Page 2: Author: Emilia Sierzynska

Get away with the kids this October half term to one of these ten outstanding staycation destinations.

The Cairngorms

Starting at the top, the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands is the ultimate destination for an adventure holiday.

With its dramatic landscape and spectacular scenery, you won’t find a better place for walking, cycling, or hiking. And if that’s not enough, the Landmark Forest Adventure Park has loads of things to do for the whole family, from hair-raising treetop escapades to the amazing Butterfly House. While over at the Loch Insh tions.

Whether you’re looking for relaxing, quality time together or action-packed activities, the UK has it all—just don’t forget your brolly.
Outdoor Centre, you’ll find skating, skiing, archery, sailing and more. Phew. We’re tired already.

Edinburgh

Just a wee short hop away is the nation’s capital, Edinburgh. Here, history is piled on history, with the dramatic Edinburgh Castle sitting proudly on top. And, if you dare, you can take a ghost walk beneath the old town and learn about Edinburgh’s dark side. As you’d expect, there’s also a wealth of museums and art galleries to explore. The National Museum of Scotland is a great place to take the kids, with interactive exhibits, workshops, and special events throughout the holidays.

If you’d rather be outdoors, escape the city centre and head to the Royal Botanic Garden, home to an enormous collection of flora and fauna from all over the world. When you’re done, climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat and enjoy the view.

The Lake District

Recently voted the second most beautiful national park in the world on social media (narrowly beaten by the Grand Canyon National Park), the Lake District really is one of the most spectacular and peaceful places to visit in the UK. It’s also one of the most popular. So, whether you’re going to don your hiking boots and brave a climb with a nine-year-old or stick to the easy-going, lakeside paths, you’ll find lots to see and do.

When you’ve had your fill of walking, take some tea in Windermere and stop by The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, where you’ll find Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and all Beatrix Potter’s famous characters. And, if your kids are super-fans, take a drive across Windermere to Hill Top and discover the inspiration behind the tales.

Northumberland

If you’d prefer peace and quiet and miles of sandy beaches, head over to the other side of the country to Northumberland. You can get your fill of history, from the 2000-year-old Hadrian’s Wall with the remains of forts and towns that once stood over the northwest frontier of the Roman Empire, to a fortress of castles including the imposing Bamburgh Castle and Alnwick Castle, the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK.

And with incredible sweeping dark skies at night, Northumberland is one of the best places for stargazing. Wrap up warm and head over to the Dark Skies event at the Kielder and Battlesteads Observatories to learn about the secrets of the universe. These events tend to sell out, so book well in advance to avoid disappointment.


Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)

If your kids are the adventurous type (and you can keep up with them), Eryri could be the perfect short break for you. Here, just outside Betws-y-Coed, you’ll find Zip World Forest, where you can ride the UK’s only alpine coaster of its kind, or let the kids get high 60ft off the ground in the Treetop Nets.

You can’t get much more beautiful than the stunning Yr Wyddfa (or Snowdon). But beware, the Mountain Railway doesn’t run beyond the end of October, so if you’re doing the climb, be sure to check the weather forecast and prepare yourself with the right equipment well in advance. Eryri in Gwynedd is also one of the windiest places in the UK, so be sure to pack a windproof umbrella if you’re going there.

Norfolk

Making our way down the aisle, back over to the other side, we’re going from rugged mountains to one of the flattest areas in the UK, Norfolk. Despite its low-lying land, Norfolk has its own beauty and charm. Enjoy Cromer’s miles and miles of beautiful coastline—one of the only places in the UK where you can watch the sun rise and set over the water from the same place.

Stop off in Great Yarmouth and enjoy the classic seaside experience for half-term. The kids will love the Pleasure Beach, the Hippodrome, and the Sealife Centre.

Norfolk is famous for The Waterways, a scenic park where you can stroll, relax, or take to the waters of the Boating Lake. And the coast is peppered with seaside resorts and market towns to explore.

