10 of the most tranquil places in the UK

Many of us have stumbled upon unexpected corners of serenity during lockdown. Here’s our bucket list of natural spaces to explore when we can

The search for tranquillity used to have three perfectly simple rules, principles that had stood the test of time since first expressed by the Greek master of mental calm, Epicurus: don’t fear death or God, spend plenty of time walking in gardens with friends … and buy the kids an Xbox. Like so many other aspects of our lives, however, those wise old nuggets no longer offer a route out of the tossing maelstrom in the way they used to. Head out early to your local park and chances are every favourite tranquil corner is occupied by another cabin-fever escaper.

Related: 10 inspiring hobbies taken up by readers during lockdown