The Five-Mile Holiday: How to Travel Where You Live This Summer

So many summer guides assume one thing: you’re going somewhere.

But what if you're not?

No flight. No beach. No real time off. Just… regular life, stretched across warmer days.

Maybe the budget’s tight.

Maybe the schedule’s full.

Maybe you just don’t want the faff.

But that doesn’t mean summer is cancelled.

It might just mean it’s time for a five-mile holiday.

Why Closeness Counts

You don’t need a plane ticket to access awe.

You don’t need a passport to feel wonder.

You can begin exactly where you are.

So many of us miss what’s right in front of us because we’re trained to look for what’s further away.

We assume meaning lives elsewhere — on a coastline, in a city break, under a Tuscan sun.

But what if it’s within five miles of your front door?

We call it the five-mile holiday: an experiment in staying local, but seeing differently.

It’s travel… but turned toward the overlooked, the ordinary, the surprisingly beautiful.

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How to Take a Five-Mile Holiday

Here are a few ways to begin your five-mile adventure:

1. Pretend You’re Visiting Your Town for the First Time

• Visit the museum you always walk past

• Take photos like a tourist

• Ask someone for a recommendation

• Walk a new route (even if it’s just to the shop)

• Read the historical plaques you usually ignore

2. Eat Like You’re Somewhere Else

• Find a food truck, bakery, or stall you’ve never tried

• Try a picnic in a park you haven’t been to since last summer

• Cook a dish from a country you’ve always wanted to visit

• Sit and people-watch with a coffee as if you’re in a foreign square

3. Give Your Day a Theme

• “Botanical day": find every green space in your area

• "Creative day": visit a gallery, journal in a café, buy a new pen

• "Childhood day": eat an ice lolly, watch a kids’ film, cook your favourite foods from your childhood

• "Quiet day": no plans, no pressure, just wandering and noticing

4. Create Your Own Guidebook

• Keep notes of where you went and what you loved

• Take a disposable camera or Polaroid

• Record how places made you feel, not just what you did

• Invite a friend to do the same and swap guides

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You Don’t Have to Go Far to Feel Far Away

The five-mile holiday isn’t about settling.

It’s about noticing what’s already here.

It reminds us that we don’t need constant stimulation to feel alive — we need presence. Curiosity. A shift in the lens.

It’s a kind of emotional travel.

A reminder that movement doesn’t always have to be physical.

Sometimes, it’s perceptual. And that’s powerful, too.

What Could Your Five-Mile Holiday Look Like?

If you were to stay local and stay open this summer — what would you find?

Try it for a day. Or a weekend.

And if you want to explore this idea more deeply, our Summer Wellcation is a lovely way to do that.

It’s your gentle invitation to explore what feels good — wherever you are.

No suitcase required.

It’s Summer… So Why Do I Still Feel Low?

You wake up to sunshine.

Your friends are away on holiday.

Your social feed is full of Aperol spritzes, sea swims, and sun-kissed skin.

But inside? You feel flat. A little off. Maybe even anxious.

And you can’t help but wonder: why doesn’t summer fix me?

Shouldn’t this be the season where everything feels lighter?

Why does it sometimes feel heavier instead?

If you’ve been feeling the pressure to be “living your best life” right now and can’t quite match that vibe — this post is for you.

We tend to associate sadness with winter — dark nights, long months, heaviness.

But there’s actually a summer-pattern Seasonal Affective Disorder:

Instead of low energy, this one shows up as

• restlessness

• irritability

• trouble sleeping

• a kind of persistent unease, even with blue skies above you

As the Mayo Clinic explains: Summer-pattern seasonal affective disorder affects about 10% of people who experience SAD. It often includes anxiety, poor sleep, and a sense of emotional disconnection.

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3 Ways to Care for Yourself Through Summer Sadness

Summer-pattern SAD brings with it a unique kind of disorientation. Unlike the winter version that has us reaching for more light, this one asks us to manage too much of it. Too much brightness, heat, stimulation, and expectation.

So if you're feeling off right now, here are three expert-backed, compassion-led ways to care for yourself:

1. Cool the Light, Not Just the Room

Longer days and hotter nights can disturb our sleep — and when sleep is off, everything else follows.

Try this:

• Blackout blinds or a soft sleep mask to help your body clock recalibrate

• Fans, AC or whatever you need to to regulate the temperature of your room and your body.

• Keep your sleep and wake times steady, even at weekends — your nervous system loves consistency
  

2. Say No to Overstimulation (and Over-Expectation)

Between heatwaves, social invitations, school holidays and the “go out and enjoy it!” pressure — summer can feel emotionally loud.

