Cities are exciting places to be. There’s so much to see and do, from art exhibitions to live music, it can be hard to think of a reason to leave. Even if you’ve lived in a city all your life, there is nearly always something new to discover.
But there’s joy to be had in the countryside, too. Taking a break from your normal surroundings to breathe in the fresh countryside air is always a good idea. We have such a stunning variety of landscapes available to us in the UK, with something for everyone, regardless of whether you’re looking for hills, lakes or forests to explore.
If you still need convincing to leave the city behind for your perfect break, here are three reasons why you should choose to go rural.
Learn more about the country you live in
Many of us never truly explore the country that we live in. We may visit certain cities or towns and take the occasional camping trip as children, but we often don’t fully appreciate the environment around us. There’s so much beauty around us that we never get to experience unless we seek it out. A countryside staycation is a chance to fully immerse yourself in new scenery, discovering fresh parts of the UK at a relaxed pace.
It can give you a chance to try new activities, too. Whether it’s stargazing or wild swimming, escaping the city gives you a chance to get in touch with our planet. If you’re not confident seeking out these escapades, then look for guided tours or group taster sessions. You may even make some new friends.
Spending time outdoors comes with health benefits
It’s common knowledge that city air isn’t that clean, and there’s often a lot of background noise which can stop you from fully relaxing. Choosing a countryside staycation allows you to get your fill of fresh air in a quiet setting, which in turn will boost your spirits and help you get a good night’s sleep.
You’re also likely to be more active on a countryside holiday. With over 140,000 miles of footpaths across the UK, there are plenty of opportunities to take a relaxing stroll to the pub or challenge yourself with a hill walk. It’s well-known that exercise can help both our physical and mental health, so including a walk on your holiday itinerary will ensure you come home feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Slow down and appreciate the small things
It’s easy to rush around in modern life, running from work to hobbies to home in an attempt to cram everything into the day. A countryside holiday is a chance to slow down and relax, focusing on what you’re doing in the moment rather than what’s coming next.
Whether you choose to spend your afternoons in a pub by a roaring fire, outside in the forest, or reading a captivating book, use your holiday as an opportunity to unwind and be present. You may even come home feeling less stressed and better prepared to jump back into your busy life.
Images: Unsplash
