the water.
For a short walk, head up Orrest Head, which can be reached directly from Windermere town and rewards walkers with panoramic views over the lake and the Langdale Pikes. Alternatively, leave the busier eastern shore behind and take the ferry across the water. The National Trust recommends Windermere’s western shore for exploring on foot or by bike, with a four-mile lakeside path running towards Wray Castle through woodland and along the water’s edge.