The Art of Forest Bathing: 8 of Britain’s top woodland walks

Steeped in history and teeming with wildlife, the New Forest offers a tapestry of ancient woodlands, heathland, and meandering streams. This royal hunting ground, established by William the Conqueror in 1079, now serves as a sanctuary for forest bathers and those seeking the best woodland walks in the UK. Amidst noble oaks and beeches, visitors can engage in mindful walking, observing the interplay of dappled sunlight and listening to the gentle rustling of leaves. The forest's diverse ecosystem, home to the famous New Forest ponies, provides a rich sensory experience that epitomises the essence of forest bathing.

Stay at: The Montagu Arms, a 17th-century country house hotel in Beaulieu. With its award-winning restaurant and tranquil gardens, it offers a refined retreat after a day of forest immersion.

Nestled in the Lake District, Dodd Wood presents captivating woodland walks with a blend of coniferous and deciduous trees, creating a varied forest bathing experience throughout the seasons. The woodland's elevated position affords breathtaking views over Bassenthwaite Lake and the surrounding fells. Forest bathers can follow gentle trails through stands of Douglas fir and larch, pausing to absorb the forest's serene atmosphere. The wood is also a haven for wildlife, including the elusive red squirrel, adding an element of discovery to the mindful practice.

Stay at: Armathwaite Hall, a stunning 17th-century former stately home set on Bassenthwaite Lake. Its world-class spa and 400 acres of deer park perfectly complement the forest bathing experience.

While not a traditional forest, Westonbirt Arboretum provides an unparalleled setting for forest bathing and woodland walks with its collection of 15,000 specimen trees from around the world. The arboretum's carefully curated landscapes offer a diverse sensory experience, from the vibrant autumn colours of the maple collection to the tranquil Acer Glade. The elevated STIHL Treetop Walkway allows visitors to immerse themselves in the canopy, offering a unique perspective on forest bathing.

Stay at: Whatley Manor, a beautifully restored Cotswold manor house with an exceptional spa and Michelin-starred dining. Alternatively, choose Calcot & Spa, a 14th-century farmhouse set in 220 acres of Cotswold meadowland, offering a more rustic luxury.

Situated in the Howardian Hills, Birch Wood Nature Reserve offers a diverse habitat for forest bathing and woodland walks. The reserve's mix of woodland, grassland, and wetland areas provides a varied sensory experience. Forest bathers can explore the tranquil birch glades, their silver bark gleaming in the soft light, or pause by the woodland ponds to observe the rich aquatic life. The reserve's well-maintained paths allow for easy, mindful wandering through different ecosystems.

Stay at: Feversham Arms, a luxurious country house hotel in nearby Helmsley. Its outdoor heated pool and award-winning spa offer the perfect way to extend the relaxation after a forest bathing session.

Wareham Forest, with its mix of pine plantations and open heathland, offers a unique setting for woodland walks. The contrast between the dense, aromatic pine stands and the open vistas of the heath creates a diverse sensory landscape. Forest bathers can explore quiet trails through the woods, pausing to observe the interplay of light and shadow or to listen to the wind whispering through the pine needles. The forest is also home to rare wildlife, including sand lizards and nightjars, adding an element of biodiversity to the experience.

Stay at: The Priory, a historic hotel set on the banks of the River Frome. Its beautiful gardens and riverside setting offer a tranquil extension of the forest bathing experience.