Dorset

Nestled along the iconic Jurassic Coast, Dorset boasts a romantic landscape perfect for adventure seekers and those looking for a slower pace. Fossil hunting is an obligatory pursuit along this ancient shoreline, and you can even follow dinosaur tracks outside Langton Matravers.

Inland, the Moors Valley Country Park is the perfect place for leisurely strolls and cycling or, for the daring, take to the trees with the Go Ape Treetop Challenge. When you come down, seek out the Moors Valley Railway, which winds its way around the park.


Devon

Heading back to the South of England, let’s explore Devon. This region is known for its expansive sandy beaches and big skies. Venturing inland, the Dartmoor National Park has plenty of B&Bs and Hotels where you’ll find the warmest welcome and the best breakfasts. For family-friendly walks, wildlife, cycling, horseback riding, and rock climbing, Devon is hard to beat.

If the kids love animals, take them to the UK’s largest National Marine Aquarium or Pennywell Farm for an up close and personal animal experience. Or, look for more exotic creatures, try Paignton Zoo, which celebrates its 100th birthday this year.

Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight has it all, from scenic landscapes with long beachfront for bracing walks to coastal trails and nature reserves, where you’ll find red squirrels and even the rare and elusive wild cat, which is so similar to a domestic tabby cat that interbreeding has become a serious threat to its survival.

At just 23 miles by 13, getting around the Isle of Wight is easy using local transport, so it’s a great option if you want to leave the car at home.

And if you fancy yourself as a ghost hunter, the Isle of Wight has a reputation for spooky tales and strange goings on, earning it the name “Ghost Island”. Perfect for a trip just before Hallowe’en. Scooby-dooby-doo!

Whatever your age or interests, the UK has so much to offer for families looking for a getaway this half-term holiday. So, pack your brolly and head out somewhere you’ve never been and try something you’ve never done before. It’s all waiting to be discovered – which one is on your half-term bucket list?

Where Are The Best Outdoor Cinemas and Theatres To Catch A Show This Summer?

The weather in the UK is famous for its unpredictability. As if to prove just that, we’ve been experiencing a decidedly rainy summer so far. Nevertheless, that doesn’t stop us from hosting some amazing outdoor entertainment.

Relaxing back in a deck chair or on a picnic blanket with your favourite snacks while a great film plays in the background or watching a dramatic play beneath the stars sounds like a great way to make the most of the lighter evenings. So, grab your designer umbrellas for our top picks of outdoor cinemas and theatres to visit before the summer is over.

Rooftop Film Club, London 

The Rooftop Film Club in London is an established outdoor cinema that, as you might have guessed, is held atop various London buildings. This year, the club currently has showings at Roof East in Stratford and the Bussy Building in Peckham.

The club is currently showing various films over August, from new releases like the highly anticipated summer movies Barbie and Oppenheimer to beloved classics, including Amelie and Jurassic Park.

The Luna Cinema, various locations 

The Luna Cinema is a touring outdoor cinema that hosts films at various locations throughout the UK, so it’s great for picking somewhere that’s close to you. The locations are also often within glorious country estates, next to medieval castles or ruins, or in parkland – the perfect setting to watch some of your favourite films.

In August, you’ll be able to watch Harry Potter against the dramatic view of Lulworth Castle in Dorset or enjoy Pride and Prejudice at Chatsworth House – the same place featured as Pemberly in the film itself. Other locations include Guildford Cathedral, Chester Zoo, and Bolton Abbey.

 The Minack Theatre, Cornwall 

The Minack Theatre is a tourist attraction in its own right and is visited by over 250,000 people each year. And how could it not be? Nestled on the edges of the cliffs of Penzance, the Minack Theatre is in a stunning location that’s perfect for experiencing a show.

In August and September, you’ll be able to go and see a variety of plays, from The Scottish Play, a humorous retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, to Tennessee Williams’s A Streetcar Named Desire and the Tony-winning musical Evita. For families, a stage adaptation of Tom’s Midnight Garden is also shown.

