Forest bathing at Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park

The Isabella Plantation is a 40 acre woodland garden within Richmond Park. Lord Sidmouth fenced it off in 1831 and planted oak, beech and sweet chestnut for timber, and more than 25 veteran trees there are older than that enclosure. The garden you see now was largely shaped from the 1950s and first opened to the public in 1953. Streams and ponds run through it, edged with evergreen azaleas, rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias, including a National Collection of Kurume azaleas. It is part of the Richmond Park SSSI and is run on organic principles.

Late April and early May, when the azaleas peak, is the busiest time; for a slower visit, come outside the flowering season or early in the day. There are five pedestrian gates, four colour-coded trails, improved paths and bridges, and benches throughout. Broomfield Hill car park is the closest for most visitors, and Peg's Pond has parking for disabled visitors. In March look for brimstone butterflies in the Heather Garden; in summer, oak roller caterpillars hang from the oaks. Dogs are not allowed in the plantation, apart from assistance dogs.