Blue Monday? Not if you get outside says Pitchup.com

Research shows an outdoor holiday can benefit both body and mind

Christmas a distant memory? Easter too far off to think about? Bored of the gym and dieting?  An outdoor holiday is the answer says Pitchup.com.

January is generally considered one of the gloomiest months of the year with analysts naming Monday 19 January ‘Blue Monday’. However, outdoor accommodation specialist Pitchup.com says that low winter moods can be brightened by taking a holiday in the great British countryside.

Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com commented: “There is plenty of research out there which shows a direct correlation between getting outside during daylight hours and state of mind.  Being outside is not only good for our physical health but also for our mental health.   In 2013 a report by Natural England* showed that respondents to a survey about being in the outdoors claimed that it made them feel calm and relaxed or refreshed and revitalised.  It also showed that being in or close to green spaces were considered an important part of modern life.”

Other research readily available includes a report by the Environment Agency** which says: “Regular physical activity and contact with nature reduces the risk of serious illness, and improves quality of life and mental well being. Physical activity within a natural environment (‘green exercise’) may bring additional benefits.”

Yates continued: “When holidaying with Pitchup.com people are naturally closer to nature and the outdoors. If travelling west, holidaymakers can also enjoy later sunsets, which mean Penzance receives around an extra half an hour of sunshine in the afternoon compared to London, for example. Furthermore many of our accommodation choices are within one of the UK’s 15 National Parks.  Research by the Campaign for National Parks*** has shown that “using national parks has a positive effect on health and wellbeing as the parks inspire visitors to take up more physical exercise.”

Pitchup.com features over 6,000 choices for outdoor accommodation ranging from heated lodges through to peaceful countryside tent pitches, many of which are either within or very close to one of the UK’s National Parks.

Langstone Manor Holiday Park

With Dartmoor National Park on the doorstep this is an ideal choice for getting some fresh air.  Accommodation is in heated camping pods which also feature their own private verandahs. The site itself is family and pet friendly and features a range of facilities including a bar/restaurant, games room and well-kept area for showers and laundry.  Pods cost from £37 per night or for a real outdoor holiday bring a tent and pitch that for as little as £14.50 per night.

Moss Side Farm Campsite

Set in the Lake District - an area which prides itself on its great outdoors - visitors cannot help but feel the benefits of the fresh fell air.  Set just outside the historic village of Broughton-in-Furness, the site offers fantastic views of both the fells and the Irish Sea.  There are pubs and shops within walking distance, while accommodation ranges from tent pitches to bell tents and a converted rail cabin.  Tent pitches start from only £12 per night while glamping starts at £30 per night.

Border Forest Caravan Park

The county of Northumberland offers possibly some of the UK’s most spectacular scenery.  Get outside and make the most of it while staying at Border Forest Caravan Park at Otterburn.  There are tent and touring pitches or pods for accommodation and visitors of all ages are sure to enjoy meeting the site residents.  It’s home to an array of animals including Kunekune pigs, a labradoodle, giant schnauzer, Shetland ponies and hens.  Prices for accommodation starts from £15 for touring pitches to £35 per night for the pods.

Wardley Hill Campsite

For those who prefer their land to be a little flatter, the lowlands of Norfolk and Suffolk offer an equally select opportunity to enjoy an outdoor holiday.  Wardley Hill Campsite is set within six acres of woodland, pasture land, streams and ponds.  The owners encourage natural wildlife and wildflowers at this peaceful and rustic site.  There are tent pitches from £12 per night or for added comfort try a furnished belle tent for £70 per night.

For more choices visit www.pitchup.com.  All prices correct at time of writing.

-ends-

*Natural England Commissioned Report NECR129: Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment: The national survey on people and the natural environment

**https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/290431/scho0805bjof-e-e.pdf

***Campaign for National Parks: Investigating the impact of National Parks on Health and Wellbeing

For media information:

Cass Helstrip or Samantha Marsh at White Tiger PR

Cass.helstrip@whitetigerpr.com 07968 255464

Samantha.marsh@whitetigerpr.com 07711 265666

About Pitchup.com

Founded in 2009 by former lastminute.com man, Dan Yates, multi-award winning Pitchup.com is a free guide to all types of outdoor accommodation in the UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Croatia, Luxembourg, Austria, Poland and Switzerland.  Pitchup.com, which currently lists over 5,800 sites, provides users with a simple platform in which they can search and book an outdoor holiday with total ease: the customer journey from landing on the homepage through to booking a holiday can be completed in as little as four pages.  The site also goes beyond traditional searches by allowing users to search for accommodation based on more than 80 criteria, such as adults only and campfires allowed, and view nearby events, Good Pub Guide pubs and VisitBritain attractions.  It’s also possible to check out water bathing water quality in the surrounding area with data provided by the European Environment Agency.  Users can also search on the offers page to find the best deals available.

In 2013 Pitchup.com became the first business of its type to launch a bookable mobile app and site, making the site easily accessible to users of mobile and tablet devices.  The mobile site, m.pitchup.com, now accounts for 21% of bookings.

Pitchup.com enables users to search for all types of parks and sites from the major brands right through to one-off campsites and unique outdoor accommodation options, which may not have previously had a web presence.

Awards include Best UK Travel Website of the Year at the British Travel Press Awards 2011, and most recently Best Travel / Leisure / Sports / Mobile Strategy / Campaign at the Marketing on Mobile Awards 2014.