1 in 4 Brits (including 4 in 10 under-30s) feel lonely. Could a monastery stay be the antidote?

 

A new Government survey reveals 25% of UK adults say they feel lonely often or some of the time. In particular, a worrying 40% of younger Brits feel lonely and experience lower life satisfaction and higher anxiety than other age groups.  A leading tourism expert says a monastery or convent stay could offer a break from our daily lives, offering new friendships and encouraging mental wellbeing.

CHELMSFORD, UK, 2025-Feb-28 — /Travel PR News/ — A major new survey held by the Government’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals 25% (1 in in 4) British adults feel lonely always, often or some of the time. 7% feel lonely always or often and 18% some of the time. A further 1 in 4 (24%) of Brits say they feel lonely ‘occasionally’.

Between 8 January-2 February 2025 nearly 9,000 UK households were surveyed and many of us admitted to feeling lonely quite frequently. Women are more likely to feel alone, with 27% saying they feel lonely always, often or some of the time, compared to 23% of men.

It was Britain’s under 30s who reported the highest levels of loneliness. Of adults aged 16 to 29 years, 40% say they feel lonely ‘often or always’ or ‘some of the time’, compared to 17% of adults aged 70 and over.

Younger Brits not only feel lonelier but also less happy and more anxious. Compared with adults aged 70 and over, younger adults (16-29 years) report lower life satisfaction. When asked to mark their feelings of life satisfaction on a scale of 1-10 the average score for under-30s was 6.7 compared with 7.4 for over-70s. Similarly, young people’s average happiness score was 6.6 compared with 7.5 for the over-70s.

With these figures in mind, it’s not surprising that wellness holidays are soaring in popularity. Lily Smith, a leading travel expert from Monasteries.com, says: ‘39% of Brits say they are planning a dedicated spiritual or meditative holiday this year and a hefty 59% of us plan to incorporate some form of wellness into their holiday.

‘This concerning ONS survey helps explain why wellness holidays are expanding so rapidly. If we are honest, feelings of loneliness and a lack of life satisfaction affect all of us at some point in our lives. A sense of community and recharging our “spiritual batteries” can certainly help us to take a break from our worries and our daily routines.

‘That’s why it’s no surprise that a third of us are planning a spiritual getaway this year. Topping many people’s 2025 holiday plans are modern-day pilgrimages, staying in a retreat or taking a break from social media by embracing “silent travel”.

‘Ironically, social media can sometimes make us feel more alone, as we compare other people’s apparent popularity and busy lives. We Brits now average 2.3 hours a day on social media and some health professionals are concerned that it can fuel feelings of anxiety, depression and loneliness.

‘For the ultimate in spiritual breaks, anyone can stay in the many monasteries, convents and religious guest houses across the world that open their doors to visitors. It’s perfectly possible to use them simply as an inexpensive B&B and not get involved at all in their spiritual activities. However, for those who feel lonely or in need of spiritual or wellbeing activities, many of these places have a lot more to offer.

‘Monasteries.com has published an online guide to staying at a monastic retreat. It’s full of excellent advice for anyone looking to go on a religious retreat for the first time. It also lists excellent places offering courses and a range of events.

‘The Chelmsford Diocesan House of Retreat, located in Pleshey in the Essex countryside, offers a haven for spiritual reflection and renewal. “Retreatants” (as people on a retreat are sometimes known) can tailor their stay to their needs, whether they are seeking solitude, guided reflection or respite from daily life. It has a full calendar of events starting in March, from guided retreats to talks, reflective crafting days, etc. Rooms are available from March onwards from £85.10 a night and there are common rooms, a tearoom and an outdoor terrace.

‘For a complete change of scene, the Monastery of El Olivar in Estercuel, Spain, was founded by the friars of La Merced in 1260 and many of the buildings date back to the 16th century. Following a sensitive major restoration, it is now a wonderful retreat. There are no buildings or neighbours for several kilometres and the community allows you to participate in prayer if you wish. It also offers full spiritual retreats, yoga and other activities. It really is the perfect place for a spiritual recharge in a welcoming atmosphere. Rooms are available from £49.90 a night.

‘For more information on taking a religious retreat, see: https://www.monasteries.com/en-GB/travel-inspiration/the-transformative-experience-of-monastery-retreats