Six Simple Pleasures: Rediscover Joy in These Uncomplicated UK Breaks

In a complex world, the greatest joy can be found in the simplest things: a beautiful view, a good walk, a warm fire. These six UK destinations, all easy to reach by train, are perfect for rediscovering life’s simple pleasures and enjoying an uncomplicated, deeply satisfying holiday.
In Northumberland, the pleasure is as simple as watching the tide come in and go out. From your cottage, you can witness the daily rhythm of the sea. A walk on the vast, sandy beach, feeling the wind and sun on your face, is a simple, profound joy. There are no complex itineraries here, just the elemental beauty of the coast.
The lakeside cabin in Essex celebrates the simple, invigorating pleasure of a cold-water swim. The cycle of a plunge in the natural pond followed by the enveloping warmth of the sauna is a simple yet powerful experience. Enjoying a breakfast of fresh, local eggs and bacon while listening to the sounds of the countryside is another uncomplicated delight.
A stay in a Scottish bothy is an exercise in appreciating simplicity. The joy comes from gathering wood, cooking a meal over an open fire, and watching the stars appear in a dark sky. It’s a chance to disconnect from complex modern life and reconnect with fundamental, grounding activities.
In Cornwall, the simple pleasure lies in sitting and watching the light change over St Michael’s Mount. A stroll to the local pub for a pint and some fresh fish is an enduringly simple and satisfying part of British life. The physical exertion and rewarding views of a hike in the Lake District, and the simple luxury of a warm spa pool in Berkshire, also offer their own paths back to the simple joys of life.