Instead:

• Choose cooler, quieter places: libraries, art galleries, shaded walks

• Hydrate. (Truly. Even slight dehydration affects your mood.)

• Give yourself permission to opt out. Not every invitation is a requirement. It’s okay to not feel like BBQs and festivals. You’re allowed slower scenes.

You don’t owe the season anything.

3. Build a Gentle Structure That Holds You

One of the hidden challenges of summer is the loss of structure. Schools close. Routines dissolve. Life loosens. For some, that’s freeing. For others, it's destabilising.

Try:

• Light anchors: regular mealtimes, morning stretches, a bedtime wind-down

• Bookending your day with small, grounding rituals

• Seeking support if the sadness sticks — therapy, especially approaches like CBT, can be a powerful guide back to steadiness

And if needed: medication and professional support are valid summer tools, too. You don't have to wait for it to pass.

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That’s one layer…

Then there’s this: the emotional dissonance that comes from the pressure to feel good.

Happiness is expected in summer.

So when we don’t feel it, we add shame to the sadness.

This hedonic mismatch — the gap between what we think we should feel, and what’s really going on inside — can make us feel even more alone..

You might find yourself asking:

• Is something wrong with me?

• Am I wasting the season?

• Why can’t I just feel better?

Even sunshine can’t override what you’re feeling.

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What if we stopped treating summer like a performance?

What if instead of chasing happiness, we let ourselves be curious about what’s really here?

Your emotions don’t operate on a school calendar.

Your nervous system doesn’t care what month it is.

And while we love a good swim or iced coffee moment, they might not break familiar thoughts or feelings.

Which is where something powerful comes in: self-compassion.

According to Dr Kristen Neff, self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness and care you’d offer a friend. It helps us hold pain and joy together..

Instead of asking “how do I fix this?”, ask:

• What do I need more of right now?

• What have I been carrying through every season?

• What’s a gentle step I can take today?

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A Different Kind of Summer Is Possible

When we drop the myth that summer should save us, we make space for something more nourishing:

• A season of possibility, not pressure

• A slower rhythm that matches our inner world

• A deeper emotional honesty, rather than forced joy

You can feel more anchored in yourself this summer — not by doing more, but by being more honest about where you are.

This might be the season where you don’t reinvent yourself, glow up, or hustle through.

It might be the one where you rest, reset, and listen

That counts too. Maybe even more.

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What’s summer bringing up for you this year?

Are there emotions lingering beneath the surface — even when everything looks “fine”?

If you want support to move through summer with more care, creativity, and calm — our Summer Wellcation was made just for this.

It’s a self-paced, self-supporting guide to feeling better in everyday life.

Image created with Freepik

A Curiosity-Fuelled Summer Bucket List

You might love the idea of summer—the long days, the looser schedules, the promise of some sunnier days.

And yet, somewhere between school holidays, the laundry pile, and the pressure to “make the most of it,” it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind on even the fun stuff.

Enter the summer bucket list.

What starts with good intentions—picnics, beaches, fire pits—can quickly turn into another list of things you should be doing.

For years, I made summer lists like they were contracts with joy. But by the end of July, I’d be half-ticked-off and half worn-out.

Somewhere in the middle of trying to have a good time, I forgot to notice whether I actually was.

Here’s what changed everything:

I stopped treating summer like something I had to conquer… and started following my curiosity instead.

Curiosity doesn’t ask you to rush. It doesn’t compare. It doesn’t have a checklist or a destination.

It simply asks, what if I noticed this? or what happens if I try that?

And in doing so, it gently pulls us out of overwhelm and back into presence.

Because when you feel stretched thin, curiosity doesn’t demand energy—it offers it.

It’s the gentle restart your nervous system might need when you feel like you have to be and do all the things just because “it’s summer”..

Try not to see this as a list of goals. Rather reframe it as a list glimmers—small, no-pressure invitations to help you reconnect with yourself, your surroundings, and even your sense of play.

You don’t need to do them all. Or do them “right.”

Just follow your interest. Let yourself wonder again.

The Curiosity-Fuelled Summer Bucket List

Pick one today. Come back tomorrow—or don’t. This is yours to shape.

