Introducing Slow Staycations: PoB Hotels join forces with Lumo

In an era of constant notifications, and round the clock connectivity, Slow Staycations is a welcome invitation to pause — not necessarily for long, but with intention.

This summer, PoB Hotels — the collection of Britain’s finest independent stays — joins forces with Lumo, the UK’s only fully electric intercity rail operator, to launch Slow Staycations, a new way to explore the British Isles that’s rooted in mindfulness, not mileage.

Whether you have two nights or ten, Slow Staycations is about travelling with more purpose, not more planning. It’s for those who want to swap scrolling for stargazing, inboxes for landscapes, and take a moment — however brief — to reconnect with nature, culture and self.

With routes starting in London, Edinburgh or Newcastle, guests can board Lumo’s sleek, all-electric trains and glide north or south on a scenic, seamless journey to some of the UK’s most charming and characterful destinations. Stay at The Athenaeum, The Capital or The Hari in London. Pause in Newcastle for restorative countryside at Matfen Hall. Continue on to Edinburgh, where Prestonfield House and Fingal await or venture forth to Cromlix— offering history, drama and a sense of place that lingers.

But the journey doesn’t end there.

Across the PoB Hotels collection, guests can choose from a growing number of themed Slow Staycations, available by 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. Each experience is designed to bring guests closer to the land, the local community, and their own sense of wellbeing.

Why Slow Staycations:

• It’s about mindset, not minutes. You don’t need a two-week holiday to travel slowly. Whether it’s a weekend switch-off or a multi-stop retreat, Slow Staycations invites you to savour more from less — time, space, silence, simplicity.
• Sustainability is at the core. Lumo’s 100% electric trains produce 25 times less CO₂ than flying, while PoB Hotels holds EarthCheck Silver Certification. Over a third of member hotels are engaged in formal sustainability accreditation, helping lead the way in conscious British travel.
• It answers a growing guest desire. According to PoB Hotels' 2024 Whitepaper, more than 70% of travellers now seek authentic, regionally rooted experiences that align with values such as sustainability, wellness, and local connection.
• It celebrates local, independent travel. From coastal kitchens to countryside artisans, Slow Staycations is a tribute to Britain’s local makers, stories and flavours — brought to life through high-touch hospitality at every PoB hotel.
• It offers flexible, story-rich routes. Begin your break in London, Edinburgh, or Newcastle. Stay one night or stay five. Travel solo or with others. Whether you’re seeking nature, food, rest or reconnection, there's a path for every kind of traveller.

“Slow Staycations isn’t about how long you go away for — it’s about how you feel while you’re away. It’s about switching off, tuning in, and travelling better. In partnership with Lumo, we’ve created a new way to explore the UK that’s good for the soul — and the planet.”
– Kalindi Juneja, CEO at PoB Hotels

 “Lumo is a proud leader in green and environmentally friendly travel that’s actively playing a key role in our sustainable future, therefore we’re incredibly excited to be part of such a pioneering partnership with PoB Hotels. We are committed to helping promote great value and sustainable rail travel through creating a cleaner, greener future for the communities and customers we serve along the iconic East Coast route. What better way to help showcase great places to visit than with our partnership to showcase the ultimate green getaways.”
–  Stuart Jones, Managing Director at Lumo