Forest of Bowland named one of the UK's best digital detox destinations in new study
For Lancashire residents looking to escape the pressures of modern life, one of the UK's best places to switch off is right on the county's doorstep.
New research from travel specialists Arctic Direct has ranked the Forest of Bowland National Landscape among Britain's top 10 destinations for a digital detox, highlighting Lancashire as one of the country's leading regions for reconnecting with nature.
The Digital Detox Index analysed 66 scenic destinations across the UK, assessing factors including mobile phone coverage, visitor numbers, light pollution, elevation and hiking opportunities to identify the nation's best places to escape screens and everyday distractions.
Forest of Bowland ranked ninth in the UK
The Forest of Bowland National Landscape secured 9th place in the nationwide rankings, recognised for its peaceful countryside, expansive fells, quiet walking routes and some of England's darkest skies.
The Lancashire landscape finished alongside some of Britain's most iconic destinations, including the Cairngorms National Park, Yorkshire Dales National Park and Peak District National Park, reinforcing Bowland's reputation as one of England's hidden gems for outdoor escapes.
Lancashire's highest-ranked digital detox destination
The Forest of Bowland was Lancashire's highest-ranked location in the UK Digital Detox Index:
- Forest of Bowland National Landscape (9th place)
Its combination of remote countryside, picturesque villages, extensive walking trails and limited light pollution makes it an ideal destination for anyone looking to leave behind the constant buzz of phones, emails and social media.
A perfect weekend escape from Preston
For people living in Preston and across Lancashire, the Forest of Bowland is close enough for a spontaneous day trip while still feeling a world away from busy town and city life.
Whether it's hiking to a panoramic viewpoint, cycling quiet country lanes or simply enjoying the area's peaceful scenery, visitors have plenty of opportunities to slow down and recharge.
As digital wellbeing becomes an increasing priority, destinations that encourage people to spend more time outdoors are growing in popularity, and the Forest of Bowland continues to offer exactly that.
Arctic Direct: Lancashire has one of Britain's best places to switch off
Commenting on the findings, Charlotte Marshall from Arctic Direct said: How the rankings were calculated
To create the Digital Detox Index, Arctic Direct analysed 66 destinations across the UK, including national parks, National Landscapes, forests, islands and remote scenic locations.
Each destination received a weighted score based on:
- Average mobile coverage across the UK's four major networks
- Annual visitors per square kilometre
- Night sky darkness (light pollution)
- Highest elevation
- Average elevation
- Number of hiking trails
The weighted scores were combined to identify the destinations offering the strongest balance of tranquillity, natural beauty and opportunities to disconnect from technology.