Do you feel like you need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Then it’s time to go camping!

At Beverley Holidays, we believe that camping is a fantastic way to boost your mental health and wellness. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also promoting feelings of happiness and well-being.

Camping provides a unique opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature, allowing you to take a break from the pressures of daily life. Additionally, the physical activity involved, such as hiking or cycling, can release endorphins that lift your mood and leave you feeling refreshed.

So why not book your next trip with us and experience the benefits of camping for yourself?

According to The Outjoyment Report, a major research study commissioned by The Camping and Caravanning Club and conducted by academics at Liverpool John Moores University and Sheffield Hallam University, the great outdoors can significantly improve your well-being and mental health.

The study surveyed nearly 11,000 campers and non-campers to assess their attitudes towards the benefits of all types of camping, from pitching up in a tent to going glamping. The key findings are eye-opening:

• Happiness: 97% of campers say happiness is their top motivator for going camping. Compared to non-campers, 48% of campers reported feeling happy almost every day, compared to 35% of non-campers.
• Connection to nature: 93% of campers go to enjoy being in nature – the second highest motivator after happiness – and they score highly on measures of nature connection.
• Better well-being: 93% of campers value the benefits it gives to their health and well-being – an increase from 85% in a similar report from 2011 called the Real Richness Report.
• Flourishing: 44% of campers are flourishing (have optimal mental health) compared with 31% of non-campers. This increases for those who camp more often.
• Less stressed: 88% of campers are motivated to take time out of everyday life and have higher levels of psychological well-being than non-campers.
• Active outdoors: 98% of campers take part in outdoor activities. 91% go walking, 39% cycle and 26% enjoy bird-watching.

Dr Kaye Richards, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University, said: “Camping connects people – to the outdoors, to nature, to each other, and most importantly to themselves. Positive emotions generated from outdoor enjoyment help to alleviate everyday stressors and promote feelings of life satisfaction. It is no surprise then, that the more people camp the more this can improve happiness and well-being.”

How does camping benefit children?

Camping can benefit children in a number of ways. Firstly, spending time in nature can help to improve a child’s physical health by encouraging them to be active, whether that’s through walking, biking, or playing outdoor games.

Additionally, being in nature has been shown to improve mental health, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Camping can also help children to develop important life skills.  Whilst camping, children often help with tasks such as setting up camp, pitching the tent, cooking meals, and washing up and clearing down -this can help skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and independence.

Finally, it provides a unique opportunity for families to bond and spend quality time together, away from the distractions of everyday life, and electronic devices! Overall, camping can offer children a range of benefits that promote physical, mental, and social well-being, while also helping them to develop important life skills that will serve them well in the future.

The report also examined the importance of children going camping as part of their formal education. It showed how survey respondents felt about healthcare professionals prescribing spending time in natural settings as a remedy for poor mental health. The results were equally positive:

• 83% of respondents felt positive about healthcare professionals prescribing spending time in nature as an effective remedy for poor mental health, a significant rise from 58% in the previous study.
• 94% believe children should learn outdoors, while 93% think pupils should camp as part of their formal education – a big rise from the 59% of the 2011 report.

Sabina Voysey, The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Director General, said: “Camping in all its different forms puts us on the doorstep of the great outdoors and provides a clear pathway to a healthier and happier lifestyle – one in which people appreciate nature more and are active outdoors. Our vision is for a society in which camping and memorable outdoor experiences can play a full part in building a happier, healthier nation.”

Why go camping in Devon?

Camping in Devon offers a huge range of benefits that make it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Firstly, the county boasts stunning natural scenery, from the rugged coastline of Torbay to the rolling hills of Dartmoor National Park, which provide the perfect backdrop for camping trips.

Additionally,  we offer a variety of options, from traditional tents to hard-standing motorhome pitches. If you love the great outdoors, activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports are abundant in the area, providing plenty of opportunities for adventure and exercise.

Plus, when you camp at Beverley, you’ll also get access to a great range of on-site facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools, mini golf, adventure play and first-class evening entertainment!  All of these factors make camping in Devon a fantastic way to connect with nature, stay active, and experience the best that the South West of England has to offer.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack up your tent, caravan, or motorhome and head out into nature for a camping adventure that will benefit your well-being and mental health.