Durham Launches UK Peace & Tranquility Week

Carl Honore urges Brits to reconnect with their ' inner tortoise' on eve of national week devoted to relaxation. Durham is celebrating its place as the UK's home of peace and tranquillity by establishing a national week of events dedicated to rest and relaxation.

UK Peace and Tranquillity Week has been created by County Durham Tourism Partnership and features more than 25 events and tranquil overnight getaways across the county, from September 8-14, supported by a dedicated website www.durhampeace.co.uk.

International bestseller and leading global champion for the Slow Movement, Carl Honore is backing the campaign and officially launches the week on September 5 in Durham City.

Honore will take to the River Wear in a rowing boat for a silent cruise past Durham Cathedral and later relax in an armchair and footstool in Durham's busiest shopping street to highlight the world's compulsion to hurry. He is urging the British people to take time out from the stresses of modern life and enjoy Durham's peace and tranquillity.

His book, 'In Praise of Slow: How a Worldwide Movement is challenging the Cult of Speed,' is published in more than 30 countries and examines the harmful effects of the modern compulsion to hurry through life.

Honore, said: "Most people are racing through their lives instead of living them. The Slow philosophy is about seeking to do everything at the right speed, sometimes fast, sometimes slow.

Durham is the perfect place to reconnect with your inner tortoise and invites us to savour the beauty of its outstanding natural landscapes and world renowned historic Cathedral city."

UK Peace and Tranquillity Week was established following nationwide research done by the Campaign to Protect Rural England, which revealed that Durham was one of the UK's best places to experience a sense of peace and tranquillity.

Further studies showed that tranquillity improves wellbeing by helping lower blood pressure and reducing anxiety and stress.

Melanie Sensicle, chief executive of County Durham Tourism Partnership, said:

"Today's world is increasingly stressful, with many people living in congested urban areas and working long hours in demanding jobs. This 'urban jet-lag' can lead to health problems and leaves people crying out for rest, which is why escaping to Durham has a profound effect on people's wellbeing.

"Durham has all the ingredients for a truly restful and relaxing break, from our breathtaking heritage coast and unspoilt Durham Dales to our charming market towns and sleepy villages," added Sensicle.

www.durhampeace.co.uk/experience-peace/calender-of-events

1 September 2008