1. Walk a route you’ve never taken

2. Lie on the grass and look at the sky for 5 minutes

3. Text someone just to say you’re thinking of them

4. Buy yourself a magazine you used to love

5. Eat something slowly, outside if you can

6. Leave your phone behind for a short walk

7. Watch the sunset or sunrise, on purpose

8. Rearrange one corner of your home

9. Draw something badly (no erasing allowed)

10. Take a 5-minute ‘holiday’—window open, feet up

11. Write a one-line diary entry for 3 days in a row

12. Make a playlist that sounds like sunshine

13. Sit on your front step with a cold drink

14. Do something with your hands (paint, knead, cut, fold)

15. Say no to something that doesn’t feel like a yes

16. Visit a local place you’ve never set foot in

17. Gift something to someone for no reason

18. Stand still in nature and count 3 things you can hear

19. Wear your favourite clothes for no occasion at all

20. Try one thing from our Summer Scavenger Hunt

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This is how summer gets to feel now:

A little less effort. A little more ease. A little more *you.

When we let curiosity lead, we find joy in unexpected places: on front steps, in ordinary walks, in the sound of birds.

We don't have to make it epic—we can find some joy in the smaller, more thrown together things.

If this list gave you ideas, here are 2 ways to follow the feeling:

1. Download our free Summer Scavenger Hunt – 28 curiosity-fuelled prompts to keep you exploring all that summer can be for you

2. Join the Summer Wellcation – A self-guided, 4-week invitation to feel better in the season you love

If you’re craving a slower, more intentional season, that’s exactly what Summer Wellcation is created for.

Summer Self-Care Checklist for Overwhelmed Days

You love the idea of summer—the long evenings, the slower mornings, the breezy dresses and flip-flops and maybe even a road trip or two.

But here you are, somewhere between the second heatwave and the eighth load of washing, feeling low-key exhausted and wondering: Isn’t this supposed to be the relaxing season?

Summer can be a swirl of too-muchness: too much expectation, too many people to keep happy, too little time to yourself.

That’s why we created a short checklist to help on overwhelming days—not to add more, but to gently guide you back to what you need today.

Because here’s what I’ve learned (the hard way): self-care in summer doesn’t always look like bubble baths or beach escapes.

Sometimes it looks like sitting on the garden step for five minutes with your phone inside the house.

Or letting the kids watch one more episode so you can be alone in silence and remember what your own voice sounds like.

I’ve coached women through every kind of season, and summer—while beautiful—has a sneaky way of stealing our energy.

We keep trying to "make the most of it," but no one talks about how much it can take out of us, especially when we’re already carrying so much.

This checklist isn’t about self-improvement. It’s about self-preservation. And maybe even a little more joy.

Summer Self-Care Checklist for Overwhelmed Days

For when you feeling wobbly, weary or just a bit lost in the swirl of summer...

Try one or two. You don’t need to do them all.

1. Move to a cooler room—emotionally and literally.

If you’re overheating, physically or mentally, step into shade. It can be a room, a car, a headspace. Give yourself that pause.

2. Have a "bare minimum" day.

Pick 3 things: eat something, drink water, send one message. That’s enough.

3. Use your senses to re-centre.

Run your hands under cold water. Notice the texture of grass under your feet. Inhale something fresh—lavender, mint, citrus. Let your senses bring you back to the present.

4. Draw a boundary shaped like a hammock.

Say no to something, kindly. Then rest in the space it creates.

5. Write a tiny list of what’s working.

Even in the mess: the good coffee this morning, your kid’s laugh, the breeze through the window.

6. Reach for real connection.

One message to someone who sees you. Not for advice. Just for being seen.

7. Put your phone in a different room for 20 minutes.

Not forever. Just long enough to change the rhythm.

8. Move your body to move the moment.

Step outside. Stretch your arms overhead. Walk to the end of the street and back. A shift in motion can soften the stuckness.

9. Let something go half-done.

It can still be there tomorrow. And there’s something ok about that. Let it wait.

10. Ask yourself one kind question.

What would feel good right now? Then honour the first answer that comes.

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Even one of these actions can shift your day, your breath, your summer.

What’s on your personal self-care checklist right now?

Which one of these would feel best today?

If this resonated with you, here are 3 ways to go deeper:

1. Join our Summer Wellcation – a 4-week self-guided online reset to reclaim your season.

2. Subscribe to our newsletter – for more ideas, inspiration and emotional support.

3. Browse our guide to overwhelm — for more ways to navigate the days when it all feels too much.

Let’s create a summer that feels like yours.

Made image by Freepik

Navigate summer with ease | Your guide to a joyful, stress-free season

Ah, summer. The very idea of it can conjure up visions of sun-kissed beaches, lazy afternoons with a good book, and get-togethers in pub gardens.

We picture carefree days spent reconnecting with loved ones and making memories that last a lifetime. But for many of us, summer brings a different kind of pressure.

