The Joy of Slow Travel: Unwind, Immerse, and Truly Connect

In today’s fast-paced world, travel often becomes another thing to tick off the bucket list. Flights, tight schedules, quick stops, endless photos — and before we know it, the holiday is over, and we’re more exhausted than when we started.

That’s where slow travel steps in. It’s more than just a travel trend — it’s a shift in mindset. It’s about taking the time to truly experience a place, rather than rushing through it. It’s about connection, immersion, and restoration — and here at Chestnut Brae, that’s exactly what we invite you to do.

What Is Slow Travel?

Slow travel means choosing depth over distance. Instead of seeing ten places in a week, you might explore just one or two — but do it fully. You give yourself time to walk, to taste, to listen, and linger. You meet the locals, learn the history, and become part of the rhythm of a place.

At its heart, slow travel is about presence, about mindfulness. It’s about being where your feet are, without worrying about what comes next.

Why Go Slow?

• It’s more relaxing. Slowing down reduces travel stress. There’s no frantic packing, rushing, or checking your watch. You can breathe, sleep in, and follow your curiosity.
• It’s more meaningful. Experiences sink in deeper when they’re not hurried. Whether it’s walking through a chestnut orchard, chatting with a farmer, or tasting something fresh from the paddock, you’re truly part of the moment.
• It supports local communities. Staying longer in one spot means you’re more likely to shop locally, eat from small producers, and engage in meaningful exchanges — all of which help communities thrive.
• It’s better for the planet. Fewer flights, less fuel, and a lighter footprint come naturally when you travel more slowly.

Slow Travel at Chestnut Brae

Here on our farm, slow travel is built into the experience. There’s no rush here. Just winding country roads, quiet mornings, and space to reconnect with yourself and nature.

When you visit, we encourage you to:

🌰 Wander the orchard — not to get anywhere, but just to enjoy the rustle of leaves underfoot and the sound of the birds above.

🫖 Join a workshop — learn about chestnuts, herbal teas, or traditional farming in a hands-on way that connects you with the land.

🛏️ Stay a while — our farm stays are designed for calm and comfort, with space to read, rest, or sit under a tree doing nothing at all.

🐖 Meet the animals — watch the chestnut-fed pigs snuffling happily through the pasture or simply sit nearby and enjoy the simplicity of farm life.

A Different Kind of Holiday

Slow travel isn’t about seeing less — it’s about experiencing more. When you travel at a gentler pace, you create space for curiosity, reflection, and connection. You return home not just with photos, but with stories and a sense of nourishment that lasts.

So if you’re ready to ditch the fast lane and savour something more meaningful, we’d love to welcome you to Chestnut Brae.

Because the best journeys don’t race — they meander.