Five of the best… places for a digital detox in Hampshire and Dorset

For a relatively small island, Britain has a surprising number of places where you can switch off and zone out. From spa towns and health resorts to evermore remote pockets where, try as you might, it’s just not possible to get online; there’s no shortage of hideaway locales.

Hot on this trend and accessible within as little as a two hour drive from London, the region along the south coast of England which incorporates Hampshire and Dorset are particularly rich in places to disappear thanks to some gorgeous National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Beauty and a desire for a slower pace of life by those who call it home.

Best for… a cabin in the woods

Surrounded by stunning Dorset countryside, Loose Reins in Shillingstone is a picture-perfect spot where you can either choose to shut down and forget the world outside or embrace it wholeheartedly. With three uniquely designed cabins overlooking Blackmore Vale, no one would dispute the value of simply kicking back with a pile of good books; however, if you want to use your digital detox as a means to reconnect with nature, you can trail ride, taking in the views and trekking forest pathways at a relaxed pace on horseback.

Best for…treetop views

When you arrive at Chewton Glen to experience their digital detox package you’ll be offered the opportunity to relinquish all modern technology for the duration of your stay so that you can enjoy the New Forest in full and true tranquillity. Whether you take up that offer or not, the chances are you’ll come away revitalised as the package includes various treatments, Nordic walking, yoga and meditation sessions and various gifts to take away include a daily journaling diary and adult mindfulness colouring book. Not forgetting two nights full-board in a treehouse studio, 35 feet above ground, with forest views and an outdoor hot tub to bask in nature’s glory.

Best for… sea and serenity

From foraging to fishing, kayaking to coasteering, bushcraft to beach school, wild food to wild camping, Fore / Adventure offer all manner of activities from their unique location on Middle beach in Studland, Dorset. New for 2018, Fore Adventure is offering two day kayaking, wild camping and food adventures along the stunning Jurassic Coast and will also hold a three day retreat in October featuring natural dyes, foraged foods workshops, wild medicines, sea foraging, fishing & feasting, bushcraft, outdoor adventures, wild cocktails & bitters, yoga and meditation. The big question is whether you will want to go back to the real world at all?

Best for… food and foraging

A 90 minute train from London to Brockenhurst and a five minute taxi will see you arrive at The PIG Brockenhurst, part of the much-loved collection of small lifestyle restaurants with rooms. Relax and indulge in fresh, clean food sourced from the kitchen garden then take a leisurely bike ride to the beautiful village of nearby Beaulieu. Then, to truly experience the natural beauty of the New Forest and everything it has to offer, arrange a foraging tour with The PIG’s foraging expert Garry Eveleigh – a.k.a. The Wild Cook. Over the years, Garry has featured in many TV and radio programmes, as well as foraged for world-renowned chefs including Rick Stein, Mark Hix and Angela Hartnett.

Best for…craft and design

With green woodworking courses varying from two hours to five days set in a quiet, private woodland; you could very easily while away the days at Crafty Camping in full contentment. However, there’s a great deal more on offer at this hand-crafted, adult-only luxury glamping site in West Dorset, close to Devon and Somerset, and an ideal base for exploring all three rural counties. With yurts, bell tents, tipis and shepherd huts to escape to – all with their own private deck for privacy and seclusion – the star of the show is the Woodsman’s Treehouse, winner of a RIBA award for Small Project of the Year, which has also appears in several TV shows including George Clarke's Amazing Spaces and Grand Designs.