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The Summer Juggle: Balancing Work, Family, and Expectations

As we transition from the dark days of winter to hopefully a sun-filled summer, we can often find ourselves caught in so many expectations. From planning family vacations to managing work commitments, the pressure to make every moment count can feel overwhelming. For many, summer isn't just a time of relaxation; it's a high-stakes game of juggling various aspects of life.

Each year both of us eagerly anticipate how we’ll create magical summer memories for our kids. Yet, as the summer progresses, we often find ourselves exhausted and financially stretched, feeling like we’re the only ones who haven't had a break.

Feel familiar? The pressure to have the "perfect" summer can transform this joyful season into a stressful one, making it hard to maintain our well-being amidst the chaos.

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Introducing Our Summer Wellcation

But what if we told you that this summer could be different? At If Lost Start Here, we've designed something to help you navigate these pressures with ease and create the summer you’ve been longing for.

Introducing our first-ever Summer (Stay-at-Home) Wellcation — a unique 4-week online course that brings the vacation to you, wherever you are.

Over the course of four weeks, we'll deliver short, inspiring postcard lessons straight to our app and/or online platform. These lessons are designed to help you create a summer that's both meaningful and manageable, allowing you to connect deeply with yourself, your loved ones, and the world around you.

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Embrace a Balanced Summer: Inner and Outer Adventures Await

So, how does the Summer (Stay-at-Home) Wellcation work?

1. Inward Journeying

Each week, we'll provide you with tools to connect with yourself on a deeper level. Whether it's through a journaling prompt, a self-coaching exercise, or an audio note, these activities will help you stay grounded and attuned to your own needs. You'll learn to prioritize self-care and cultivate a sense of self-connection, making it easier to handle the external pressures of summer.

2. Outward Exploring:

Alongside your inward exploration, we'll encourage you to step outside your comfort zone with fun and engaging activities. From local scavenger hunts to mini-adventures in your neighborhood, these tasks will help you see your surroundings with fresh eyes and rediscover the joy of simple pleasures. It's about creating moments of joy and connection, no matter where you are.

3. Balanced Days:

By balancing these inward and outward approaches, you'll find some equilibrium this summer. You'll learn to manage your time and energy more effectively, reducing stress and increasing your overall sense of well-being. This balanced approach ensures that you can enjoy the season without feeling overwhelmed or stretched too thin.

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Make This Summer Different: Join Our Wellcation Now

How will your summer be different this year? Come choose your own summer adventure with us and connect with what truly matters while the sun is hopefully shining.

Ready to start your Wellcation? Visit here to learn more and register now!

What If This Summer Wasn’t Just About Everyone Else?

You’re making summer work for everyone else. But what if you made space for yourself, too?

It’s that time of year again.

You’ve likely got the family calendar up, the holiday bookings in motion, the WhatsApp groups alive with BBQs and beach plans — and a low-level hum of pressure vibrating through your body.

You're trying to make it all work: childcare, work, travel, expectations.

You want this summer to feel joyful, easy, like something from a slow-living Instagram post. But if you're being honest? You're already tired. And it hasn’t even started yet.

There’s that familiar moment of wondering:

• Where do I fit into this season I’m planning for everyone else?

• When do I get to rest, reset, feel taken care of — not just needed?

• Is it wrong to want summer to give something back to me, too?

When summer feels heavy (and not just because of the heat)

We don’t talk enough about how intense summer can be — especially for women who are the organisers, the emotional holders, the ones creating the so-called magic.

Behind the joy and brightness, there’s often:

• The mental load of planning and juggling

• The invisible work of keeping others happy

• The loss of rhythm and routine that leaves you untethered

• The pressure to make it memorable — without falling apart

Even the things we’re supposed to enjoy can become another to-do: the family holiday that’s more logistics than rest, the BBQs that drain more than connect, the daily question of how do I keep everyone occupied and happy today?

No wonder you’re staying up later and later, just for a slice of quiet.

No wonder the mornings feel harder.

No wonder you’re beginning to feel like summer is happening around you — not with you in it.

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Why naming it matters

Here’s the thing we’ve found: feeling flat, resentful or emotionally absent during summer doesn’t make you ungrateful. It makes you honest.

Because beneath all the busyness, what you might really be craving is:

• A moment that’s just yours

• A sense of clarity about how you feel and what you need

• A space that doesn’t require you to be “on”

• The relief of being seen, supported, and reminded you matter too

This isn’t about doing less for others. It’s about doing something for yourself.

Because you’re a person in this season too — not just the person keeping it all going.

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Three small ways to shift the shape of your summer

You don’t need to overhaul everything. You don’t need a solo yoga retreat (unless you want one!). You just need one small shift in your direction.

