Take the train track less-travelled and discover a trip that showcases the UK’s most charming country and city properties in smooth electric style with PoB Hotels’ exciting new Slow Staycation adventures.
Sustainable, sleek and designed to keep travellers from losing steam in an age of burnout, Sophie Ritchie shares more. All aboard!
The art of taking it slow in life is a tricky thing to master. I actually grapple with it the most in the world of running. “Go slow to go fast” is a phrase I’m constantly both hearing and trying to tell myself when pitting my ego against my Strava stats and heading out for sessions after a year of injuries. But, alas – it’s so much easier said than done (or run).
Taking a rest is a sentiment that extends far beyond the realm of Brooke trainers and race times. We live in a modern world that constantly pushes a 24/7 culture down our throats like a particularly aggressive mamma bird and this, combined with ‘non-stop hustle’ work culture does not exactly sing the praises of an adagio-paced life.
No doubt, we’ve grown to expect certain things almost instantly. The present-day world often implies that a snap of our fingers can lead to whatever we want. But in an age of endless email answering, Deliveroo, Google maps, overnight flights and inevitable sleep deprivation… that often leads to us ‘losing steam’ completely. Sometimes, slowing down the pace of it all and adopting a more patient state of mind can be the key to enjoying a trip that gives you time to actually take it all in.
PoB, a collection of Britain’s most impressive independent stays, have cottoned onto this realisation. This summer, they’ve joined forces with Lumo, the UK’s only fully electric intercity rail operator, to launch Slow Staycations.
Ideal for a long weekend or mid-break break that doesn’t require a passport stamp, Slow Staycations encourages curious travelers to take the train track less-travelled and discover a sublime staycation that showcases the UK’s most impressive country and city hotels with eco-engineered travel.
It seems there’s never been a better time for a slower-paced adventure. Searches for “train holidays” have risen significantly since early 2024, according to data platform Glimpse – peaking this summer as more travellers seek low-emission, stress-free holidays.
Properties with pizazz
Whether venturing towards the north’s stunning terrain or getting ready for the bright lights of London, Slow Staycations is all sustainable-minded escapes – with a focus on travelling with more intent, rather than a non-stop itinerary that often includes endless documents, traffic and admin.
For those looking for a love affair with London, guests can choose to travel to King’s Cross and stay in swanky style at The Athenaeum in Mayfair, The Capital in Knightsbridge or The Hari in Belgravia. A trio of beautiful five-star stays, the lavish interiors, mouth-watering cuisine and modern amenities awaiting here are bound to impress you as much as the capital’s famous landmarks.
At The Athenaeum in particular, its prime position opposite Green Park gives it both a spacious and serene feel. Rooms are elegant and stylish, exuding calm from the moment you swipe a key even despite the hectic streets surrounding the property. Art deco in nature, rose gold colour schemes and vibrant artwork are paired with silver, beige and mocha tones for the ultimate luxurious finish when pit-stopping here. Complete with an underground spa, minute gym and rooftop members club, this is a hotel for those with a serious appetite when it comes to a city break.
Meanwhile, those venturing north can pause in Newcastle for a restorative countryside rest at the history-filled Matfen Hall, where immaculate golf courses, exquisite fine dining and rooms so grand they feel fit for royalty await. Some rooms even come kitted out with in-suite telescopes to catch an eyeful of Northumberland’s starry night skies before bedtime. Constantly improving on its already excellent facilities, Matfen is also undergoing a jaw-dropping spa renovation. The multi-million pound project (set for completion in early 2026) is even more reason to navigate here.
Don the kilt and continue on to Edinburgh, where Prestonfield House and Fingal can be explored at leisure or venture further to Cromlix near Stirling for your pick of incredibly historical getaways. No matter which property catches your eye, you’ll be guaranteed a memorable stay filled with authentic personality and irresistible indulgence.
The best part? There’s no motorway traffic jams, parallel parking, bad drivers, luggage restrictions or dodgy plane food in sight. Simply navigate back to your relevant train station post-checkout and hop on your designated Lumo train to zoom your way back to reality.
On a mission to redefine modern travel with its all-electric, sustainable service, Lumo merges comfort with environmental responsibility. Operating exclusively along the East Coast of the UK, it links London, Stevenage, Newcastle, Morpeth, and Edinburgh – helping to strengthen regional connections with more seats and fewer services than the majority of train providers, which help to keep costs lower. Putting simplicity and sustainability at the heart of its user experience, exploring the UK’s natural beauty has never been so seamless.
There are plenty of eco-minded reasons to book your seat and pack the suitcase too. Lumo’s 100% electric trains produce 25 times less CO₂ than flying, while PoB Hotels holds a coveted EarthCheck Silver Certification. Over a third of all member hotels are engaged in formal sustainability accreditation, helping lead the way in conscious British travel without a whiff of greenwashing.
Mindful-led Experiences
What’s more, across the wider PoB Hotels collection, guests can also choose from a growing number of further themed Slow Staycations experiences, available by both train or road. From forest bathing in the New Forest at The Montagu Arms and stargazing in Cumbria at Farlam Hall, to bee-keeping at Mallory Court, rewilding escapes at The Atlantic Hotel in Jersey, or vineyard trails in the South West, pick a mindful-led moment and discover wellness as you’ve never felt it before.
The Wordrobe Verdict
Take the train track less-travelled and discover a trip that showcases the UK’s most charming country and city properties in smooth electric style with these new adventures. Not only a more sustainable way to explore, PoB Hotels’ new Slow Staycations offer modern day travellers the chance to catch their breath and find mindfulness both when crossing the threshold of an exquisitely unique hotel and simply making their way towards it. All aboard!
Start the adventure
How: Find out more and make a booking via pobhotels.com
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
