When life starts to feel a bit hectic, a change of scenery can work wonders. There’s no better way to find a new activity or mood-boosting destination than with Great Northern. From community activities to peaceful riverside strolls and inspiring historic sites, Great Northern links you to places that invite you to slow down, breathe deeply and reset your perspective.
Here are 5 destinations easily reachable with Great Northern which are ideal for boosting your mental wellbeing.
1. Try nature journaling
Where: Hatfield
Why: Nature journaling encourages reflection, gratitude, and a deeper connection with the natural world, all of which has been scientifically proven to boost your mental health and also improve your attention span. Focusing on specific details, like textures, colours and sounds, brings you into the present moment, reducing anxiety and improving mood. Hatfield Park, with its ancient woodland and beautiful gardens, is the ideal place to give it a try.
How: Take a Great Northern service to Hatfield station. Hatfield Park is directly opposite the railway station.
2. Discover mindful photography
Where: Barnet
Why: Mindful photography encourages you to slow down, observe your surroundings with intention, and appreciate the beauty in the everyday. This can reduce anxious thoughts and enhance your appreciation for the world around you. Oakhill Park offers various natural subjects like trees, flowers and wildlife, making it the perfect place for practising mindful photography.
How: Take a Great Northern service to Oakleigh Park railway station. Oakhill Park is a 10-minute walk from the station. Bring your camera or even just your phone and focus on capturing details that catch your eye. Pay attention to things like light, shadows and textures.
3. Restore and rejuvenate with a gong bath
Where: Cambridge
Why: Gong baths use the powerful vibrations and rich sounds of gongs to induce deep relaxation and promote a sense of well-being. The immersive soundscape can help to quieten the mind, release tension, and help to release pent up stress and emotion. This form of sound therapy allows for deep rest and can be particularly beneficial for reducing anxiety and stress. Gong Bath Cambridge is one destination easily accessible with Great Northern, which offers gong bath sessions by an accredited gong sound practitioner.
How: Take a Great Northern train to Cambridge station. Gong Bath Cambridge is just a 10-minute walk from the railway station.
4. Explore creative expression
Where: Spitalfields
Why: Taking part in creative activities like painting, drawing or pottery can be a powerful way to express emotions, reduce stress and boost self-esteem. Art Play in central London offers workshops on all of the above, plus graffiti, jewellery-making and mosaics. Sessions start at less than £10 and for some activities you can pop in without booking in advance (although we strongly recommend you check availability online first).
How: Catch a Great Northern train to Old Street station. Art Play is located right next to Spitalfields market, just a 15-minute walk from Old Street station.
5. Achieve inner peace with a guided meditation walk
Where: Letchworth Garden City
Why: Combining the benefits of walking in nature with guided meditation and sensory experience enhances both physical and mental well-being. A guided meditation walk encourages mindful movement, self-awareness, and a deeper connection to your surroundings. Networking Through Nature runs local events in Letchworth including sensory mindfulness walks, movement workshops and even a book club.
How: Sign up for an event with Networking Through Nature which appeals to you. Take a Great Northern service to Letchworth Garden City station. The groups set off from various locations near to the station.