Here are three starting points:

1. Give yourself a headline

If your summer had a title, what would it be? Not the one about planning and packing — but the one for you. Maybe it’s “the summer I slowed down,” or “the summer I felt more present.” Naming it changes how you show up for it.

2. Create a “me list”

Not a bucket list, not another set of expectations — just a list of 5 things that make you feel more you. Tea alone in the garden. Finishing that book. A swim without company. Circle one and plan it in this week.

3. Plan one thing you don’t have to plan

Let someone else hold the structure for a change. Choose a podcast series, a gentle course, or even just a stack of journaling prompts that arrive without you doing the thinking. Let it feel easy. Let it be enough.

And this is where we can help

We created the Summer Wellcation for women like you — the ones holding it all, hoping for more, and not knowing where to find a moment that feels like theirs again.

It’s a 4-week do-anywhere experience that starts August 4.

Here’s what you’ll receive:

• Daily “postcard” lessons — quick, beautiful reflections that help you ground, pause and feel

• Self-coaching prompts, journaling, creative invitations and micro-adventures

• 4 weekly facilitated meet-ups with a small, like-minded group (gentle, supportive)

• Delivered via course platform or app so you can engage wherever summer takes you

Whether you read your prompts in the park, journal in the car while waiting for summer camp to end, or just read quietly with your tea — this is your moment in the day.

Let this be the summer you don’t forget yourself.

You're already making sure everyone else has what they need.

Let this be the part of summer that gives something back to you.

We start August 4, but you can sign up now — and know you’ve got something in place just for you when you need it most.

Explore the Summer Wellcation and reserve your spot.

Early Bird Pricing: $89 until 1 July (then $129)

Because you deserve more than survival this summer.

Let go of summer stress | Your path to a relaxed and happy August

Imagine embarking on a hike along the Appalachian Trail, a challenging six-month journey spanning over two thousand miles. At the start, eager hikers carry backpacks filled with items for every conceivable situation — flasks, cooking utensils, tarps, tents, granola bars, and extra clothes. But, by the first stop, many realize they’ve overpacked. They begin to understand a crucial lesson: what they can set down.

Embrace the freedom of letting go

This story, beautifully told in Kate Bowler’s No Cure for Being Human, highlights a vital truth: carrying too much makes any journey harder. As life throws more at us, especially during summer, we tend to overload ourselves. Whether it's packing for a beach day or managing the kids' summer schedules, the extra baggage can become overwhelming. Over-preparing and multitasking can lead to stress and burnout, leaving little time for relaxation or enjoyment.

Lighten your load for a more joyful journey

This summer, consider what you can set down to make life easier and more enjoyable. Instead of juggling everything, let go of the unnecessary burdens. Embrace the idea of doing less to feel freer and lighter. It’s about finding balance and allowing yourself moments to simply be.

Transform your summer with our Wellcation

Join us for our Summer Wellcation, an online course designed to help you lighten your load and enjoy a stress-free summer. For just 10 minutes a day, you’ll find your own retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. No need to pack or plan — just show up with a pen and paper if you’d like. This is your chance to pause, breathe, and rejuvenate.

Don’t miss out! Register by Sunday 11 August 2024 and receive a free 3-month subscription to The Wellery, our supportive Substack community. Take this step towards a more relaxed and joyful summer, and let’s journey together through this season.

Join Now and start your path to a lighter, brighter summer!

Reads to make your summer that much better

What makes the perfect summer read? Is it the latest bestseller purchased in the airport while racing to your flight? Is it the book your sister-in-law just finished, passed to you across the beach lounger? Or is it a book you bought long ago that you’ve never quite had the time for until now?

We’ve rounded up our picks for summer reading this year. Some are recent hits. For others all the chatter happened a while ago. Books are made to last so we’ve included a selection of our favorites from different moments, for different moods, and with different intentions.

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The One You Won’t Want to Put Down | Romantic Comedy, Curtis Sittenfeld

To be read by the pool. On the plane. In bed in the morning. At any moment you can grab really. Curtis Sittenfeld's Romantic Comedy is a witty and insightful exploration of love and modern relationships set against the backdrop of a late-night comedy show. With sharp humor and relatable characters, this novel offers a fresh take on the classic rom-com genre. If the sun isn’t warming you, this book will.

The Joyful Read | Still Life, Sarah Winman

Probably the book we most recommend at the moment. We read this earlier in the year and regretted that we hadn’t sooner. Sarah Winman's Still Life is a heartwarming tale that spans decades, blending art, love, and friendship in post-war Florence. At a moment when we’re only ever reminded about what divides us, this book shows how we can make our lives better by connecting, both wildly and with joy.

