England’s Most Soothing Cities For An Autumn or Winter Retreat

As autumnal breezes sweep across England and longer nights beckon, it’s the perfect time to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a relaxing break in the city. In our fast-paced world, relaxation is arguably more important than ever before. Taking some time away should not be considered a mere luxury, but rather a valuable investment in our psychological and physical wellbeing. 

Vibrant foliage, earthy scents, and the season’s transitory nature invoke a certain sense of nostalgia, inviting introspection and reflection. In autumn and winter, we must embrace the art of slowing down. 

At UK Saunas, we understand just how important effective relaxation can be. Welcome to our guide to England’s most serene cities, a blog post to serve as a gentle reminder to unplug, unwind, and rediscover tranquillity. 

Our methodology

In this study, we created an index by ranking English cities by a number of factors. Each city was assigned a number based on its position in each category, which was then totaled to determine its final rank. 

1. Mental health*
2. Children’s social, emotional, and mental health* 
3. Personal well-being*
4. Happiness*
5. Life satisfaction*
6. Access to green space* 
7. Crime rate*
8. Noise pollution*
9. Places to visit**

* Data gained from Health Index Scores released by the Office of National Statistics (2021) 

** Data gained from Tripadvisor. We identified popular landmarks and visitor destinations in each city and filtered reviews for positive mentions of terms associated with relaxation which we then represented as a percentage of the total number of reviews. 

The Top 10 Most Relaxing Cities: Data Breakdown

Winchester

1. Mental health: Ranked 13th
2. Children’s social, emotional, and mental health: Ranked 1st 
3. Personal well-being: Ranked 2nd 
4. Happiness: Ranked 3rd 
5. Life satisfaction: Ranked 3rd 
6. Access to green space: Ranked 29th
7. Crime rate: Ranked 4th 
8. Noise pollution: Ranked 5th 
9. Relaxing places to visit: Ranked 43rd 

Nestled in the heart of peaceful Hampshire, Winchester is steeped in rich history and vibrant culture, making it an ideal destination for tourists searching for a relaxing city break. With cobbled streets and beautiful architecture, Winchester exudes a timeless charm, inviting visitors to unwind and explore at a leisurely pace. 

At the heart of the city sits Winchester Cathedral, an iconic structure and a masterpiece of medieval architecture. The cathedral’s sprawling gardens and grounds, filled with lush greenery, offer a quiet place for contemplation. The celebrated Winchester College, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious schools, lies adjacent to the cathedral. 

In the city centre, there are an array of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Winchester City Mill, a working watermill with a lengthy history, creates a charming juxtaposition amid contemporary boutiques and eateries. 

Winchester is committed to their green spaces. St Catherine’s Hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, take a slow stroll through the water meadows along the River Itchen. Winchester’s unique blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and leisurely ambiance positions it perfectly as a destination for those seeking a calming getaway. 

Top-rated places to stay

1. Lainston House Hotel 
2. The Wykehamn Arms 
3. Holiday Inn Winchester
4. Hotel du Vin & Bistro
5. Winchester Royal Hotel

Top-rated things to do

1. Winchester Cathedral 
2. The Royal Green Jackets Museum 
3. Winchester College 
4. Hospital of St Cross 
5. Winchester City Mill

Top-Rated Places to Eat

1. The Golden Lion
2. Gurkha Spice 
3. Bangkok Bistro
4. Kyoto Kitchen 
5. Palm Pan Asia

Lichfield

1. Mental health: Ranked 18th
2. Children’s social, emotional, and mental health: Ranked 31st 
3. Personal well-being: Ranked 1st
4. Happiness: Ranked 1st
5. Life satisfaction: Ranked 1st
6. Access to green space: Ranked 7th
7. Crime rate: Ranked 2nd
8. Noise pollution: Ranked 13th 
9. Relaxing places to visit: Ranked 28th

Lichfield, which is situated in Staffordshire, is surrounded by rolling hills and quintessential English countryside. Lichfield’s crowning jewel, the magnificent cathedral, dominates the city’s skyline. Once home to the renowned lexicographer Samuel Johnson, Lichfield boasts substantial literary significance. The city’s streets, packed with timber-framed buildings and Georgian architecture, tell bewitching tales of a bygone era and are perfect for unhurried exploration. 

The city boasts Stowe Pool, which is a picturesque reservoir surrounded by parkland. This idyllic green space provides the perfect backdrop for contemplative wanders and boat rides. The Garden of Remembrance and Beacon Park, with their well-manicured lawns and flowerbeds, are easily accessible from the centre of the city. 

Lichfield has a variety of bars, including traditional pubs, craft beer bars, and cocktail bars. Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, a celebrated fine dining establishment, boasts a Michelin star. 

