Forest bathing at Kew Gardens

Most people come to Kew for the glasshouses, but much of the garden is trees. The arboretum runs through the grounds, and on the edge where Kew meets the Thames is the Natural Area: 37 acres of woodland that Queen Victoria gave on condition it stayed wild. Around 185 trees have been planted there over the decades. Dead trees are pruned to leave nooks for insects, storm-felled trunks make up a log trail, and stag beetles breed in the decaying wood. Queen Charlotte's Cottage stands in the middle.

Paths across the gardens are mostly tarmac and the ground is largely flat, so it is one of the easiest London venues to reach and walk. The far side of the gardens, away from the gates and glasshouses, is generally where you find space. Spring is the high point in the Natural Area, with bluebells and wild garlic around the cottage, and stag beetles most often seen in late spring. Kew has warned that the Woodland Walk is closed for maintenance at times, so check closures before you set off. Entry is ticketed.