The Minack Theatre is also open to the public to discover more about this amazing venue. However, we recommend booking in advance to secure a timeslot and avoid disappointment.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is Britain’s oldest professional outdoor theatre and has been putting on performances for audiences for almost 100 years.

Throughout the remaining summer season for 2023, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre will be bringing the glamour with the classic Broadway musical La Cage Aux Folles. Or for children under 12, until early September, you can also be thrilled by the lifelike puppets of Dinosaur World Live.

All seating is completely uncovered, and the theatre only cancels shows on rare occasions when the weather is particularly bad, so you’ll definitely want to pack an umbrella just in case to protect yourself from any showers.

Brighton Open Air Theatre, Brighton 

The Brighton Open Air Theatre, more informally known as BOAT, is set in beautiful parkland just on the edge between Brighton and Hove.

Throughout August and September, there will be a huge variety of shows to go and watch, including classic adaptations such as Robin Hood, Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and Jane Austen’s Persuasion. There are also plenty of music and comedy performances to see this summer, including Cavern To Imagine by The Vox Beatles, Drag In The Park, and Stand Up Under The Stars with some of the UK’s funniest comics.

Shakespeare’s Globe, London
Last but not at all least is Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the banks of the River Thames in London. The original theatre that opened in 1599 and became known for its performances of Shakespeare’s plays is long gone. However, the tradition continues in the new Globe Theatre that was opened in 1997 after years of campaigning.

Like the Minack, the Globe is also open for guided tours where you can learn more about the history of the area. If you’re more interested in experiencing what it might have been like to go and see a show, you’ll be able to see performances of Macbeth and As You Like It until the end of October.

The other venue on the site (which happens to be indoors should the weather turn on you) is the Sam Wannamaker Playhouse, which throughout August, is showing the family-friendly Midsummer Mechanicals, based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

There’s so much to choose from, whether you’re more interested in laughing until your sides hurt, anguishing at a dramatic tragedy, or enjoying a good time with your family – just don’t forget to have an umbrella on hand, just in case! Have you decided what you’re going to see before summer is over?

How to Weatherproof Your UK Outdoor Wedding

Content: Whether you’re saying your vows under a forest canopy, enjoying a garden party in a sprawling country estate, or overlooking an endless glistening ocean, spending your big day in the great outdoors can create a breathtaking experience for you and your guests. However, no matter how much you plan the details of your wedding, if you’re in the UK then one thing you’ll always be unable to control is the weather.

Some believe that the heavens opening on your wedding day is good luck, but between soggy guests and muddy fields, there’s no denying that it can make things difficult. Nevertheless, rain doesn’t have to be a bad thing and you can have a day that’s just as magical and memorable. Here are our top practical tips for embracing the rain whilst staying comfortable.

1. Make sure there’s cover available

If the forecast is looking rainy, the first thing you should do is make sure that your venue has an indoor or covered area that you can use. Renting a tent, marquee or gazebo is also a must to keep your guests dry, especially if you’re planning on having a laid-back barbeque or food trucks.

Ahead of time, you might also want to do a practice run-through of how you’re going to quickly move everything indoors, should the weather be too bad to stay outside.

2. Keep your vendors informed 

If there is rain on your wedding day, there’s a good chance it’s going to change your schedule in one way or another. Whenever your plans change, it’s a good idea to keep everyone informed of what’s happening, including your photographer, stylist, florist, caterer etc. Your planner can help you with this, or you can ask close friends or family to help everybody coordinate so they know what the plan is.

3. Choose footwear wisely

I think we can all agree walking around with wet feet, or damp shoes and socks is uncomfortable and not enjoyable on any day. For outdoor weddings, waterproof sprays might help in keeping the rain from seeping into your footwear. Another good tip is to leave the stiletto heels at home as they may cause you to sink and damage both the ground and your shoes. If the venue is likely to get a little muddy, you could truly dress for the occasion and opt for matching wedding wellies.

Another thing to consider is bringing spare footwear that you can reserve for the photographs and then swap out for a pair that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Remember to also send a message to your guests ahead of schedule so they have time to find themselves appropriate footwear.