The Darker And Twistier One | The Marriage Portrait, Maggie O’Farrell

And the opposite, though still a great read that you’ll tear through. Maggie O'Farrell's The Marriage Portrait is a captivating historical novel that transports readers to Renaissance Italy, unraveling the life of Lucrezia de Medici through a richly woven tapestry of art, power, and intrigue. Full of twists, turns, and surprises.

The Secret Find | Enchanted April, Elizabeth von Arnim

We picked this up after our local bookshop Winstone’s made it their book club pick of the month. Knowing nothing about Enchanted April this book has become one of our surprise reads of the year. Elizabeth von Arnim's novel published in 1922 is a delightful escape to a sun-drenched Italian castle, where four women find renewal and unexpected friendships. If you want to still believe in people’s capacity to change and to surprise themselves, read this. Though it captures the magic of springtime and renewal, it’s still perfect for a summer when we’re all longing to feel more hopeful.

The Heavy Book That Shouldn’t Have A Place In Your Suitcase But Does | Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel

Summer doesn’t have to mean new. Or light. Or contemporary. It can mean older, weighty, and historical. During the non-summer months, we often fall asleep after a few pages because we are so, so exhausted. But on vacation, with the promise of more hours free, that also hopefully means more hours for reading. That’s where Wolf Hall (and the following two books in the series) can come in. Hilary Mantel's masterful historical novel brings to life the complex and cunning world of Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII. With its rich detail and compelling narrative, this Booker Prize-winning book will immerse you in the political intrigue and drama of Tudor England. Deeply engrossing, you’ll ignore everyone you’re on holiday with.

The One Everyone Else Has Read (and Watched) Except You | One Day, David Nicholls

Yes, we spent spring talking about the Netflix show. Yes, there’s another book out by David Nicholls that we’re falling for too. But in case you haven’t read One Day, do. Not just a beautifully crafted love story between the seemingly mismatched Emma and Dexter as we revisit their lives on the same day each year, but a nostalgic remembering of the two decades that it spans. It may even have you longing for a pre-smartphone age.

The One That Will Have You Thinking | Such a Fun Age, Kiley Reid

This came out some years ago but it’s still lodged in our heads. Such a Fun Age is a sharp and thought-provoking novel that delves into issues of race, privilege, and identity through the lens of a young Black babysitter and her well-meaning employer. Summer reading doesn’t have to mean throwaway; it can include those books that just stay with you through the years. This is one of them.

The Trusted And True One | Tom Lake, Ann Patchett

Really anything by Ann Patchett. Could be The Dutch House, Commonwealth or These Precious Days. We’re mid Tom Lake, and we couldn’t leave this off the list. Already we’re been drawn into one of those intimate stories that only Patchett can tell. It’s a beautifully crafted novel that explores themes of love, memory, and family through the lens of a summer theater production in Michigan. By the time you read this, we will have finished it and will be reaching for the next Patchett novel. We’re slightly envious that you’ve yet to start.

The Ultimate Summer Read By The Ultimate Summer Author | People We Meet on Vacation, Emily Henry

Pick anything by Emily Henry and you’ve got the perfect summer escape. We first discovered her with Beach Read which is exactly what it says on the cover. People We Meet on Vacation is a delightful and heartwarming romance that follows the evolving friendship and love between travel writer Poppy and her best friend Alex. An easy, breezy summer read.

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Let us know if any of these become your favorite summer read. And tell us about other book discoveries from this summer or those long past.

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Love books as much as we do? Explore our Culture Therapy series or book an appointment to match the best podcasts, books, or series with what ails you.

Where to stop on the way to Devon & Cornwall

Every year around this time we google the same thing: “Where to stop on the way to Devon / Cornwall.”

What we’re looking for is somewhere independent and interesting, that isn’t too far from the main road (and doesn’t take us down more tiny roads). We need somewhere the kids can run and we can refuel. And we’re hoping for a feel-good stop that makes the journey that much easier (and memorable in a positive way).

Like a National Trust that feels magical and like we’re in a movie. Or an incredible bakery that makes the best sourdough (we would probably drive anywhere for a bakery). Or a cute countryside pub with a beer garden and great food.

Here’s our round-up of the best places that we’ve found to stop on the way to Devon or Cornwall. Hopefully, these will help you feel like your holiday has already started or hasn’t yet ended.

