Benefits Of Taking Regular Short Holidays 

Taking time off work is essential for mental and physical health, yet many of us don’t take full advantage of our annual leave. A recent study published by HR Magazine revealed that 65% of employees fail to use their full allocation of holiday days each year. This alarming trend can contribute to increased stress levels and, ultimately, burnout. With the ever-growing demands of modern life, short, regular holidays might just be the solution we all need to recharge and improve our health and wellness.

We get to see our guests enjoying their holidays first hand, and we’ve seen how even a weekend away can be genuinely transformative. Whether it’s reconnecting with nature with a holiday by the sea, enjoying quality time with loved ones, or simply taking a break from the hustle and bustle, short holidays provide the perfect opportunity to reset and recharge.

But are holidays good for your health? Absolutely. Regular breaks — even short ones — offer a range of benefits, from improving mental health to fostering creativity and productivity. Holidays provide a chance to reset, gain perspective, and return to daily life refreshed. And that’s the feeling we want our guests to return home with, however long their stay. 

Weekend Breaks vs Long Holidays

While many people choose to book one or two longer holidays annually, there’s growing recognition of the benefits of regular short breaks. A long holiday every six months might seem like the ultimate escape, but the excitement of planning and experiencing shorter UK based getaways more frequently can be equally rewarding.

Weekend beach breaks in the UK, for example, are an easy and accessible way to enjoy some relaxation and explore stunning coastal areas. In just two or three days, you can unwind, recharge, and experience the benefits of a change of scenery without the stress of planning an elaborate trip abroad. Short holidays by the sea or in nature are ideal for quick resets, helping you stay refreshed throughout the year rather than waiting months for a longer holiday. 

Health Benefits of Weekend Breaks

Reduces Stress Levels

Taking a short break from work can do wonders for your stress levels. Green spaces aren’t just beautiful — they’re essential for mental wellbeing. The Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust has found that spending at least two hours a week in nature can lead to better health and improved psychological well being compared to those who miss out on nature altogether.

Whether it’s a peaceful walk through a sunlit forest or the calming sound of waves along the shore, immersing yourself in green spaces provides a simple yet effective way to refresh. And that’s exactly what our holidays are designed to do—connect you with nature at its best.

Better Sleep

Even a short holiday can help regulate your sleep patterns. By taking a break from the usual stresses of work and daily life, you’re more likely to enjoy deep, uninterrupted sleep, which is essential for your health and energy. Our holiday parks provide a peaceful retreat to rest after a day of exploration, allowing you to recharge and sleep soundly amidst the fresh air.

Become More Active

Short breaks often encourage physical activities, whether it’s walking the dog in the woods, cycling along a seaside trail, or simply exploring a new town on foot.  The combination of fresh air, time outdoors, and the opportunity to disconnect from routine can reduce stress, clear your mind, and leave you feeling revitalised. This is how we want all of our guests to feel after their holidays with us.

Good Chance to Reset

A weekend getaway surrounded by the tranquility of nature provides the ideal setting for a much needed reset. The peaceful environment allows you to escape the constant hustle and bustle of everyday life, offering a rare chance to slow down and reconnect with nature alongside your loved ones. Even a brief respite from stress can leave you feeling more balanced, refreshed, and reinvigorated, ready to face new challenges with renewed energy and a clearer perspective.

Break from Screens and Commutes

Break free from the endless scrolling and escaping the daily grind of screen time and long commutes can work wonders for your mental well-being. Short holidays offer the perfect opportunity to disconnect and encourage your children to do the same, giving everyone a chance to recharge and enjoy quality time together away from digital distractions.

Increased Happiness

We might be biased, but who doesn’t love a holiday? Visiting new places or spending time in nature has been shown to boost happiness levels. The anticipation of a trip, coupled with the joy of exploring somewhere new, can leave you returning home feeling fulfilled.

Increased Motivation

Returning to work after a short break often brings a surge of renewed energy and motivation, allowing you to dive back into your day to day with a refreshed mindset. Taking regular time off is not only essential for maintaining balance but also plays a key role in preventing feelings of burnout and stagnation. When you step away from the daily grind, you give yourself the space to recharge both physically and mentally, which helps to clear your mind and reset your focus. As a result, you return to work with a fresh perspective, ready to tackle challenges with a newfound enthusiasm and creativity. Regular breaks ultimately help you stay engaged, improve productivity, and maintain a sense of purpose, making it easier to approach tasks with a positive and focused attitude.