4. Provide umbrellas

Having an umbrella is a necessity for a rainy outdoor wedding. Our windproof umbrellas can certainly keep the rain off your back. Or for the photos, our transparent umbrellas will help you capture the perfect shot without obscuring the view.

You could either stock your venue with a bucket of spare umbrellas that people can use, or send guests a message ahead of time to let them know that they’ll need to bring one. You could even consider asking guests to bring colours or patterns according to your theme so everyone can be matching in the photographs!

5. Keep a few towels on hand 

It’s always handy to have a few towels at your venue if rain is forecast, both for the wedding party and guests to dry off with or to wipe down outdoor seating and tables once the rain has stopped.

6. Hair and makeup 

Your stylist will help you pick the best makeup and hairstyles for a rainy day. Just be aware that your original plans may have to change. If you were planning on wearing your hair down, for example, you might have to consider an up-do instead, so it doesn’t end up flat or frizzy.

7. Check the forecast

While this might be the last thing you want to do, if you’ve got a rough idea of when the rain is going to fall on the day, you can make sure to plan around it. But try not to tie yourself up in knots thinking about the rain – after all, the weather is difficult to forecast.

You probably weren’t planning on a rainy wedding, but just think about all the ways it can make your day just as special and memorable. Intimate photographs of the happy couple cosied up under a stylish umbrella, guests splashing in puddles, moody atmospheric photos – your photographer probably has lots of ideas on how to make the most of it.

The rain may change some plans, but what it won’t change is the fact that this is a day to celebrate love, so embrace it!

In the UK, it’s a well-established tradition to host outdoor street and garden parties to mark national events including coronations, weddings, and jubilees.

A street party is a perfect way to build community spirit, eat lots of treats, and have an all-around good time over the long coronation weekend. By now you’ve probably set the date and gotten the go-ahead from your local council, next up is making the final preparations and getting everything together. So, whether you’re hosting a formal street party or an informal ‘street meet’, here are some tips and inspiration for putting on a fabulous coronation celebration.

Comfort and safety

Before we get into how to decorate your street party, it is worth going over some practical tips to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable on the day. If you’ll be closing your street for the party, make sure to put up road closure barriers and signage to let drivers know that there will be lots of people in the street and access will be limited.

When it comes to setting up for your party, make sure to enlist help from neighbours to set up the tables and chairs rather than taking it upon yourself. If you and your neighbours don’t have enough outdoor seating for everyone to be comfortable, you could contact your local community centre to see if they could loan you some for the day. Also, don’t forget to set up bins and recycling areas in the street – it will save you all a lot of pain when it comes to tidying up after the party.

Preparing for any weather is another important consideration. In the event of a shower, a gazebo or marquee won’t go amiss to protect your food – after all, no one will want to tuck into soggy scones. Dash inside, grab your windproof umbrellas to keep yourself covered and let the party continue!

Decorations

Bunting is a staple at any outdoor UK celebration and for an occasion such as the King’s Coronation, bunting decorated with the Union flag is a must. But it’s also a great opportunity to get your street involved, especially kids, in making their own designs. You could even turn it into a little competition to see who can make or decorate the most interesting coronation-themed bunting.

When it comes to other party accessories such as napkins, paper plates, balloons, tablecloths etc., red, white and blue will naturally be the given colour theme. Or you could up the British picnic vibes by using gingham-patterned table covers, wicker baskets to display food in, or even set up picnic areas on grassy areas. A backdrop or photo area for all your neighbours and guests to take pictures against is another great way to make memories on the day – from red, white and blue streamers and balloon arches to life-size cut-outs of the King himself!

Food and drink

For your catering, think finger food – dishes that are quick and easy to set out and distribute.  Classics and crowd-pleasing favourites such as Victoria sponge cakes, coronation chicken sandwiches, samosas, and scones with jam and cream are a must-have. Royal head chef Mark Flanagan has also created the ‘Coronation Quiche’ to celebrate the occasion. Featuring spinach, broad beans, and tarragon, this veggie delight is perfect for sharing with your neighbours.

