The healing power of nature: balance mind, body and soul
If there’s any silver lining to this rather dark and gloomy Covid cloud it’s that – as a nation – we’ve rediscovered the joy of the great outdoors, the green spaces that surround us and how a bit of time immersed in nature is good for the soul. Unintentional ecotherapy, if you like.
Benefitting from some of the UK’s most spectacular countryside, endless beaches and remote national parks, the North of England and South of Scotland is the perfect choice for those looking to unplug, unwind and embrace the healing power of nature. So, if a small part of you ever-so-slightly misses the simplicity of lockdown, the joy of a completely empty diary and the opportunity to hole up like a hermit, a staycation with Crabtree & Crabtree is for you.
Ecotherapy is all about harnessing the power of nature to improve mental and physical health: a sufficiently broad definition that covers everything from eating hobnobs on a bench enjoying the view to a day’s fell running in the hills…we know what we’d choose! Across Crabtree & Crabtree’s portfolio of 200 plus holiday homes, there’s a host of great activities to get you out in the fresh air and perk up your mood, come rain or shine…
Holy Island walk, Northumberland
Follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims - including the famous St Cuthbert - with a unique three-mile walk with local guide Patrick Norris across the causeway to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, a mystical island famed for centuries of spiritual healing
BoxYoga on Beadnell Beach, Northumberland
Feel the sand between your toes, the breeze on your face and soak up the rhythmic sounds of the waves with a beach yoga session on the gloriously empty beaches of the Northumberland Coast AONB
Introduction to fly fishing on the River Tweed, Scottish Borders
Fly fishing’s immersive and almost meditative technique has proven mental health benefits. It is the perfect antidote to fast-paced modern life. What’s more the Tweed is considered the ultimate salmon fishing river: this 100-mile long river is steeped in history and tradition, and surrounded by the most beautiful scenery
Dawn chorus walk with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust
The early bird really does catch the worm. Rise early and watch the sun rise on a new day with a dawn chorus walk lead by a local wildlife expert
Snorkelling with seals around the Farne Islands, Northumberland
Jump aboard a boat trip to the Farne Islands - a favourite of Sir David Attenborough’s - and meet one of the largest seal colonies in the UK. Swimming alongside the seal colony and observing these social and inquisitive creatures in their natural environment is truly unforgettable
Wild swimming in the Northumberland National Park
Head to the rugged Northumberland National Park for some wild swimming at Linhope Spout, a spectacular waterfall with its very own plunge pool, perfect for a bracing dip! Follow up with a brisk walk along the burn and some well-deserved tea and cake
Looking for a starting point? Our cottage collections below are surrounded by acres of bucolic countryside and beautiful rural backdrops, perfect if you're seeking a taste of the great outdoors.
Destination: Riverside
Hamilton House, School House and Tweedside
Three of our cottages at Milne Graden in the Scottish Borders offer a peaceful riverside location with bountiful nature, River Tweed fishing and lots of fabulous walking routes on the doorstep. Don’t forget the cottage owner’s personal mantra that this is the perfect place to “retreat, rest and revive”.
Destination: Coastal
East House and Farm Cottage
Meander down the country lane, past the field of cows and over the sand dunes where you’ll find yourself on Cheswick Beach. This is the perfect place to practice your newly acquired yoga skills on Northumberland’s Heritage Coast – a place of empty golden sands and peace, perfect peace.
Destination: Countryside
The Barn at Reedsford, The Byre at Reedsford and The Bothy at Reedsford
Here you’ll be surrounded by emerald countryside in Northumberland's blissful Bowmont Valley, deep in the foothills of the Cheviot Hills. This is a wonderful location to press the pause button and take life at a slower pace while surrounded by the sounds of nature. Ecotherapy at its finest.
If you’re looking to escape to one of the most understated corners of the UK, get out in the fresh air and reconnect with nature, give us a buzz on 01573 226711 or drop a line to info@crabtreeandcrabtree.com. We’d love to chat to you about all there is to see and do in our region.