Pitchup.com Reveals Six Wellness Travel Trends of 2026

Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, said: “Our data shows travellers are increasingly choosing stays based on what they can do when they arrive, and looking beyond the structured retreat. Walking, swimming and wildlife watching are a chance to slow down and spend less time looking at a screen – and they’re simpler to organise than a spa weekend.

“The growth in walking and forest stays suggests travellers no longer see a spa retreat as the only way to get a restorative break. It can be as straightforward as stepping out of a tent and onto a footpath, with much the same result – a clearer head and better sleep.”

Animal yoga takes wellbeing outdoors

Yoga is getting a playful twist, with goats, dogs and alpacas joining sessions beyond the studio. UK searches for “animal yoga” have risen by 60% in the past month*, while use of Pitchup.com’s farm filter is up 341% year on year.

Combining gentle movement, fresh air and animal encounters, these informal classes appeal to travellers seeking a more relaxed approach to wellness. Guests can try goat yoga at Owl Barn Farm Camping in Warwickshire and Sunflower Park in Lincolnshire

Forest bathing brings a slower pace

Woodland escapes are attracting travellers looking for shade, tranquillity and time to switch off. Use of Pitchup.com’s forest filter has increased by 737% compared with the same point last year, suggesting that proximity to trees is becoming a key reason to book.

Forest bathing encourages visitors to slow down and take in the sights, sounds and scents of the woodland. Destinations for a forest camping break include the Forest of Dean, Galloway Forest Park and Sherwood Forest.

Birdwatching makes mindfulness feel natural

Birdwatching offers a simple invitation to pause, listen and pay attention to the world around you. Whether spotting an unfamiliar species or tuning into birdsong, it gives travellers a reason to slow down without a structured wellness programme.

UK searches for “Merlin Sound ID” are up 200% year on year*, while use of Pitchup.com’s birdwatching filter has increased by 21%. Low Farm Campsite in Woodbridge and Polstead Country Park in Suffolk offer opportunities for guests to enjoy this quieter pastime.

Naturist breaks put body confidence in focus

Naturist holidays are attracting growing interest, with use of Pitchup.com’s naturist filter rising by 88% compared with last year. These stays offer an opportunity to unwind in settings centred on privacy, openness and feeling comfortable in your own skin.

For travellers interested in trying a naturist break, options include Lions Row and Croft Naturist Country Club.

Wild swimming fuels interest in blue wellness

Lakes, rivers and coastlines are becoming central to the wellbeing getaway. Known as “blue wellness”, this trend centres on spending time in, on or beside water, with natural swimming spots increasingly shaping holiday choices.

Use of Pitchup.com’s wild-swimming filter has increased by 102% compared with last year. Whitehouse Farm in Suffolk has its own swimming lake, while Port nan Gael Campsite on the Isle of Mull offers shore access to Loch Scridain.

Walking holidays step up their appeal

Walking is becoming a holiday highlight in its own right. Use of Pitchup.com’s “walkers’ paradise” filter has increased by 1,552% compared with the same point last year, while UK searches for “luxury walking holidays” rose by 170% in the latest monthly comparison with the previous year.*

Nordic walking, which uses specially designed poles to involve the upper body, is also attracting attention. Searches increased by more than 300% over the past three months compared with the same period last year.*

Travellers can explore the South West Coast Path from Mount Pleasant Eco Park in Cornwall or visit Malham Cove from Ash Keys Caravan Park in North Yorkshire. Further afield, Camp Korana in Croatia lends walking poles to guests exploring the surrounding countryside.

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