As World Mental Health Day arrives on Tuesday 10th October, plenty of Brits might be considering ditching the hustle and bustle of city life for a leisure vehicle holiday to the countryside.
However, lots of UK cities are ideal for spending time away from everyday life, lowering your stress levels and relaxing to boost your mental wellbeing.
For instance, Norwich is a fantastic destination to practise ecotherapy, being Britain’s only city located within a national park. Elsewhere, you could soak up a stressless afternoon at Bath’s historic hot water spa, or get lost among a plethora of charming independent shops on the streets of Edinburgh.
To raise awareness for World Mental Health Day and encourage people to de-stress, the experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have compiled a list of eight UK cities offering a range of relaxing activities.
Of course, what appeals to some will seem stressful to others. So, here are some suggestions to decompress on your next caravan or motorhome trip:
Norwich
Ideally located within the Broads National Park, Norwich is connected to the countryside via miles and miles of walkable pathways. These routes are mainly flat and a great way to get outside to enjoy nature.
Brighton
Being by the sea is always a calming presence, but for those who don’t like their coastal retreats too quiet, there’s Brighton. Return from a bracing seaside walk to a nostalgic trip to the pier or the city’s bustling night scene.
Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital is a literary city and its selection of bookshops and cafes makes it perfect for purchasing some new reading material then sitting down and enjoying it. Arthur’s Seat is also conveniently located for an energetic walk right from the city.
Exeter
Sometimes the best way to reset your mental wellbeing is to spend some quality time on your own and Exeter is perfect for that. Wander its museums, parks and coffee shops on a solo date before reuniting with loved ones.
Bath
There’s nothing much more relaxing than having a soak, especially if you’re spending a week in a caravan, so a spa city sounds like an appropriate antidote. Submerge yourself in the hot spring waters at the Thermae Bath Spa.
Manchester
Music is a fantastic outlet for emotions from anxiety to elation, so a trip to the city that’s produced all manner of musicians from Take That to The Smiths is a great way to embrace this creative medium. Manchester’s music scene is known worldwide and features some impressive venues to discover.
Bristol
Vegans can travel to Bristol safely in the knowledge they won’t just be able to find a good plant-based meal easily, but they’ll be spoilt for choice. Even non-vegans might want to try out the alternative diet and enjoy a boost in mood from plenty of veggies.
Oxford
Hire a boat, pedalo or a traditional punt to explore the storied city of Oxford from its waterways. The slow pace of life encourages those on the river to relax and notice more of what’s going on around them in the natural environment.
John Charnock, CEO of StressFreeCarRental.com said: “We want to encourage as many people as we can to try and take some time out to do something good for their own mental health as well as the contentment of those around them.
“Cities can feel like stressful lonely places at times which is why we wanted to highlight that there are always things to do to unwind and let go of life’s troubles.”
Photo credit: Pexels/Kampus Production
