FRESH-AIR BREAKS
Rather than lounging on the beach this year, why not try something more active, for mind and body?
1 YOGA RETREATS
Not just a good stretch, yoga is the ultimate anti-ageing elixir for body and mind, offering flexibility, strength and revitalising relaxation in one seamless package. From energetic Ashtanga to meditative Yin, there’s a style of yoga to suit every temperament. Practising asanas (poses) in peaceful countryside offers the maximum calming benefits.
With a sustainability focus, ecoYoga on the shores of Loch Awe in the Highlands offers four-night retreats throughout the year; ecoyoga.org. Combine yoga with wild swimming on the isle of Anglesey on a twoor five-day retreat; thezestlife.co.uk. For more options, see nealsyardholidays.com.
2 FARM HOLIDAYS
Witness the life of a farmer by staying on a working farm. Many breaks include the chance of a tour around the farm and to feed the animals; farmstay.co.uk/accommodation/HolidayIdeas/workingfarm.
For a more hands-on experience, World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF UK) offers volunteers the chance to work on the land, and stay on one of 600 UK farms, gardens or smallholdings. You’ll get food and accommodation in return. See wwoof.org.uk.
3 WALKING HOLIDAYS
Plan your own route, or let someone else take the strain. Supported walking breaks make holidays that little bit easier. Organisers carry your luggage while you travel light from place to place. They also book your accommodation, provide the routes and other support. Organisers include Footpath Holidays (footpath-holidays.com), Contours Walking Holidays (contours.co.uk) and the Walking Holiday Company (thewalkingholidaycompany.co.uk).
Guided walking holidays involve groups led by guides. Providers include HF Holidays, which has bases in 18 country houses around the UK; hfholidays.co.uk/activities/walking.
4 LEARN A TRADITIONAL CRAFT
From basket-weaving to woodcarving, chair-making or bushcraft (pictured), hundreds of courses take place daily in the countryside. Some, especially woodland craft or traditional rural skills such as hurdle-making, are held in the open air. Find out more at craftcourses.com.