Countryside campsite experience pops up in London offering city slickers a taste of rural life

A COUNTRYSIDE holiday experience is now possible during a city break in the heart of London.

Taking time off to enjoy the great outdoors has proven to be beneficial for both our physical and mental health, according to experts.

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And now Londoners have the opportunity to find their inner zen without even leaving their city, with a luxury campsite experience at London's King's Cross station.

Relaxing in modern, transparent pods, holidaymakers can enjoy views of the iconic skyline while going on a guided meditation adventure.

TV personality and president of The Camping and Caravanning Club, Julia Bradbury, joined the Outjoyment Pod to help promote the benefits of being outdoors.

Julia said: “Spending time outdoors has proven benefits for both your mental and physical wellbeing.

"The Outjoyment Report has revealed those who camp are happier, more connected to nature and enjoy better wellbeing than those who don’t. 

“With the research clearly highlighting the positive impact of being outdoors, we took to the streets of London with a pop-up camping pod to encourage the public to take a few moments out of their busy day.

"Relaxing, unwinding and enjoying a few calming breaths – people could swap their busy city lives for just a few moments of pure outjoyment.”

The immersive pods were created after university research found those who go camping are happier than those who don’t.

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The study of 10,992 people found nearly half of campers feel generally happy, compared to just 35 per cent of non-campers.

Campers also have significantly higher levels of psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing, with 44 per cent of campers ‘flourishing’ compared to just 31 per cent of non-campers, figures revealed.

Those who participate in the outdoor pastime are 23 per cent less anxious than those who don’t, according to statistics.

The Outjoyment Report was carried out by academic experts at Liverpool John Moores University and Sheffield Hallam University, in association with The Camping and Caravanning Club.

The study also found over 90 per cent of campers embark on the hobby as it makes them feel relaxed.

While 97 per cent claim it makes them feel happy, and 93 per cent valuing the outdoor activity for the benefits it gives to their health and wellbeing.

GREEN SPACES

The Camping and Caravanning Club also surveyed 2,000 adults who live in an urban or suburban area, via OnePoll, to explore how often they can visit green spaces.

It found less than 10 per cent can’t remember the last time they camped and almost half haven’t done so in longer than five years.

But a similar percentage believe it would be beneficial for their mental health.

While 30 per cent would like to get out of the city more often.

But again, nearly half said living in the city or suburbs means they don’t get to enjoy nature as much as they’d like.

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More than seven in 10 also felt their physical wellbeing typically improves when they spend time outside and nearly 80 per cent felt it boosted their mental health.

“We believe our findings are crucial in promoting positive health and wellbeing, while shining a spotlight on the benefits of camping and its pathway to encouraging higher levels of nature connectedness, physical activity and mental health," added Julia, who has an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University.

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