Forest bathing at Harcourt Arboretum

Harcourt Arboretum, at Nuneham Courtenay about six miles south of Oxford, is part of the University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum. It covers about 130 acres: the original arboretum of specimen trees, native woodland, coppice and a wildflower meadow. It is a gated, ticketed site, more like a large tree garden than a wild wood, with plenty of places to sit.

Paths have no steps, though there are some steep slopes and uneven surfaces. The Acer Glade is the place for autumn colour; for something wilder, head for the native woodland, coppice and meadow. Toilets are at the main lodge and by the Woodland Barn, and a pop-up coffee van runs at weekends; you are welcome to bring a picnic. Dogs are not allowed, apart from assistance dogs. The arboretum is open daily from late morning to late afternoon, with last entry an hour before closing.