A street party is also the perfect opportunity to try lots of different kinds of foods – why not ask families in your street if they would like to contribute their favourites? If everyone in your street is bringing something to the spread, it’s a good idea to ask them to attach labels with the ingredients on them so that anyone with a dietary restriction can pick something suitable for them.

As for drinks, Pimm’s served with fruit is a staple for any outdoor party in the UK. Sparkling wine with strawberries is also a delicious option to celebrate with. For non-alcoholic options, you could try making fruity mocktails or a bowl of punch for everyone to enjoy, along with plenty of juice, squash, and water for the kids.

Party games and activities

You’ve got the food, all the decorations are in place, but what about entertainment? Firstly, it’s important to include activities that all ages can get involved with. For kids (and big kids), try fun party games with a royal twist, such as musical thrones or pin the crown on the king. Crafty activities are also great for keeping them occupied while you chat with your neighbours – print off and cut out paper crown templates to decorate, have art competitions, or grab lots of coloured chalk to draw pictures on the pavement with.

Classic lawn games can also bring lots of fun to your party, as long as they’re kept a good distance away from all the food! Skittles, badminton, tug-of-war, limbo – sticking to games with simple rules will make it easy for everyone to jump in and have a go.

For grown-ups, you might also wish to put on a royal-themed quiz, or perhaps a raffle to win gifts and a hamper – ticket sales can be put towards the prizes or a local charity. Or why not incorporate a bake-off into the day? It’s a chance for everyone to show off their skills and as a bonus, you’ll end up with lots of sweet treats to share amongst everybody. You might also wish to set the theme for the day with a royal dress code, wearing red, white, or blue for example, or dressing after your favourite royals.

Whatever you’re getting up to over the coronation weekend, a street party will be great fun for all your family, neighbours, and guests. So, we wish you a splendid party, and keep your fingers crossed for good weather!

Sources

https://www.royal.uk/the-coronation-quiche

How To Transition Your Wardrobe for Spring While Staying Warm

It’s safe to say we’re all ready to leave winter behind and get on with spring. Unfortunately, the weather doesn’t seem to have gotten the memo just yet.

We’ve already experienced snow in March, and not knowing whether you’re going to need sandals or snow boots the next day can make transitioning your wardrobe for spring less than simple. So, here are our top style tips to keep you warm in the coming season.

Feeling inspired? Take a look at our birdcage umbrellas now or check out our blog for other fashion, travel, and lifestyle tips to help you enjoy the soon-to-be warmer weather.

 1. Put your winter wardrobe away

It’s always a good idea to regularly spring-clean your wardrobe. It gives you the chance to rediscover garments that you may have forgotten or let go of something you haven’t worn in years. When you’re transitioning your wardrobe for spring, start by putting away all the pieces that can’t be transitioned – it will give an instant refresh and help you mentally say goodbye to winter.

2. Layer up

It might be time to put away the puffy, fluffy winter coats in favour of lighter and brighter coats and jackets. Ones that are more suited to the warmer weather, like denim, leather, or bomber jackets. Don’t forget to also keep one of our designer umbrellas handy for when those spring showers come pouring in .

Make sure to stay warm by layering pieces – it’s probably the most useful way to dress when the temperature outside is Baltic one minute and balmy the next. For example, instead of wearing a chunky knit, try wearing a lighter jumper or cardigan with a vest, shirt or blouse underneath. Focus on lighter pieces that can easily be swapped out or cast off depending on the forecast.

3. Add spring accessories 

Now’s also the time to think about swapping out some of your accessories for spring-appropriate versions.

If you’re not quite ready to let go of the cosy, enveloping winter scarfs but want a change, switch to a cotton or chiffon number. Lighter, flowy scarves can keep off the chill whilst also being more breathable than those thick, winter scarves. Your trusty bobble hat may then become a beanie or a beret to keep your head warm without making your look too wintery.

