CamperDays has revealed that over the last five years, search interest in wellness holidays has grown 70%, reflecting a growing desire to switch off from today’s ‘always on’ culture and making time away from work genuinely restorative.
*All details correct at time of publication (26 August 2026)
Over the last 12 months, and amid a backdrop of global political uncertainty, it’s perhaps unsurprising that interest has now exploded, increasing by 400% vs the previous year.
Max Schmidt, CEO of CamperDays, Europe’s leading campervan and motorhome tour operator, highlights what’s behind this boom in interest, why campervanning is so well suited to the trend and shares his top spots for UK wellness holidays – perfect for anyone planning an autumn break.
“Over the last five years, UK search interest in wellness holidays has increased by 70%[1], reflecting a growing desire to switch off from our ‘always on’ culture and make our time away from work genuinely restorative.
“Post-pandemic we’ve also seen a shift away from more passive forms of relaxation towards active wellbeing – think hiking, cycling, running and wild swimming, often in beautiful natural surrounds.
“Add global geopolitical uncertainty to the mix, and it’s perhaps unsurprising that, over the past 12 months, search interest has surged by 400% compared with the previous year[2].
“For many travellers, wellbeing is no longer about simply lying by a pool or enjoying a spa treatment; it’s about making space to move, breathe and reset – getting outside in nature and creating some distance from everyday life.
“A campervan or motorhome holiday is perfectly suited to this shift, giving travellers the freedom to disconnect from their daily routine, explore at their own pace and immerse themselves in nature.
“You can wake up somewhere completely different each morning – beside a mountain trail one day and a rugged coastline the next – while making the great outdoors part of your daily routine.”
Max’s top spots for a UK wellness holiday this October:
The Scottish Highlands
With some of the UK’s most spectacular hiking, the Scottish Highlands should be high on the list for anyone looking to combine an active break with a proper digital detox. October brings quieter trails, autumn colour and the welcome disappearance of the summer midges!
Autumn in the Highlands also means rutting season for red deer, giving you a chance to catch the large males locking antlers – perfect for nature lovers. As the nights draw in, the Highlands’ dark skies provide some of the UK’s best opportunities for stargazing, too.
Devon
With rugged coastal paths, wild swimming spots and plenty of opportunities to get out on the water, Devon is the perfect location for an active autumn wellness holiday.
October is a great time to explore the South West Coast Path with fewer crowds, while Exmoor offers the chance to experience red deer rutting season. Nature lovers should also keep their eyes on the skies, as migratory birds including dark-bellied brent geese, avocets and bar-tailed godwits arrive for the winter.
Snowdonia
For a more action-packed wellness break, Eryri National Park offers everything from hiking and cycling to paddleboarding and ziplining, all set against a backdrop of dramatic mountains, ancient woodland and tranquil lakes.
Families looking for a gentler cycling adventure should head to the Mawddach Trail, a nine-mile, largely flat route following a former railway line from Dolgellau to Barmouth. Running alongside the Mawddach estuary, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and makes for an ideal autumn day out.
For more information or to book a campervan for your customers’ next wellness escape, visit www.camperdays.co.uk.
[1] Google Trends search data, correct as at 24 August 2026
[2] Google Trends search data, correct as at 24 August 2026
