Anyone who runs their own business will tell you just how exhausting it can be. So determined to make their dreams a reality, business owners are the ultimate multi-taskers but they aren’t always skilled at making time to relax. Escaping the plate-spinning for a weekend can be hugely beneficial- it can inspire new ideas and replenish energy.
Here at Barron & Co., we’re proud to be based in the bustling business hub of Birmingham. However, wide open spaces ideal for R&R aren’t as far away as you may think. If you run a business in Birmingham, why not press the reset button and take a well-deserved break in these nearby Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty?
Shropshire Hills
If you want to vacate the city but aren’t looking to travel too far, the Shropshire Hills are just a forty-minute drive from Birmingham. With precisely fifty hills nestled amongst rolling farmland, dense woods and dramatic river valleys, the Shropshire Hills were designated as an AONB in 1958 and their countryside charm certainly remains.
If you really need to blow off steam, why not take a canoe down the River Severn or give fell running a go? For a more relaxed break, book a romantic getaway at the Pen-y-Dyffryn Country Hotel and while away the evenings with a good book in front of the blazing log fires.
Malvern Hills
Slightly further south, the Malvern Hills dish up plenty of opportunities for rest and recuperation. You can boot up and walk the hills, exploring the various picturesque historical towns including Tenbury Wells and Upton Upon Severn. If you’re not the active type, why not treat yourself and rent a classic car from the Morgan Motor Company?
When the rat race gets too much, retreating to the great outdoors is the perfect way to break out; the Malvern Hills offer everything from fun-filled family campsites to luxury yurts and chalets. For a truly memorable weekend, the hand-built cabins at Ockeridge Rural Retreats have the countryside at their doorstep whilst providing all the contemporary mod cons required for ultimate comfort.
Cotswolds
Less than 90 minutes drive from the city centre, the Cotswolds present an abundance of stunning scenery and peaceful getaways. This AONB spans across five counties and is most famous for the beautiful honey-coloured Cotswold stone. With hills, lakelands, thousands of miles of footpaths and vibrant market towns, your working stress will feel a world away when you explore this beautiful landscape.
Why not live in the lap of luxury for a weekend and enjoy a hotel and spa break in the Cotswolds? The Greenway Hotel and Spa offers Regency elegance, with the glamorous spa town of Cheltenham just 15 minutes away. For a dose of English country charm, book a weekend stay at the Cotswold House Hotel and Spa and cleanse mind and body in the award-winning spa.
Taking a well-earned break from the hard graft of running your own business is one of the best ways to reignite your passion and improve productivity. With the help of a Chartered Accountant from Barron & Co., you can take even more pressure off. Our fully qualified accountants can manage your business finances so that you can spend your weekends in the countryside, rather than toiling over payroll and HMRC compliance. To find out more about how we can support you, get in touch with us today.