Escape the noise: LNER reveals the UK’s best destinations for a ‘quietcation’

The research covered over 100 destinations across eight regions of England and Scotland, scored on population density, air quality and night sky darkness as measures of peace and quiet. It also considered access to parks, woodland, rivers and lakes, alongside protected landscapes, walking trails, tea rooms and independent bookshops. How easy each destination is to reach by train was factored in too, based on whether it has its own station or needs a bus connection from the nearest one.

In North Yorkshire, Settle, Robin Hood's Bay and Grassington were named among the region's top ‘quietcation’ spots. All three share the same unhurried character: quiet dales or moorland to wander, dark skies overhead, and picturesque views.

Rothbury, Alnwick and Hexham came out on top in the North East, a region that pairs dark skies with centuries of history and easy access to Northumberland's national park and coastline. It's the kind of place that rewards a bit of exploring alongside the headspace.

Aviemore, Callander and the neighbouring towns of Dunkeld and Birnam were named Scotland's top ‘quietcation’ destinations, helping the region top the national ranking overall. With mountains, lochs, forests and glens close at hand, Scotland is a natural fit for anyone seeking fresh air, wide-open landscapes and complete quiet.

Elsewhere in England, the research named Salcombe in the South West, Hunstanton in the East of England, Windermere in the North West, Bakewell in the East Midlands and Arundel in the South East. Although spread across the country, each offers its own version of the same idea: a slower pace, fewer crowds and peaceful surroundings, all within easy reach by train.

David Flesher, Commercial Director at LNER, said

We all need a break every now and then, whether that's a weekend away from the emails, the traffic and the everyday noise, or just a change of scenery for a few days.

That's really what this research is about: a guide to some of the UK's most peaceful towns and cities, plenty of which are easily reached by train.

It shows that real peace and quiet isn't hard to find. Dark skies above the Yorkshire Dales, ancient pine forests in the Cairngorms, sleepy coastal towns and market squares, the UK has some wonderful landscapes waiting to be discovered.

To read more about the research, visit https://www.lner.co.uk/destinations/travel-inspiration/quietcation-guide