Tips for a Digital Detox Camping Trip

Who remembers the days when you would go camping without any form of technology and would have to find your own entertainment. Board games, cards, story-telling and reading and books were just some of the things you would enjoy indoors to complement the raft of outdoor games including dam building and stone skimming. Nowadays, we live in a world dominated by screens and notifications, where the idea of a digital detox can be terrifying, but for some the appeal is increasing.

Whilst we are a campsite with WiFi, a camping trip is a great time to try a digital detox, allowing you the time to switch off from the outside world and reconnect with nature and with each other. If you are looking for the right location to try a digital detox, there is no better place to unplug and reconnect with nature than in the Northumberland countryside. Herding Hill Farm campsite is in the heart of Northumberland, just 1 mile from Hadrian’s Wall, providing you with the perfect location for a relaxing break from digital life.

What Is a Digital Detox?

A digital detox means taking a break from all technology—phones, tablets, computers, and even TVs—to focus on the here and now. It doesn’t have to be forever; even a weekend can reset your mind and body. Surrounded by fresh air, starry skies, and the sounds of wildlife, a digital detox camping trip gives you the perfect excuse to turn off your devices and embrace the moment. If you choose hot tub accommodation you can relax under the stars whilst enjoying some physical and mental wellbeing. We also have a sauna available for exclusive hire.

Tips for a Digital Detox camping trip?

Plan Your Trip - make sure you plan your trip before you arrive, so you don’t need to rely on your phone. This can include activities you want to do, local walks, games, and food. Our wardens can make recommendations for you
Turn Off Your Phone - don’t get distracted by any notifications but make sure you have it with you whilst out walking in case of emergencies
Start Small: if going completely tech-free feels daunting, leave your phone in the car or limit yourself to checking it once a day
Tell People You’re Switching Off: let friends, family, or colleagues know you’ll be offline so you don’t worry about missed calls or emails
Bring Alternatives: swap your Kindle for a paperback, Spotify for an acoustic guitar, and Instagram photos for a travel diary
Plan Screen-Free Activities: make sure your days are filled with lots of activities so that they forget about their phones entirely. Try stargazing in Northumberland or campfire cooking. Don’t forget we are a campsite with playground and campsite with farm animals. Stuck for ideas on what to do, why not visit famous series and film sets in Northumberland, including locations from Harry Potter, Vera, and Transformers: The Last Knight?
Bring a Digital Camera - this will stop you needing to use your phone for taking photoes with the inevitable distraction of “checking” your messages or social media. If you don’t have a digital camera, turn your phone data and Wi-Fi off so you don’t need to miss out on any photo opportunities
Pack for Comfort: A warm sleeping bag, cosy blankets, and good food make it easier to resist the urge to reach for digital distractions
Embrace Mindfulness: Notice the sights, smells, and sounds around you. A digital detox is as much about mental rest as it is about avoiding screens

What are the benefits of a Digital Detox?

By spending less time on your phone or tablet for a few days, you may start to see the benefits of reducing your screen time and reconnecting with nature. Some of these digital detox benefits include:

Reduce Stress: Without constant notifications, you feel calmer and more present
Better Sleep: No late-night scrolling means your body gets a natural rest
Improved focus: Conversations, books, and even meals become richer when you’re not distracted
Boost Overall Well-Being and Mood: Time spent outdoor encourages the release of endorphins which are natural mood boosters
Closer relationships: Time spent face-to-face strengthens family and friendship bonds and allows you to discover things you might not have known
More creativity: Nature inspires new ideas and encourages problem-solving

Why Choose Camping for a Digital Detox Holiday?

Camping strips life back to basics: cooking outdoors, sitting by the fire, and watching the stars. It’s the ultimate digital detox holiday because:

Signal is limited in remote areas, so you’re not tempted to “just check your phone”
Natural surroundings help you unwind faster than in a busy city
Outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, or simply exploring give you positive distractions
Mindful moments—hearing birds at dawn, or enjoying a quiet coffee outdoors—feel even more special without screens

For some campfire recipes for your camping trip in Northumberland check out our blog.

How can you make Digital Detox a Habit?

Your digital detox camping trip can be the start of something bigger. Once you’ve experienced the calm and clarity of time offline, consider building mini digital detoxes into your weekly life:

Leave your phone in another room during meals
Set “no screen” hours before bedtime
Schedule regular walks without devices