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Wiltshire

Stourhead

Stourhead

The Boot Inn

The Boot Inn

This is a great antidote to the Stonehenge traffic. Dating back to the 17th century, this charming pub has a gorgeous beer garden to stretch legs and classic country pub fare made from locally sourced ingredients if car snacks aren’t cutting it.

Stourhead (National Trust)

One of the UK’s most enchanting places Stourhead is just off the A303. Though it’s not a quick stop, the stunning 18th-century landscape garden complete with classical temples, tranquil lakes, and vibrant floral displays, is a welcome respite from a long car journey. You’ll need to be a member or buy a day pass to wander the grounds and take in the estate's historic Palladian mansion, but you can also take a route beyond the perimeter that goes through picturesque woodlands. Another find Alfred’s Tower is worth a look too but its more of an effort to get to (think more narrow lanes). You can eat in the cafe, The Spread Eagle pub in the village or picnic on the lawn with gorgeous views.

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Somerset

Teals

Montacute House

Jordan’s Courtyard

Fleet Air Museum

We often get stuck in traffic on the A303 right around here, so if you’re looking to replace your frustration with some wonder divert to the Fleet Air Museum. Aviation history comes to life with an impressive collection of over 100 aircraft. Our kids particularly love the interactive exhibits and flight simulators that offer a hands-on experience (though these would appeal to all ages). There are more than enough stories of naval aviation to keep you interested (including the largest collection of Royal Navy aircraft in Europe.) Not a quick stop, but a fascinating one, that will either start or keep going those holiday vibes.

Teals

An easy stop directly off the A303, Teal’s has become one of our go-to places for taking a quick break. Offering farm-fresh groceries, locally sourced treats, and artisan goods you can shop for your picnic or that first night meal. Or stay a while in the cafe (which has a lovely outdoor seating area). You can also stretch your legs by wandering some of the countryside pathways (Teals is based on one of Somerset’s famed ley lines).

Lytes Cary Manor

Another charming National Trust property, step back in time at Lytes Cary Manor. Explore the medieval manor house, stroll through beautiful Arts and Crafts inspired gardens, and treat yourself to the tearoom. For the kids, there’s a Natural Play Area. If you need a longer stay, you can also book an overnight here.

Montacute House

Situated in a gorgeous village (the kind you expect the family of the lead from a rom-com to live) Montacute House is a gorgeous Elizabethan mansion. Wander through the grand house, admire the impressive collection of portraits, and relax in the stunning gardens. Owned by the National Trust, Montacute offers a blend of history, art, and natural beauty.

The Kitchen at Jordans Courtyard

Offering a menu of fresh, locally sourced dishes in a relaxing setting, The Kitchen at Jordan’s Courtyard is a great food stop. Sit inside the light-filled cafe or on the terrace. Perfect for travelers and food enthusiasts alike. While here also check out The Pastry Bench bakery and wellness and yoga options (maybe one will coincide with your journey).

The Flintock Inn

Nestled on the Somerset/ Devon border and just off the A303, the Flintlock Inn is a charming countryside pub offering hearty meals and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy locally sourced dishes, real ales, and the kid-friendly pub garden.

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Devon

Buckfast Butterfly Farm

Dartington Estate

Hog and Hedge

Darts Farm

Darts Farm has over the past 50 years evolved from a farm shop to an award-winning lifestyle and dining destination. Shop the food hall full of fresh, local produce and artisan food (we particularly like the ice cream and baked goods). The Farm Table has been named one of “Britain’s 100 Best Local Restaurants’ in 2024. There’s even Vineyard Tours and a Maize Maze. Set within the beautiful Devon countryside, there are also some easy walks. Just check the traffic before turning off your main route as it can get busy around here.

Castle Drogo

While not the quickest detour, the majestic Castle Drogo (run by the National Trust), perched above the Teign Gorge, will make your journey memorable. The last castle to be built in England — in the twentieth century by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens — is captivating. The walks up to it and the views around it are well worth a visit. If you need a longer stop, you can also take scenic walks in the surrounding area.

Hog & Hedge

Not your usual service station, Hog and Hedge (an easy find just off the A30) offers fresh, locally sourced food and specialty hand-roasted coffee. A place with a mission, Hog and Hedge promote low food miles, supports small suppliers and uses packaging made from plants and not plastic. Enjoy a homely atmosphere while helping people and the planet.

Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary and Buckfast Butterfly Farm

We don’t know quite why otters and butterflies go so well together but they do. Wandering through the butterfly house can feel magical as they fly around you; while there is something so fun about watching the otters outside get playful. Try to time your stop for one of the otter feedings.

