Across the UK in 2026, a clear shift is happening in holiday parks, activity centres and leisure venues: the rise of “no phone zones”.
From crazy golf courses to family activity camps, operators are encouraging guests to switch devices to airplane mode, stow them away, or remove them entirely from shared spaces. The goal? To create genuine digital detox environments that prioritise presence, connection and wellbeing.
This movement aligns closely with growing national conversations around screen time and mental health — including themes championed during Children’s Mental Health Week and by the Catherine, Princess of Wales, who has consistently highlighted the importance of early childhood development, emotional wellbeing and healthy environments for young people.
Why Are No Phone Zones Growing in the UK?
The push for phone-free leisure experiences reflects a wider cultural shift. While smartphones offer convenience, they often intrude into spaces designed for relaxation and connection.
Leisure operators are responding by introducing structured “no phone” initiatives designed to:
- Encourage presence and participation
- Improve family interaction
- Reduce digital distraction
- Support mental wellbeing
- Create intentional, tech-free spaces
For many families, leisure time was supposed to be an escape from work emails and social media notifications. Instead, screens often follow them into play spaces, restaurants and holiday settings.
Now, venues are actively resetting expectations.
Key UK No Phone Zone Initiatives in 2026
Adventure Leisure (Mulligans & Ninja Warrior UK)
From 16–22 February 2026, Adventure Leisure, operator of Mulligans crazy golf and Ninja Warrior UK activity venues, launched an “official no phone zone” policy across 20 locations nationwide.
Guests were encouraged to place phones on airplane mode while participating in activities — helping shift focus back to physical play, friendly competition and shared experience.
Some locations even introduced “phone patrols” to reinforce the message and gently remind visitors of the digital detox approach.
V.I.M Camps
V.I.M Camps actively discourage phone use on their premises for adults and visitors. Beyond promoting presence, the policy supports safeguarding by ensuring adults are not taking photographs of children during activities.
This approach highlights an important secondary benefit of phone-free policies: privacy and protection, particularly in youth-focused environments.
The Rise of Adult Digital Detox Camps
Although digital detox camps first gained popularity in the United States, fully offline adult retreats are becoming increasingly sought-after in the UK.
Participants hand in devices for the duration of their stay, allowing them to:
- Reconnect socially
- Engage deeply in activities
- Improve sleep quality
- Reduce anxiety linked to constant connectivity
What began as a niche wellness trend is quickly becoming mainstream.
The Link to Children’s Mental Health Week
Each year, Children’s Mental Health Week encourages open conversations about emotional wellbeing, resilience and healthy habits.
Excessive screen time has repeatedly been linked to:
- Increased anxiety
- Sleep disruption
- Reduced face-to-face interaction
- Lower attention spans
这 Princess of Wales has long emphasised the importance of creating supportive, nurturing environments for children — both at home and in public spaces. While digital technology has its place, balanced usage is central to healthy development.
No phone zones in leisure venues reinforce this message. They model intentional boundaries around technology, showing families that shared experiences matter more than documentation.
Why “Sacred Spaces” Matter
Many operators describe their no phone zones as creating a kind of “sacred space” — an environment intentionally protected from the pressures of constant connectivity.
When devices are removed:
- Conversations deepen
- Eye contact increases
- Physical activity improves
- Shared memories feel more vivid
Instead of recording the moment, people live it.
From Airplane Mode to Secure Phone Management
Some venues rely on trust-based systems, asking guests to switch to airplane mode. Others are exploring more structured solutions to ensure policies are applied consistently — particularly in large-scale venues or ticketed events.
At Phone Locker®, we support leisure operators, camps and activity centres looking to create clear, scalable phone-free environments without causing friction or anxiety.
Secure, lockable pouches allow guests to:
- Keep their phone on their person
- Remove the temptation to check notifications
- Feel reassured their device remains safe
This approach balances freedom and structure, making digital detox achievable at scale.
The Future of Phone-Free Leisure in the UK
The rise of no phone zones across UK holiday and leisure venues signals a broader cultural reset. Families and adults alike are increasingly seeking:
- Intentional offline time
- Higher-quality connection
- Reduced digital pressure
- Environments designed for presence
As conversations around mental health continue — particularly during Children’s Mental Health Week — structured digital boundaries are becoming not restrictive, but empowering.
Because sometimes, the most powerful innovation isn’t adding more technology.
It’s knowing when to put it away.
If you’re exploring how to introduce a no phone zone or structured digital detox policy in your venue, Phone Locker® can help you create a simple, guest-friendly system that protects the experience you’ve worked so hard to build.
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