Wiltshire

Forest bathing in Wiltshire

Wiltshire's woods are big and old, and mostly on estates that let you walk in them. Savernake Forest beside Marlborough is privately owned but open on foot, with the Grand Avenue of beech and some of the oldest oaks in the country. West Woods south of the town is Forestry England beech famous for bluebells. Grovely Wood above Great Wishford, west of Salisbury, is a long ridge of beech and oak. Bentley Wood east of Salisbury is a charitable trust's woodland open to the public, mixed oak and conifer, and the Stourhead estate in the south-west corner has National Trust woods to walk.

Sessions are slow and small. A guide leads a few people a short way into the trees and offers simple invitations to notice, touch and listen, leaving long pauses for stillness; two to three hours is usual. The beech woods around Marlborough are at their best in May and October. Each guide's profile gives their dates and prices.

West Woods is a good first visit, with a free Forestry England car park and an easy-access trail. Savernake's Postern Hill car park off the A346 is also free and leads straight into the forest.

Autumn, Forest of Dean
Autumn in the Forest of Dean. Photograph: Stuart Wilding, CC BY-SA 2.0

Guides in Wiltshire

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Common questions

Forest bathing in Wiltshire: your questions

How much does forest bathing cost in Wiltshire?

Public group sessions usually cost about £20 to £45 a person for two to three hours. Private sessions for a couple or small group start at around £120 and go up with group size and length. Prices are set by each guide and shown on their profile.

Do I need to book?

Yes. Groups are small and most sessions fill up in good weather. Book through the guide's own website or send them an enquiry from their profile.

What should I wear?

Layers, a waterproof, and shoes you're happy to stand still in on damp ground. Sessions are slow, so you'll feel the cold more than on a walk. In summer bring water and something for insects.

Is it suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

It depends on the guide and the wood. Some guides run family sessions in the school holidays, and many choose woods with level paths. Look for the Accessible sessions filter, or ask the guide directly.

Are there sessions in winter?

Fewer, but yes. Woods are quieter in winter and often more atmospheric, and some guides run sessions all year round. Check individual profiles for dates.

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