Avoid Burnout

Short breaks can act as a crucial buffer against burnout, preventing the stress and fatigue that accumulate over time. By spreading out your holidays, you give yourself the chance to recharge more frequently, breaking up the intensity of your work schedule. This approach helps avoid prolonged exhaustion, allowing you to relax and restore your energy before fatigue sets in. Regular time off improves your overall well-being, keeping you motivated and resilient while promoting a healthier work-life balance throughout the year.

Enjoy New Scenery

A change of environment, even for a short time, can spark creativity and provide a fresh outlook on life. Whether it’s the stunning coastlines of the UK or charming countryside towns, the beautiful scenery surrounding each of our holiday parks will inspire and uplift. 

How to Maximise Public Holidays

To make the most of your annual leave in 2025, consider planning your short breaks around the UK bank holidays. By adding a day or two before or after these holidays, you can create longer, more relaxing getaways. Here are the key bank holidays in 2025:

England and Wales:

• 1 January (Wednesday): New Year’s Day
• 18 April (Friday): Good Friday
• 21 April (Monday): Easter Monday
• 5 May (Monday): Early May Bank Holiday
• 26 May (Monday): Spring Bank Holiday
• 25 August (Monday): Summer Bank Holiday
• 25 December (Thursday): Christmas Day
• 26 December (Friday): Boxing Day

16 Days Off Over Easter
Book off four days from 14th –17th April and another set from 22nd – 25th April, and you’ll enjoy 16 consecutive days off. With Good Friday (18th April) and Easter Monday (21st April) bank holidays, along with the three weekends in between, you’ll have plenty of time to unwind. This long stretch of time gives you the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge while holiday hotspots are still relatively cooler. From 12th April to 27th April, you can take advantage of the quieter season and indulge in a peaceful retreat, allowing you to enjoy our parks at your own pace.

18 Days Away in May
By May, you may find yourself craving a break to rest at home or even sneak in a getaway that you might usually save for the summer. Take four days off from 6th to 9th May, and you’ll have a full nine days of holiday by combining it with two weekends and the Early May bank holiday on 5th May. If you want to extend your time off even further, book another set of four days from 27th to 30th May, giving you another nine days away by including the Spring Bank Holiday on 26 May. This extended break gives you the perfect opportunity to disconnect from your usual routine and enjoy the beauty of spring, whether that’s taking in the fresh air at a local park or simply enjoying some downtime with loved ones.

9 Summer Days in August
Take four days off from 26th to 29th August, and you’ll enjoy nine consecutive days away from the office, thanks to the summer bank holiday on 25th August and the two weekends. This extra time gives you the perfect opportunity to recharge, explore new places, or simply enjoy a peaceful retreat. It’s a wonderful chance to unwind and refresh before the end of the season and before the kids head back to school.

Where to Go for a Short Break?

Trips to the Coast

The UK offers stunning coastal destinations perfect for short getaways. From Cornwall’s beautiful sandy beaches to the seals nestled in the Norfolk sand dunes, the UK offers an abundance of breathtaking scenery, all just a drive away—no need for a plane.

Forest Lodge Breaks

For a peaceful escape, consider staying in a forest lodge with a hot tub in the New Forest. Surrounded by nature and with direct access to the forest, these retreats are perfect for unwinding, enjoying tranquil walks, spotting wildlife, and stargazing.

Explore UK Towns and Cities

The UK boasts a wealth of vibrant towns and cities, each offering its own distinct charm and attractions. Whether it’s the historic streets of Salisbury, the elegant city of Norwich, or the picturesque cobbled harbour of Padstow, there’s something to captivate everyone.

Pet-Friendly Locations

Don’t leave your furry friends behind! At all of our holiday parks, we’re delighted to offer dog-friendly accommodation so you can bring up to two dogs along with you on your getaway. We understand that your pets are part of the family, and we want to ensure they can enjoy the holiday as much as you do. With plenty of space for walks, fresh air, and adventure, your dogs will feel right at home alongside you in the beautiful surroundings of our holiday parks.

Romantic Stays

Looking for a romantic escape? Our cosy shepherd’s huts, charming safari tents, and spacious lodges offer the ideal setting for a memorable couples’ weekend in an idyllic holiday park setting. 

Let Lovat Parks Give You the Holiday You Need This Weekend

Ready to experience the benefits of a short holiday? Lovat Parks offers a range of stunning locations ideal for a weekend away. Whether you’re looking for seaside relaxation or a countryside retreat, our parks in Cornwall, Norfolk and the New Forest provide everything you need for the perfect escape. Don’t wait — start planning your next holiday today and feel the difference a short break can make!

Book now