When it comes to footwear, the weather might not be quite good enough for flats, trainers or pumps – after all the last thing you want is to get cold or wet feet throughout your day! In this case, try pairing your spring dresses or skirts with ankle or calf boots to get the best of both worlds. Don’t be afraid to bring out your sunglasses on those brighter days either. They’ll give your eyes a break whilst instantly making your outfit a touch more summery.

And of course, don’t forget to keep yourself prepared for any weather with an umbrella.
For springtime, we love our birdcage umbrellas . Whether you’re looking for fresh florals or bright, block-coloured borders, we’ve got a wide variety of colours and patterns to choose from to help you feel ready for the new season.

4. Switch to spring colours and patterns 

In the cold, dark winter months it’s easy to stick to darker and richer colours or neutrals that help you feel warm and cosy. There’s also room for the occasional sparkle for all those seasonal parties.

As spring approaches, it’s time to ditch these in favour of a lighter, fresher colour palette.
Greens, yellows and blues give off feelings of shooting bulbs, daffodils, sunshine, and clear skies – perfect for the changing season. In a similar vein, try adding patterns inspired by the natural world, like animal prints, florals, and foliage to capture that feeling of renewal and reawakening. If you want a more vibrant outfit, try out the bolder shades of crimson, peach and orange that were seen at London Fashion Week.

Your accessories are a great way to add pops of colour or patterns to your overall look. And bringing in lighter colours whilst following the styling tips listed above will help you feel brighter and ready for spring’s sunny days as well as the occasional spells of bad weather.

How you dress in general greatly affects how you feel and what image you project to others. This is no different for the workplace. But where dressing professionally used to mean simple suits and skirts, rules now tend to be a lot more relaxed. There is much more room to be bold and personal with your style in a way that helps you make a good impression whilst expressing yourself and feeling confident – something that a lot of us will struggle with during our careers.

In a recent survey by YouGov, almost 60% of respondents admitted to experiencing imposter syndrome in the workplace. This is when you experience feelings of self-doubt or unworthiness – in other words, feeling like an imposter in your role. The same survey also revealed that women were twice as likely to be affected.

With that being said, how can your attire help bolster your professional confidence? Here we’ll go through some of our top tips for doing just that.

1. Dress for you 

Before we get into specific cuts and styles, it’s important to first remember to dress for yourself, rather than in a way that makes you feel like another person entirely. Stretching your usual boundaries and trying something completely new is a great way to discover fresh aspects of your style, but you probably won’t feel as confident in clothes that make you totally uncomfortable.

When you’re out searching for your professional attire, remember to take a moment to decide how you feel wearing it. Does it make you feel good? Would you purposefully reach for it in your wardrobe? Do you think you’ll wear it more than once?

2. Tailoring 

When dressing powerfully, taking some of the staples of power dressing is a good place to take a few cues from. While the huge shoulder pads and sharp suits of the ‘70s and ‘80s might move in and out of fashion, choosing fitted or tailored cuts is always a good option to start with.

For example, try pairing your regular white shirt with a boldly coloured pair of high-waisted tailored trousers. You also can’t go wrong with a blazer – versatile enough to be worn with many different styles but elegant enough to give almost any outfit a professional edge.

3. Colours and patterns

The colours you’re probably immediately considering for workplace attire are black and white. And it’s true that they do project a professional, authoritative confidence towards others. But you also shouldn’t be afraid to have a little fun. There isn’t really one colour associated with confidence, rather, they all have different meanings that can influence how you feel.

For instance, red is a very powerful colour that projects strength and passion, helping you feel assertive and ready for anything at work. Yellow, on the other hand, is bright, energetic, and optimistic for when you want to be bursting with enthusiasm. Choosing shades of green, meanwhile, can signify intense creativity. Or if you want to project cool confidence, blue can be a great colour for helping you feel calm and in control.

If you don’t want to wear solid blocks of eye-popping colours, patterns can go a long way to helping you tone it down. Stripes are a great way to add bold colour without it dominating your whole outfit, plus, they’re very flattering and easy to pair with other garments.

