Forest bathing at Bodenham Arboretum

Bodenham Arboretum lies in hilly countryside near Wolverley, north of Kidderminster, reached by a mile-long drive. It covers 156 acres and has been planted since 1973, when work began damming the streams and side valleys to create two chains of lakes and pools. There are now more than 3,000 species of trees and shrubs from around the world, along with mature woodland, plantations and avenues. It is a working farm as well as an arboretum, and feels more rural than a formal garden.

Around five miles of paths wind between the pools and through the plantings, so it is easy to find a bench or a bank to sit on away from the visitor centre, which looks over the big pool. Autumn is the obvious season, with colour from September into early November, and it is worth more than one visit as the trees turn at different times. There is an admission charge, and opening days are worth checking before you travel.