Brits have been told the best cities to visit across the country to relax and recuperate ahead of World Mental Health Day.
Travel experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have researched eight of the best cities in the UK that are ideal for taking time out from the busyness of life and helping to lower stress levels.
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By using several holistic remedy factors known to help boost low energy levels and anxiety, the experts want to raise awareness of World Mental Health Day and are encouraging Brits to spend some quality time with themselves and loved ones.
Being immersed in nature has long been known to help boost our mental and physical wellbeing – and Norwich is a great destination to practise ecotherapy, as it is the only city in the country that is within a national park.
Bath is ideal for embracing holistic wellness by booking a relaxing afternoon at the historic hot water spa.
Libraries and coffee shops are great places to prioritise spending time with important people, as well as on our own, while Edinburgh is packed full of charming independent stores to visit.
John Charnock, CEO of StressFreeCarRental.com said: “As we approach World Mental Health Day we wanted to raise awareness of some of the everyday activities that can help boost energy levels, de-stress, and restore a much-needed sense of peace and calm to people’s lives.
“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.
“Spending time outside in the fresh air can help generate positivity – so take a trip to Norwich, the only city that sits within a national park.
“Relaxing at a spa or yoga centre will help you switch off from the outside world and really concentrate on some ‘me-time’. Bath is a great city for embracing holistic wellness with the historic Roman spa.
“Although some Brits may want to avoid the hustle and bustle of a major city, there are several places across the country which have an array of activities, destinations and things to do, which are ideal for helping improve our mental wellness.
“If you suffer from any mental health problems or are seeking information and advice on mental health, there are several associations and charities that can help, such as Mind, Mental Health UK, or your local GP surgery. We encourage anyone suffering from mental health issues to seek professional help and support.”
Here are StressFreeCarRental.com’s eight UK cities to help to boost mental health:
Norwich
A fact only known to few is that Norwich is the only city in the country which sits within a national park. The picturesque Broads National Park has miles and miles of footpaths for visitors to truly feel at one with nature and help to keep active. Norwich is a great city to connect with the outdoors and practice ecotherapy.
Brighton
Sitting on the south coast Brighton is packed full of quirky, independent bars, shops and restaurants – a great destination to prioritise quality time with loved ones. Spend time having a laugh at the arcade on the pier with your friends, before clearing your mind with a beachside walk breathing in the crisp sea air.
Edinburgh
The capital of Scotland is packed full of luxury hotels to ensure you have a perfect night’s sleep to recuperate and rest the brain. Edinburgh is also a literary capital with plenty of libraries and beautiful independent bookshops to spend time browsing all kinds of books – and sit down to relax with one at the Elephant House Cafe where the Harry Potter series was written.
Exeter
Boasting an array of coffee shops, comedy clubs, museums, shops, parks and restaurants, Exeter is a great city to explore on a solo date. Spending some quality time with yourself has shown to be good for your mental health, and Devon’s capital is a great city to spend ‘me-time’ with plenty of things to do.
Bath
Bath has long been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is known for its stunning architecture and culture. A spa city, Bath is a charming destination to embrace holistic wellness by taking a trip to the famous hot spring waters at the Thermae Bath Spa.
Manchester
Often dubbed the music capital of the UK, Manchester has produced a host of famous bands, including Oasis, The Stone Roses, Take That and The Smiths. Music can help lessen anxieties and emotions, so this city in northwest England is ideal for helping to lower stress levels, and putting a smile on your face as you stroll through the city that produced some of Britain’s best singers.
Bristol
Bristol has long been associated with good food – and has regularly been named one of the best cities in the country for vegans. A well-balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, vitamins and minerals will help keep your brain healthy and keep your mood regulated. Head to Bristol to taste all the wonderful flavours of vegetarian and vegan foods the restaurants and food stalls have to offer.
Oxford
Famed for its university, Oxford is a beautiful place to wander around and get lost in the history and culture of the city. Oxford is ideal for exploring on foot as there are many walking routes in and around the centre. Hire a boat, pedalo or a traditional punt to spend some time relaxing on the water and immersing yourself in nature.
To find out more about destinations to visit across the UK and abroad, head over to https://www.stressfreecarrental.com/.
