In a world that never stops pinging, scrolling and refreshing, switching off has become one of the greatest luxuries of all.
Between constant notifications, endless emails and the interruptions of the next news update, many of us are feeling digitally exhausted. It’s no surprise that one of the biggest wellness trends for 2026 is ‘Analogue Living’ – the simple joy of stepping away from your screen and reconnecting with a slower pace of life.
And where better to embrace this than on an analogue getaway, where you can press pause and allow your day to unfold organically, without to-do lists, itineraries and the persistent sound of notifications.
Think cosy cottages with window seats made for reading, homes with dedicated games rooms for family tournaments or countryside retreats where expansive views invite quiet birdwatching and morning coffee rituals. Here’s how to have your own analogue holiday…
Curl up with a book
Switch off the TV, ditch the Kindle and curl up on a comfy sofa or a cosy reading nook with a good book – the paper kind of course! A weekend spent offline will help you reset your nervous system and finish that physical book that’s been on your TBR for months.
Arrange a boardgame marathon
Gather your family and friends around the table for a boardgame or puzzle marathon. Think back to a time where smart phones didn’t exist and rainy afternoons or evenings were spent peacefully pouring over a 1,000-piece puzzle or enjoying a lively game of Monopoly or Trivial Pursuits.
Sketch what you see
Spend a couple of peaceful hours sketching in the garden. Whether you class yourself as an artist or not, there’s nothing more relaxing than time spent in the garden armed with a sketchpad and pencil or paint, with just the gentle chirp of birdsong for company.
Hit the trails
Lace up your walking boots and head off for a long stomp through the woods or across fields, with so many outstanding trails to explore in the Cotswolds and throughout the region. Fresh air, stunning scenery and connecting with the natural world is essential to analogue living.
Cottages for walking holidays >>
Rustle up a bake
The simple pleasure of tucking into a homemade bake, fresh from the oven, with a steaming cup of coffee or tea is one of life’s glimmers. And even more joyful is baking in a big, beautiful kitchen, fully equipped for rustling up anything from a simple dinner to a fragrant sponge cake worthy of Bake Off.
Ditch your apps
Many of us lament the hours wasted doomscrolling on social media – time we’ll never get back. Luckily there is technology that helps break the habit and removes the pull of checking your feed, such as Brick – a clever little device that connects to your phone and blocks your apps, pausing notifications and temporarily removing them from your phone. You can pick which apps and for how long and the device does the rest for you, leaving more time to enjoy activities such as table tennis or pool in a gorgeous property with a games room!
Move your body
Nothing is better for your mental health than physical exercise. Whether that’s a pilates class, a swim in a pool or a jog in the fresh air, getting the body moving forces you to put down screens and boost your endorphins in a healthier way.
Relax into a retreat
For those looking to lean fully into a restorative escape, many of our properties offer additional experiences that support a slower pace. Guests can arrange everything from yoga sessions and creative workshops to indulgent in-house massages, to help transform your analogue break into a truly rejuvenating retreat.
Discover our tailored selection of experiences that are only a click away >>
If the idea of slower mornings, countryside walks and evenings spent by the fire sounds like your kind of escape, discover Bolthole Retreats’ curated collection of beautiful homes – and start planning your offline escape.