4. Accessories 

When it comes to choosing your accessories, keep balance in mind. If your outfit is minimal or simple, you might want to make it pop with a statement piece – whether that’s a brightly coloured bag, shoes, bold jewellery, or a stand-out watch. On the other hand, outfits that speak for themselves may only need some elegant gold or silver jewellery to complete them.

Wherever you’ll be working, practical accessories are also a must. A carefully chosen outfit deserves a well-crafted umbrella to protect it from those drizzly and rainy days. Our chic, designer umbrellas are perfect for almost any professional outfit. Alternatively, our classic birdcage umbrellas can add a more playful look and we’ve got plenty of colours to choose from, so you can pick one that matches the palette of your outfit.

Heels may have reigned supreme for years when it comes to women’s professional attire, but you can still project confidence, and save your feet a few aches, by pairing your outfits with knee boots, chunky loafers, or simple ballet pumps instead.

In all, it’s important to remember that ultimately, confidence comes from within. So, while you’re following all these tips and tricks listed above, keep in mind that it’s not always about choosing the ‘best’ style or the best colour, but rather what works best for you.

Why are blue spaces so important for your wellbeing?

Green spaces are well known for the benefit they can have on your wellbeing, but can the same be said for blue spaces? In short, yes.

A blue space is pretty much anywhere there is an area of water. That includes oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes – man-made blue spaces such as canals, reservoirs and fountains also count. And as it turns out, spending time around them can have a hugely positive impact on your well-being. Some evidence has even suggested that blue spaces are even more powerful than green spaces.

Usually, we’re all about keeping you sheltered from water with our umbrellas, however for this blog we’ll be diving into the power of blue spaces and the science behind the benefits.

Water facilitates exercise 

We all know how beneficial exercise is for your wellbeing. And while you can exercise pretty much anywhere, water can help facilitate all sorts of activities. From a relaxing paddleboard or swim in a calm river, to a thrilling surf through crashing waves, blue spaces provide amazing opportunities to get active.

Exercising not only has a huge impact on your physical health, but it also encourages the production of your body’s feel-good hormones which help to lift your mood and lower stress levels.

Strengthens your relationship with the natural world 

When it comes to spending quality time in the natural world, it’s not just about being close to nature, it’s about being in nature. The same is true for blue spaces. Whether you’re physically in the water or not, or sheltering behind one of our sturdy windproof umbrellas on a blowy afternoon, try paying attention to it. Listen to it, appreciate it. This is what can help you to build a stronger relationship between yourself and the natural environment.

Having this deeper connection has a positive impact on your wellbeing and also make you more appreciative of wild blue spaces. And if you want to protect and preserve them, it’s a wonderful idea to get involved with local charities and initiatives where you can meet new people and help look after the natural world.

It calms your mind and body

If you’re not quite in the mood for exercising, being around water also has the ability to calm and quieten your mind and body.

Imagine the slow, rhythmic sound of waves gently crashing against the shore, or the rush of a fast-flowing river. Have you ever used these sounds to help you fall asleep? Or to focus on your work? This is partly because the sound of water is an example of pink noise.

Like white noise, pink noise is a type of background ambience, but it is at a lower pitch than white noise, making it a kind of steady hum rather than higher pitched static. The lower frequencies of pink noise are what makes it have a relaxing, meditative effect on your mind. As well as listening to the sounds of a blue space, the movement of water itself with all the sways, swirls, ripples and reflections of light can also be relaxing to watch.

Being in the water, whether you’re swimming, paddling or just dipping your toes in, can have an even greater effect. It can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, sending your body into a state of calm.

The colour blue is also known for to have a calming effect on people. While water technically isn’t blue, the light that bounces off it gives it a gorgeous shade of aqua which helps you unwind just by looking at it. All of this combined means that being around blue spaces can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

There are a huge variety of blue spaces to enjoy in the UK, from vast lakes, to glistening seas, to urban blue spaces nestled in the middle of towns and cities. So, next time you find yourself in or around a blue space, take a break if you can to sit, paddle, swim, sail, and enjoy the soothing effects of water.