This Lakeside Town Was Just Named the Best 'Quietcation' in England

When I started traveling, I felt like I had to pack every day on holiday to the brim, but I often left feeling like I needed another to recover immediately afterwards. Now, unless I am traveling for work, I prefer a slower pace and days spent strolling around, people-watching, and really taking in the places I'm visiting—the traveler version of less is more, if you will.The United Kingdom might not be the first place that comes to mind for island hopping or skiing, but it certainly is perfect for spending a few quiet days in nature. If your idea of a proper break involves switching off your phone, going for long walks, and generally doing as little as possible, a British quietcation might be exactly what you need.The quietcation travel trend is all about escaping the noise and slowing things down, swapping packed itineraries and busy cities for nature, fresh air, and peaceful activities. No matter where you are, there are plenty of places across Britain where you can find the perfect setting for one.A new study by train operator London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has analyzed over 100 destinations across England and Scotland to find some of the best places in the country for a quiet escape. As reported on its website, researchers “looked at factors including population density, air quality, and dark skies, alongside access to green and blue spaces, protected landscapes, and low-stimulation activities such as walking trails, tea rooms, and independent bookshops.” Plus, of course, how easy each place is to reach by public transport.Taking the top spot in England is Windermere, in the heart of the Lake District, with a quietcation score of 58.4 out of 100. Perhaps unsurprising for somewhere surrounded by some of England's most spectacular countryside, walking played a big part in Windermere's win. According to LNER's research, the destination has a whopping 475 nearby walking trails, more than any other English destination included in the study. It also recorded six tea rooms, two bookshops, 16.28 acres of blue space, and 21.92 acres of green space.Windermere's lush, forested landscape is ideal for afternoons spent outside. Getty ImagesAnd there are few better places to slow down than beside England's largest lake. Windermere stretches for 10.5 miles through the Lake District, surrounded by rolling fells and woodland, with 18 islands scattered across the water.For a short walk, head up Orrest Head, which can be reached directly from Windermere town and rewards walkers with panoramic views over the lake and the Langdale Pikes. Alternatively, leave the busier eastern shore behind and take the ferry across the water. The National Trust recommends Windermere's western shore for exploring on foot or by bike, with a four-mile lakeside path running towards Wray Castle through woodland and along the water's edge.Along the way, stop at Claife Viewing Station, which was originally built in the 1790s for early visitors to admire the landscape. The viewpoint looks across Windermere and was once fitted with colored glass designed to make the scenery appear as though it were being viewed in different seasons.Of course, you don't necessarily have to do much walking at all. Windermere Lake Cruises run throughout the year, making it possible to simply sit back and watch the fells roll past from the water. During the warmer months, you can also hire a traditional rowing boat if you'd rather explore at your own pace.Windermere narrowly beat Bamburgh in Northumberland, which came second in England with a score of 55.6, while Devon's Salcombe took third place with 55.4. Scotland performed even better in the research: Aviemore topped the Scottish ranking with an impressive score of 74.1 out of 100, followed by Callander at 62.4, and Dunkeld and Birnam at 54.8.“We all need a break every now and then, whether that's a weekend away from the emails, the traffic, and the everyday noise, or just a change of scenery for a few days,” commercial director at LNER David Flesher says. So, if your next holiday could do with fewer plans and a little more peace and quiet, Windermere might be just the place.A version of this story originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK.