Daycations: The Fun of a Good Day Out

Wednesday, 7 August 2024 08:00

By Lisa de Silva

Daycations can be just the tonic to lift our spirits, help us see the world with new eyes and make lasting memories, Lisa de Silva explains the Southeast has plenty to offer

With so many demands upon our time and attention, it is easy to get stuck on the endless treadmill of daily life. This is where the good old-fashioned Day Out, or 21st century Daycation, comes into its own.

THE BENEFITS OF TAKING A DAY OUT

Holidays are wonderful but sometimes we don’t have the time or money to indulge in long trips away. A Day Out not only offers minimal disruption and little commitment but can also be as spontaneous and affordable as required. Even the busiest person can take one day off, and it is possible to plan for a budget-friendly day out with walks, cycling and picnics in the countryside or on the beach.

Adding a few days out into the mix can also give us something to look forward to, offering the chance to indulge a love of history or water sports, spend the day with an old friend or visit a new location. What’s more, research conducted by University College, London suggests that a day out can improve both our physical and mental health. Specific benefits include fresh air, sunshine, increased exercise, along with the social benefits of spending time with loved ones and friends.

DAYS OUT INSPIRATION

Good for mind, body and soul, here are some ideas to inspire your next daycation.

Natural Beauty

The Southeast has an abundance of natural beauty with downland, forest, rivers, reservoirs, beaches, and harbours, all within easy reach. This makes our area a vast natural playground for leisure activities such as hiking, cycling, swimming, boating, sailing, kayaking, horse riding and picnicking.

There are also many award- winning gardens to explore and enjoy. During the summer months, many of our public gardens run educational workshops and entertainment events to enrich the visitor experience.

History & Heritage

With a long and rich history, the Southeast is blessed with grand stately homes, atmospheric castles, interesting museums, ancient churches and sites of historic interest. Whether you’re interested in Roman, Medieval, Tudor, Regency or any other period of history, our cities, towns and villages boast a wealth of authentic attractions to captivate your imagination.

Wildlife Attractions

Along with animal parks, wildlife centres, farms, zoos and aquariums, there is also plenty of scope to enjoy wildlife spotting in the fields and coastlines of our region. Bird spotting can be particularly rewarding and there are any number of Apps available to download to help you recognise and log the different species of bird you spot while out and about.

Thrills & Spills

Theme parks and local fairs can make a great day out for all the family. Usually, there is a wide range of rides, attractions and games on offer to suit all ages and confidence levels. While these can be expensive, theme parks often run promotions offering discounted entry prices, so do some research before booking.

Food & Drink

One of the more positive impacts of climate change is the opportunity for local vineyards to thrive. The Southeast is now one of Europe’s hotspots for winemaking excellence, with many of our producers winning international awards for their wines. Vineyard tours and tastings are a fascinating way to learn the production process from grape to glass, with plenty of opportunity to bring home a souvenir bottle or two.

With wonderful local produce, you might also base a day out around lunch or afternoon tea at one of our top hotels, pubs or restaurants. Or why not book a day learning about foraging and bushcraft. There are also local breweries offering tours and tastings, to add to the mix.

Leisure & Sports

Both indoor and outdoor sports enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of activities during a day out from swimming, boating and sailing, to tennis, padel and indoor climbing walls. For the less active, an indulgent spa day can be a great way to recharge your batteries.

Cultural Attractions

Whatever your interests, our range of museums will engage and enrich you. The Southeast also boasts world-class art galleries to explore, fabulous theatres and everything from multiplex to independent art house cinemas to entertain you. Alternatively, a visit to a historic town, like Arundel offers antique shopping and plenty of local charm.

Whether you want to hike across the South Downs, visit an atmospheric castle or take a boat trip, Sussex boasts stunning countryside and coastal regions to explore, along with a fascinating history and heritage.

Visit our guide to100 Great Things To Do In Sussex at: www.sussexliving.com/100-great-things-to-do-in-sussex-2024

Daycations: The Fun of a Good Day Out

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