Exploring the English countryside gives us the space to reset — to unplug, slow down, and reconnect with what matters. For us, grounding, wellness, and the occasional digital detox get us through the year. And there’s really only one way we want to spend 2025: outside.
In a world that moves fast, feels overwhelming, and rarely switches off, we think it’s more important than ever to step away — to reconnect with nature, quiet the noise, and just b r e a t h e. The best way to do that? Go off-grid. And aren’t we incredibly lucky to be able to do that on our doorstep.
Our Base: Pickering
Tent camping doesn’t have to mean giving up comfort or a good night’s sleep — especially when you find peaceful little spots in the English countryside.
We stayed at the amazing Low Farm Campsite, just outside of Pickering, in Thornton-Le-Dale. With limited service and no WiFi, you can truly unplug from the outside world. It’s affordable, has super clean toilet facilities, and even a few friendly guinea pigs for company. It’s quiet, peaceful, and nestled beside Dalby Forest. You’ll wake up to birdsong and the occasional sheep bleating — nothing else. Both Pickering and Thornton-Le-Dale are charming little towns, full of cosy cafés, a few hidden antique shops, and that unmistakable countryside warmth.
Just up the road, you’ll find Cedarbarn Farm Shop – perfect for picking up grass-fed meat, fresh produce, or local treats for a BBQ.
TIP 💡 most campsites only allow BBQs that sit off the ground. We use the Toolbox BBQ – ideal for 2-4 people!
Goathland & The Train Station
If you grew up watching Harry Potter, stepping onto the platform at Goathland Station — aka Hogsmeade — brings a wave of nostalgia. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the village and you can pop by to watch the steam trains pass. The chalkboard timetables, vintage signage, and old-school waiting rooms are still intact. It’s a must-see, iconic location in British railway history.
Even if you’re not into magic, Goathland has plenty of charm. It’s surrounded by rolling moorland and full of sheep who seem to roam wherever they please. You might also recognise it as Aidensfield from ITV’s Heartbeat! You’ll still spot vintage police cars and 1960s mopeds on the village streets.
The village is packed with beautiful surrounding walking trails, where you can visit iconic waterfalls such as Mallyan Spout, Thomason Foss, and Nelly Aire Foss. However, exploring the local communities and side streets can be just as delightful, you’ll often come across honesty stalls selling locally made goods like jam, chutney and fresh eggs🍓🐣. It’s wholesome and heart warming, and perfectly in line with our love for wholefoods, seasonal produce, and supporting local. It’s truly encouraging to see, in a world that’s so largely digitally dominated, with the kind of countryside charm you just don’t get in cities.
Robin Hood’s Bay
This coastal village is best known for its cobbled streets that wind down to a rugged beach, with little cottages tucked into the cliffs like something out of a storybook. There’s not much to “do” here in the traditional sense — but that’s exactly the point. We usually wander down to the shore, grab an ice cream, and take it all in. Slow, simple, peaceful. Also, very much suited for pooches and families.
If you have some time here, we recommend visiting a little book shop called Robin Hood’s Bay Bookshop. It’s tucked away down a cobbled side street, a lovely little bookworms’ paradise.
As you can expect, it can get very busy during peak seasons, however there are a two council owned car parks accessible to the bay. We always go for Station Car Park, it’s affordable and has free public toilets attached to it.
The Hole of Horcum Hike
For a proper countryside fix, the Hole of Horcum is a must. It’s one of those landscapes that suddenly opens up in front of you — a huge natural amphitheatre carved out of the moors. You can do a few versions of this walk, where you can venture in to Levisham Moor and pass by the Skelton Tower ruins. The walk is just the right level of effort: rewarding views, peaceful trails, and the kind of headspace you crave if you’re looking for off-grid living. It’ll allow you to fully immersive yourself in the beauty of the North York Moors.
We don’t often pack a full itinerary when we explore the English countryside — just a few layers, walking boots, and the mindset to log off. There are so many beautiful hidden gems in this part of the UK, that it’s the kind of weekend that reminds you how much you needed a breather, no matter how much or little you see. No endless notifications, no pressure – just fresh air, long walks, and respecting the locals 🦆🐮🐷.
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