Forest bathing at Fort Victoria Country Park

Fort Victoria Country Park sits on the north-west coast just west of Yarmouth, run by the Isle of Wight Council. Around the old fort are about 20 hectares of woodland that grew up after the Second World War, when the ground had been kept clear for the army to watch the coast. It is a mix of trees and shrubs with pines and an unusual amount of elm, and red squirrels feed on the pine cones. On the seaward slopes the trees are bent and stunted by the wind.

Parking is free, and there are toilets and a café on site. The nature trail and the Isle of Wight Coastal Path run through the woods, and volunteers have laid stone over the muddiest sections. Owl Glade, a clearing with bird and bat boxes, is a good spot to sit. Viewpoints look out to Hurst Castle and The Needles. It is an easy option if you are arriving on the Yarmouth ferry, and you can walk in from the town.