Top-rated places to stay

1. Premier Inn, Lichfield City Centre 
2. The Cathedral Hotel
3. Holiday Inn Express 
4. The George Hotel
5. The Hedgehog Inn

Top-rated things to do

1. Lichfield Cathedral 
2. Garrick Theatre 
3. Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
4. Beacon Park
5. Erasmus Darwin House

Top-rated places to eat

1. Dubberley Delicious 
2. Upstairs By Tom Shepherd
3. The Bull’s Head 
4. The Feathers Inn
5. Inkwell

Oxford

1. Mental health: Ranked 8th
2. Children’s social, emotional, and mental health: Ranked 25th
3. Personal well-being: Ranked 5th
4. Happiness: Ranked 4th
5. Life satisfaction: Ranked 6th
6. Access to green space: Ranked 24th
7. Crime rate: Ranked 11th
8. Noise pollution: Ranked 12th 
9. Relaxing places to visit: Ranked 28th

Oxford, a renowned city synonymous with both scholarly pursuits and architectural splendor, is perfect for those looking for a tranquil city break this winter. The famed University of Oxford, with its esteemed colleges, storied halls, and manicured quads, is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. 

Take a leisurely stroll through the Bodleian Library, a bastion of knowledge and learning which dates back centuries. The serene botanical gardens are a wonderful place to admire the wonders of the natural world. The peaceful Port Meadow, with its meandering river, exudes rustic charm. 

Oxford’s cultural scene thrives at the Ashmolean Museum, where visitors can view artifacts spanning millennia of history. For those who enjoy performing arts, the Sheldonian Theatre hosts a variety of productions and is an architectural gem in its own right. 

In this beautiful city, relaxation intertwines seamlessly with intellectual stimulation and historical significance, allowing visitors to unwind while engaging with Oxford’s rich heritage. Cobblestone streets are punctuated by centuries-old tearooms, quirky boutiques, and chic cocktail bars. In this eclectic city, there’s truly something for everyone.

Top-rated places to stay

1. easyHotel Oxford 
2. Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre 
3. Old Bank Hotel
4. Old Parsonage Hotel
5. The Holt Hotel

Top-rated things to do

1. Bodleian Library
2. Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology 
3. Oxford Museum of National History 
4. Pitt Rivers Museum
5. University of Oxford

Top-Rated Places to Eat

1. Tribe
2. Za’atar Bake 
3. Antep Kitchen
4. Sartorelli’s Pizza 
5. The Gurkha Palace & The Chequers Inn

Ripon

1. Mental health: Ranked 5th
2. Children’s social, emotional, and mental health: Ranked 12th
3. Personal well-being: Ranked 3rd
4. Happiness: Ranked 2nd
5. Life satisfaction: Ranked 5th
6. Access to green space: Ranked 12th
7. Crime rate: Ranked 5th 
8. Noise pollution: Ranked 7th 
9. Relaxing places to visit: Ranked 39th

Situated in the quintessential countryside of North Yorkshire, affectionately termed God’s own country, Ripon combines idyllic landscapes with a fantastic heritage. The city boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites; The Studley Royal Water Garden and Fountains Abbey. Fountains Abbey recently ranked in our list of the UK’s most peaceful parks and gardens. 

The Ripon Spa Gardens, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, features flowerbeds, water features, and scenic walkways. Stroll through streets imbued with historical significance as you pass the ancient Wakeman’s House and the traditional market stalls, or take a more corporeal glimpse into the past with one of Ripon’s celebrated museums. 

The Cathedral, a jewel in Ripon’s crown, is truly magnificent. This structure dates back over a millennium and its well-tended grounds and gardens offer a sanctuary for quiet contemplation. The Ripon Racecourse, meanwhile, is perfect for visitors looking to add a touch of excitement to their relaxing break.

Top-rated places to stay

1. Swinton Park Hotel 
2. Grantley Hall
3. The Royal Oak Hotel
4. The Unicorn
5. Mallard Grange 

Top-rated things to do

1. Fountains Abbey 
2. Ripon Cathedral 
3. Workhouse Museum & Garden 
4. Newby Hall and Gardens 
5. The Ripon Hallblower

Top-Rated Places to Eat 

1. Realitea 
2. Wilfrid’s Cafe 
3. Storehouse Kitchen
4. The Staveley Arms 
5. Chimes Cafe

From Winchester to Ripon, these cities are imbued with urban charm, breathtaking architecture, and picturesque parks and gardens. Each of the destinations listed within our guide promises serene strolls, historic exploration, and memorable moments of quiet reflection. Discover the simple joys of a tranquil retreat, and embark on a relaxing winter city break today.