You'd think relaxing would be easy, but often it’s surprisingly hard to ever switch off completely. Our tips will have you unwinding in no time, letting you make the most of your getaway.
Head for the countryside. Set in a glorious green landscape dotted with farms, on the edge of acres of unspoilt forest in the heart of Hardy Country, Greenwood Grange is a tranquil escape from everyday life. Being in the countryside has proven health benefits, with fresh air, head space and lovely views combining to reduce anxiety and to help us feel happier in general.
Escape into nature, especially places with lots of trees. Being in close contact with trees and greenery in general has been proven to offer all kinds of health advantages, including better breathing, sounder sleep, stress relief, defence against depression and even disease prevention. Greenwood Grange is right by Thorncombe Wood with its wonderful walking trails and huge array of ancient trees, including oaks, sweet chestnuts and beech.
Get up close with animal life. Greenwood Grange has its own donkeys, while Thorncombe Wood gives way to Black Heath with its herd of Dartmoor ponies. Its Rushy Pond – famous from Hardy’s works – is a good place to spot amphibians, dragonflies and grass snakes, as well as being a watering hole for the ponies and other wildlife.
Pick a holiday venue with leisure facilities. Exercise is important for letting off steam and for overall wellbeing – we have tennis courts, badminton, boules and croquet, and there are fantastic off-road bike trails right nearby.
Choose a property with a hot tub for the ultimate in decadence. Several of our 17 stone cottages – transformed from farm buildings built by Thomas Hardy’s father in 1849 – have private outdoor hot tubs in which to soak away stress or just ease muscles weary from all the wonderful Dorset walks to which our award-winning holiday park affords access.
Try to take a digital detox. Although Greenwood Grange has Wi-Fi, the incredible facilities encourage adults and kids alike to take a break from screens and to spend quality family time together.
If you’re travelling with kids, find a place where children can play safely. Greenwood Grange has a games room, a play area and even bushcraft activities in the school holidays.
Choose a self-catering property for the space and flexibility you need to truly spread and relax, but make sure it’s within easy of great places to eat, such as beach cafés and cosy pubs. We have award-winning restaurants on our very doorstep.
Find a place where you don’t need to head out to the supermarket every time you need supplies. At Greenwood Grange, you can help yourself to fruit or vegetables from our kitchen garden and collect eggs from our free-roaming chickens. We’ve got our own on-site shop with essentials, including wine, as well as being within easy reach of wonderful local farmers’ markets selling fabulous seasonal produce.
Try to book a holiday venue with a concierge service. At Greenwood Grange, staff can arrange anything from babysitting to food deliveries, giving you more time to chill out.
Go to a venue with laundry facilities. Being away to keep up with washing while away means you don’t have to pack as much in the first place and better still don’t have to come home to huge piles of laundry.
Book a Dorset self-catering holiday or break at Greenwood Grange now