Feeling Blooming Marvellous - UK's Top Spring Scenes To Boost Wellbeing Revealed

New research has revealed that the historic York City Walls that surround York’s city centre, the picturesque green woodland of Kew Gardens and the idyllic glades of Hampshire’s New Forest are some of the best spring scenes in the UK according to recent findings from train operator London North Eastern Railway (LNER).

​​These locations were uncovered as some of the most peaceful settings in the UK (56 per cent) according to recent findings from train company London North Eastern Railway (LNER).

Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District and St James’s Park and Richmond Park in England’s capital were also amongst the top 10 spots for beautiful displays of spring.

Providing a beautiful backdrop to help clear the mind (42 per cent), helping people feel at ease (34 per cent) and being underrated areas of natural beauty (32 per cent) were cited as reasons when Brits were questioned on why these natural hotspots ranked highly.

Whilst half (51 per cent) of Brits said they notice an improvement in their mood when they are in the great outdoors, a third (34 per cent) intend to get into nature more this year after a long winter. A further 32 per cent are keen to discover and share ‘hidden gems’ with their loved ones this spring. Almost half (43 per cent) admit to less feelings of stress (43 per cent) or anxiety (31 per cent) and having more time to process their thoughts (27 per cent) when they're immersed in natural surroundings.

The research, commissioned to launch the third instalment of LNER’s free downloadable tourist ‘Green Guides’ series, also discovered that even small bursts of time in nature can help, with Brits reporting it takes just 14 minutes to feel the benefit.

The Green Guides series showcases eco-friendly places to eat, drink and stay, with the latest edition focusing on Dundee, Durham and York, with previous editions highlighting recommendations in Inverness, Harrogate and Lincoln, as well as London, Edinburgh and Newcastle.

As the findings revealed over a third (38 per cent) of Brits believe it's important to preserve and protect natural scenes, these destinations are all easily accessible via train, the most sustainable mode of transport, to help reduce the impact on the environment.

David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “Getting out into nature whether near to home or further afield makes us all feel better and our research has shown that your physical and mental wellbeing can decline if you don’t venture outside for at least 23 minutes a day, on average.

“For those looking to explore the UK this spring, our LNER Green Guides feature distinctive natural hotspots and historic and cultural attractions that are working hard in their pursuits to become more environmentally friendly. We know trains are the most sustainable form of transport, so visitors to Dundee, Durham and York can use these free, downloadable tourist guides and be safe in the knowledge that they’re also having a positive impact on the environment, as well as their own personal wellbeing, when out exploring. For those who really want to see the environmental impact of their travel through different modes of transport – LNER’s carbon footprint calculator calculates the CO2 emissions for each trip, showing the difference that a journey made by rail could have.”

LNER’s world-class Azuma trains, which run under electric power on most of its network, could see carbon emissions reduce by a staggering 331kgs if half of planned leisure car and plane journeys were completed by rail.

Taking a break from screens (45 per cent), breathing in the fresh, cool air (67 per cent), spending quality time with family and friends (45 per cent) and spotting animals in their natural habitat (44 per cent), were among the top reasons why Brits love to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

The ‘Green Guide’ includes contributions from LNER colleagues and customers, Dundee City Council, Visit Durham and Make it York, revealing local hotspots and hidden gems, and can be downloaded for free here: www.lner.co.uk/greenguides 

Top 10 ‘Spring Scene’ locations

1. Kew Gardens, London (17%)
2. New Forest, Hampshire (13%)
3. Ullswater, Lake District (11%)
4. St. James’ Park, London (10%)
5. Richmond Park, London (9%)
6. The North York Moors, York (8%)
7. Greenwich Park, London (7%)
8. York City Walls, York (7%)
9. York Minster, York (7%)
10. Castle Howard and Yorkshire Arboretum, York (7%)