Forest bathing at Salcey Forest

Salcey Forest lies south-east of Northampton, close to the Buckinghamshire border, and is run by Forestry England. Its best-known trees are its rare veteran oaks, known locally as the druids, some of which are more than 600 years old. Look closely and you can still find ancient wood banks and the remains of old buildings among the trees. The old oaks are the reason to come: find one, settle near it and let the time pass.

The main car park and Visitor Information Point are off the Hartwell road, with the Grounds Café, toilets including a Changing Places facility, and the start of the waymarked walking trails. An easy access trail goes from here too. The area around the centre, with Go Ape and the family cycle trail, is the busiest part, so walk further out along the trails for quieter woodland. The forest is gated with seasonal opening hours, longest in summer. A bus between Milton Keynes and Northampton stops at the Visitor Information Point.