Getaway this Christmas: beautiful landscapes on our city doorsteps

The city and its myriad of possibilities is obviously very close to our hearts here at sustain’. However, we all need a break from our urban lives now and again. Here, Kate Shepherd, Project Manager at Our Land – an organization promoting and developing sustainable tourism – looks at the benefits of getting out of the city this festive period and shares some tips for an authentic and sustainable Christmas in the beautiful landscapes on our doorstep.

Levels of work-related stress are soaring as the economic downturn starts to bite. Research from mental health charity Mind shows one in six workers has a mental health issue such as stress, depression or anxiety, as people worry if they’ll even have a job to go to tomorrow.

But escaping from the confines of our cities to go walking or be surrounded by green space makes people feel instantly relaxed. A recent National Trust study found that when it comes to lowering stress levels our senses are key – with 72% of those surveyed claiming that seeing the sea was the quickest and most effective stress reliever. This was followed closely by a walk in the countryside (66%), contact with fresh air (59%) and the sand between our toes (33%).

We’ve all experienced the feeling you get from ‘breathing out’ – as you feel the sea air on your face or hear the crunch of leaves beneath your feet and shrug off the stresses of everyday life.

Which is where Our Land – a groundbreaking new sustainable tourism initiative comes in. It will encourage people to reconnect with the nine beautiful protected landscapes of South East England starting at Christmas. The aim is to inspire Londoners, with some of the highest stress levels in the country, to hop on a train rather than a plane in the festive period and in less time than it takes many to commute to visit some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes and views in the South East.

More than 160 years ago, Thomas Cook created the first package holiday out of a sense of social responsibility. He believed that by offering alternative, more virtuous and educational leisure activities, the lives of working people would be greatly improved. Our Land is a 2011 solution to the reality of urban life where people have little time to escape to the great outdoors – yet there is a wealth of opportunities on the doorstep – 40 minutes by train.

At the same time as improving well being, Our Land aims to boost the health of the economy in the protected landscapes where employment in tourism is double the national average at almost 20%. Whilst millions of people visit each year, most are day trippers, so Our Land aims to boost the revenue generated through tourism by changing visitor perceptions and extending the length of stay – to benefit local businesses, communities, people and the landscapes. And every business that joins Our Land is carefully screened to ensure they protect the environment and support the local community – so doing well by doing good is our mantra.

So, if you want to be inspired this Christmas and New Year…

Best place to buy a living Christmas tree
New Forest
Where: New Park, Brockenhurst (www.forestry.gov.uk/christmas)
Choose a real Christmas tree from sustainably managed forests where each purchase contributes towards the management of ancient woodland.
While you’re there: The New Forest is renowned for its heathlands and forests so enjoy a brisk winter walk.
Getting there: London Waterloo to Brockenhurst is 90 minutes by train (or the same by car SO42 7QH).
Make a weekend of it: Stay in Daisybank, a boutique B&B, nestled in the heart of the New Forest – the interior design of this B&B has incorporated local artists and craftsmen throughout:
http://www.our-land.co.uk/accommodation/7040/brockenhurst-bed-and-breakfast
Best Christmas lights (ie best place to see the stars)
South Downs
Where: Black Down, Sussex
Instead of the glitz and sparkle of London’s high streets, escape to the highest point of the South Downs, where the sweeping skies of Black Down make it the perfect spot for star-gazing.
While you’re there: Stop for real ale and home-cooked, locally sourced food at The Mill Tavern in Shottermill.
Closest train station: Haslemere (around 50 mins from London Waterloo)
Make a weekend of it: Have a go at the South Downs Way by bike:
http://www.our-land.co.uk/holiday/7014/south-downs-mountain-bike-holiday

Best place to meet Santa
Isle of Wight
Where: Haven Street Steam Railway (http://www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk/special-events/december)
Enjoy a festive family day out with steam trains, Santa, mince pies, fresh air and beautiful countryside.
While you’re there: The White Hart Pub has an excellent reputation for wonderful hearty seasonal food, friendly service and good cheer.
Getting there: Two and a half hours from central London by car and ferry, but worth the journey!
Make a weekend of it: Stay on a working farm and pick up some unique products from the Garlic Farm Shop. The family has supported the local community for over 50 years, starting up the Garlic Festival as a fundraising vehicle for the school, church, pub, organisations and businesses:
http://www.our-land.co.uk/accommodation/7211/isle-of-wight-self-catering-farm-house

Best place to find quirky Christmas gifts
High Weald
Where: Wilderness Wood (http://www.wildernesswood.co.uk)
A family run woodland attraction in a 62-acre woodland, with a ‘slow food’ café, ethical Christmas presents and living Christmas trees.
While you’re there: Visit the historic village of Mayfield where the high street boasts The Darkhorse Gallery featuring local artists and ‘Jasons’ for local food and drinks.
Closest train station: Buxted (around 60 mins from London Bridge)
Make a weekend of it: Stay in a self-catering farm-stay which dates from the fourteenth century, in individually designed stables overlooking the owners’ wildflower meadow and woodland:
http://www.our-land.co.uk/accommodation/7527/high-weald-self-catering-farmstay

Christmas week / New Year…

Best Boxing Day walk or cycle
Chilterns
Where: Watlington Hill or Aston Rowant Nature Reserve (http://www.chilternsaonb.org/about-chilterns/red-kites/where-to-see-red-kites.html)
Watch the red kites as the low winter sun lights up their beautiful russet feathers.
While you’re there: Pop into the Granary delicatessen in Watlington for local breads, cheeses and wines.
Closest train station: Henley on Thames (around 60 minutes from London Paddington)
Make a weekend of it: Stay in the four star Little Gables B&B, just a short walk from Wallingford-on-Thames, the oldest town in the country. Here, most of the food waste is fed to the chickens, who provide your eggs every day!
http://www.our-land.co.uk/accommodation/7251/chilterns-bed-and-breakfast-accommodation

Cotswolds
Where: Northleach (http://www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/userfiles/file/cycling-routes/northleach4.pdf)
The frosty, hard cycling tracks are perfect for a winter’s ride without getting covered in mud! Cycle through beautiful scenery and secret valleys.
While you’re there: Check out the wide range of cafes and pubs in Northleach.
Closest train station: Moreton-in-Marsh (around 90 minutes from Paddington)
Make a weekend of it: Spend the night in a fifteenth century farmhouse B&B, within walking distance of plenty of places to eat:
http://www.our-land.co.uk/accommodation/7456/cotswolds-bed-and-breakfast

Best New Year’s Day Bloody Mary
South Downs
Where: Bills Cafe Restaurant and Store, Lewes, East Sussex http://www.bills-website.co.uk
Bill’s is a unique cafe selling organic fruit and vegetables, herbs, flowers, plants and hampers. They also serve one of the best Bloody Marys around.
Closest train station: Lewes (around 60 minutes from London Victoria)
Make a weekend of it: Spend the days walking or cycling in the South Downs while staying in flint and oak holiday cottages in the village of East Dean:
http://www.our-land.co.uk/accommodation/7348/seven-sisters-self-catering-accommodation
High Weald
Where: The Bell in Ticehurst (www.thebellinticehurst.com )
Recently renovated with original beams, The Bell is gaining a reputation for quality, seasonal food and excellent English wines.
While you’re there: Visit Batemans, Rudyard Kipling’s home. Great walks from the property through the High Weald countryside.
Closest train station: Stonegate (just over 60 minutes from London Charing Cross)
Make a weekend of it: Stay in luxury tree houses, with eco-friendly heating and hot water:
http://www.our-land.co.uk/accommodation/7155/high-weald-tree-house-accommodation