The Crossover Of Leisure And Fitness And How To Benefit From The Experience Economy

In the wake of the pandemic, it has become more and more popular for individuals to seek experiences that combine active leisure time with fitness. What began as a safe way to socialise, has now transformed into a collective desire to lead an active lifestyle not only as necessity but at leisure. HPA have looked at the ways in which to link leisure and fitness together with new and innovative designs.

Natural Assets

Capitalising on natural assets is one of the most effective methods of connecting leisure and fitness within the hospitality industries. Developments of leisure in areas of scenic value are undeniable authentic travel experiences for tourists – with people navigating all over to visit exquisite locations.

HPA have contributed to a number of projects within the hotel and leisure sector, whose outdoor scenery enhances fitness opportunities for locals and visitors alike. HPA have designed Sherwood Pines‘ Camping in the Forest site in Nottinghamshire, as a collective community of camping, caravanning, and glamping with full access to the cycling and hiking trails that the surrounding forest has to offer. Similarly, Skelwith Fold – where HPA developed the extension of the reception and inclusion of new glamping pods – has unlimited accessibility to the Lake District, where there are plenty of opportunities for walks in the woodland, horse-riding and even a variety of water sports in nearby Windermere.

Pop-Up Events

For people who do not have the means to travel far, or for those who just prefer the comfort of their home city, pop-up events facilitated by local businesses are the perfect chance to combine leisure and fitness in more accessible activities.

HPA have assisted with the recent success of Lancaster On Ice, a pop-up event that transforms Lancaster’s historic Dalton Square into a winter wonderland of Christmas markets and an ice rink during the holiday festivities. As well as reinforcing tourist trade, it has also encouraged the Lancaster community itself to participate in new, seasonal, outdoor exercise at leisure within the city centre. HPA have also undertaken feasibility for container cities, with an aim to kick start regeneration.

Creating Experiences in the Landscape

Increasingly more and more people are choosing to holiday in the UK, opting for outdoor excursions and exercise over general leisure. By contributing to the already existing market with improved activities and fitness solutions, these industries are expanding their potential to suit a wide range of demographic expectations.

HPA are currently collaborating with Another Place, to develop their ‘Outside’ project, which is improving their outdoor spaces and offering more accommodation in the landscape. The Sheep Shed is the base of Another Place’s wild open water swimming, ran by Colin Hill. HPA have supported the hotel in creating spaces for endless pools overlooking Ullswater, a new jetty and swim club. Recently, HPA have also assisted with the Samling Hotel’s installation of a jetty, which will provide sustainable novelty transport for guests by mooring a small boat. This increases opportunities for people to comfortably stay in remote locations with a good conscious.

HPA have also contributed to the design of PlusPods, which can be utilised across rural areas and develop standards of living. These pods will upgrade capacity for leisure industries, connecting sustainability with the outdoors and are set to open soon in Brown Horse, Winster, and Hutton John Estate in the Lake District.

For more about HPA’s work in the leisure sector, click here.