Ask people to picture a peaceful place, and many will describe a beach, a lake or a river. Science suggests that instinct is right.

In a British study, researchers showed people 120 photographs of natural and city scenes, half of which included water. The scenes with water won every time. People rated them as more appealing and said that they felt better and more relaxed. Even city scenes with a harbor or canal were rated about as highly as green countryside.

Water also seems to work on the body.

At the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, England, researchers measured visitors’ heart rate and blood pressure as they watched a 145,000-gallon exhibit. Some saw the tank with only seawater and rocks. Others saw it after fish were added.

Heart rate and blood pressure dropped in every group, including those who watched a tank with no fish at all. Most of the drop came within the first five minutes. As more fish were added, people’s heart rates fell further and their moods improved.

Researchers call these watery settings “blue spaces,” and they are studying them for clues about how surroundings affect health.

People in the photo study also said they would pay more for a hotel room with a view of the water.