Dartington Estate

We’re never quite sure what we’ll find at Dartington Estate. On our last visit, we stumbled on a summer literary festival. Dartington offers a perfect blend of culture, nature and relaxation. Check out the packed calendar of events, eat at The Green Cafe, or shop at The Cider Press Center. There’s even a Barn Cinema. Our kids also love to run around here and spend time on the nature-inspired playground. There are also many options to stay over — from glamping to cabins — if you need a longer break.

Almond Thief, Dartington

One of our favourite bakeries is located in an unassuming setting, tucked away on an industrial estate. Savour artisanal bread, pastries, and fresh coffee in a welcoming, if stripped back, setting. A great spot to refuel and indulge in some of the tastiest baked goods around.

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Cornwall

Coombeshead Farm

Tre Pol & Pen

Da Bara Bakery

Coombeshead Farm

This takes a little more to seek out: there are some twisty lanes and you’ll need to double-check opening times, but Coombeshead Farm feels like an idyllic retreat before continuing your journey. A charming guesthouse, bakery, and working farm nestled in Cornwall's serene countryside, you’ll find farmhouse comforts, freshly baked goods, and the beauty of 66 acres of meadows and woodlands. You can also stay overnight on the farm with dinner, bed and breakfast provided.

Tre Pol & Pen

An award-winning farm shop and restaurant in the Tamar Valley, we loved the striking design, charming countryside setting, and indoors/ outdoors feel of Tre Pol & Pen. The cafe and farm shop offer fresh Cornish produce, delicious meals, and unique gifts, plus there’s room and a playground for the kids to run around. It’s a slightly longer detour but down pretty straightforward roads.

Da Bara Bakery

Where to stop can be all about timing. How soon or late in the journey do you make a detour? Sometimes we arrive here just as we’re leaving Cornwall and though it can feel early in our road trip we’re drawn by the cinnamon rolls and wholewheat molasses. Offering freshly baked goods that showcase local flavors and expert craftsmanship to eat in or takeaway, this is an easy comfort stop just off the main route.

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Places open and close, they change hands or menus. We once drove 30 minutes out of the way to find a highly recommended coffee grindery and cafe closed (though the next-door winery wasn’t so that was a bonus).

If you’re planning to stop at one of these places check directly with them on their socials or website for the latest details.

Let us know where you would add. Reach out to us here or on socials. Or if you run a place you’d like us to feature in our guidebook, get in touch too. We’d love to hear from you.

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Browse our online guidebook for more people-positive places.

Soul Circus Festival

What is it: A summer festival that puts wellness at the center but keeps the fun going, set in the beautiful Cotswold countryside.

Why you’ll love it: If Downward Facing Dog in the company of hundreds and an openness to all things wellness is your thing, then this is the Summer weekender for you. Who needs wellies and stumbling drunk into tents when you can have tipis full of meditation, breathwork sessions from GOOP superheroes, and yoga to Beyonce (as in played not present). Don’t worry there’s still cocktails to be had, comedy for life-affirming belly-laughs, and serious dancing in the evening (Goldie and Norman Jay MBE have attended previous years).

What you need to know: Is it too early to think about summer festivals and spending long summer days outside (as we start to huddle indoors in 12 layers)? Seems not. Tickets are already on sale for 2021. Who knows where the world will be by then but this year Soul Circus managed to pull off a COVID secure festival with 46,000 attendees spread over 59 days of programs in Cheltenham’s Montpellier Gardens. 

What they offer – from here and there: When our worlds closed down earlier this year, Soul Circus brought its festival to our homes with their on-demand platform. Still going strong you can recreate some of the magic in your living rooms, with videos that offer the same range of classes and events, with yoga, dance, pilates, HIIT, cooking classes, DJ sets, and coaching sessions. There are even Gong baths online.

Why we think it's different: This is one festival that gets that wellness isn’t just white lycra and the splits against beautiful sunsets. The 2020 event had a community mental health clinic in one of its tents to meet new needs after months of pandemic induced stresses. We are all struggling in our own ways and there are like a thousand ways (not an exact number) to respond to those needs. Soul Circus isn’t about how stretchy your body is, but about finding a way that works for you to recalibrate your life. Then you can take whatever it is you have discovered with you when you return to your everyday world. 

In their own words: “Because at the end of the day, we’re here to expand your curiosities, provide you a safe place to explore your unknowns, and sprinkle just a bit of glitter into your every day.”

To find out more: Website / Instagram / Facebook

If you’ve visited the Soul Circus Festival or you love other wellness-based festivals let us know about it. Things change all the time and we want to make sure we’re bringing you the most up to date information and the latest places to go to find that mind/body connection.