Escaping to the countryside can offer a perfect break from busy day-to-day life; especially for those of us who live or work in a city. It’s a great opportunity to reconnect with nature, take long walks in the fresh air and get some well-needed relaxation. You will be sure to feel rejuvenated and relaxed after a blissful weekend in the country, especially if you take the advice that’s going to follow! The countryside provides the perfect haven in which you can relax and unwind whilst taking a break from everything; a change in routine can have mood-boosting benefits.
Luckily, the UK is full of beautiful countryside destinations to choose from; with numerous quaint towns and vast rolling hills, you’ll be spoilt for choice. To experience some quintessential British charm; the Cotswolds, in particular, could well have everything you’re looking for, with everything from sprawling green land, cute cottages and stately homes which have in turn inspired many a novel.
If the Cotswolds sounds like it may be for you, Character Cottages have a fantastic range of accommodation right across the area and are on hand for tips and advice to help your stay go off without a hitch. Wherever you choose to spend your weekend in the countryside, here is some essential advice on how you can really appreciate your escape to the fullest.
Unplug
If you’re wanting to spend the weekend taking a break from your busy life, the first step is to unplug! Don’t take tablets and computers if you don’t have to; they will just serve as a distraction and you’ll regret not taking the time to experience everything the countryside has to offer. In a perfect world, you would leave your phone at home or leave it switched off for the entire weekend, however, we know that sometimes this just isn’t possible. The next best thing is to try avoiding using it as much as possible, lock it away in a cupboard or leave it behind whilst you go out for the day. Detoxing from using your phone can really allow you to be present in the moment and appreciate your surroundings.
Relax
This may seem like pretty broad advice, but the most important part of your weekend should be to relax; in whatever way you see fit! By relaxing, we mean doing something you really love. If you want to spend your entire weekend out and about, taking in everything then that is exactly what you should do. Similarly, if your ideal weekend is staying in, enjoying a bath and taking in a new book, make sure you allow yourself the time to do so. If your main priority is to lock yourself away from the world, consider a more secluded location and let yourself enjoy your own company. If you’re really wanting to ramp up the relaxation, consider booking a spa day; complete with a beautiful countryside location – it could a perfect few hours!
Explore
Staying in a new place makes for the perfect chance to explore; whether that be exploring the local town, nature or the history itself. Many countryside destinations are home to beautiful, picturesque towns which are full of character. The beauty of the countryside is that it is full of wonderful walks and woodland experiences meaning you have the opportunity to explore beautiful wildlife and reconnect with nature. Taking the time to connect with nature can be really therapeutic and great for reminding us how beautiful life is. If history is more your thing, small countryside destinations are often packed with history meaning you have the perfect opportunity to learn something new; why not see if there are any local museums, abbeys or castles to explore.
Food and Drink
Visiting a new town is a perfect excuse to sample some of the local food and drink offerings. The British countryside is full of quaint pubs, cute tearooms and café’s which are perfect for sitting, experiencing some quality food and drink whilst relaxing and watching the world go by.
The countryside has so much to offer and is the perfect place to unwind. If you take the steps to really appreciate your surroundings and allow yourself to relax, you’ll be sure to have a fulfilling weekend in country bliss.
Image credits: Character Cottages
