Forest bathing at Thorp Perrow Arboretum

Thorp Perrow is a 100-acre arboretum on a private estate just outside Bedale, restored over recent decades by Sir John Ropner and his wife Niki. It holds five National Plant Collections and 51 champion trees, and the planting runs from formal avenues to looser woodland. It is a good choice if you like to slow down among named trees and notice how each one differs in bark, leaf and shape.

Entry is through the shop at the arboretum gate, and there is a tea room, a children's play area and a bird of prey centre with daily flying displays. Time your visit away from the displays, or head for the far side of the grounds, if you want the quietest corners. Spring brings daffodils and then carpets of bluebells, autumn brings guided tree walks and fungus forays, and in winter it is a sheltered place for a woodland walk.