WHILE many will be hitting beaches across the UK, we’ve got an idea to help you swerve the crowds.
These glorious woods and forests are perfect for escaping the current heatwave, with plenty of dappled shade for lovely treks and picnics.
Here, Sophie Swietochowski looks at seven great days out . . .
WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM
One of the UK’s largest and most glorious arboretums, Westonbirt, in Gloucestershire, is much more than just a forest.
More than 2,500 species are thriving here and some of the trees in this 240-hectare space are so ancient, they’ve weathered almost 2,000 years of change.
Why not grab a sandwich from the cafe and take a pew next to the arboretum’s oldest tree — a small-leaved lime in the Silk Wood area.
HALDON FOREST PARK
Devon’s beaches are likely to be packed in the coming weeks, but this fabulous park is a great alternative.
There are plenty of shaded areas, plus kids can be kept entertained along the Room on the Broom activity trail.
Pack a coolbox of goodies and take advantage of the many picnic spots.
BEDGEBURY NATIONAL PINETUM & FOREST
This haven in Kent is the largest pinetum in the entire world, and its collection of conifers is renowned globally.
Now is the best time to visit, as the team have mowed grassy paths to help visitors explore, while also sheltering beneath the giant trees.
HAMSTERLEY FOREST
If you would prefer to cool off by water, this forest in County Durham has a river running through its centre.
Kids can slip off their shoes and go for a paddle after tiring themselves out at the outdoor Viking Wildplay, which is pretty well shaded.
If you do want to stroll the trails, they are mostly wheelchair-accessible and pram-friendly.
ALICE HOLT FOREST
Worried about how you’re going to amuse the kids over the summer months?
Then make a beeline for this forest in Hampshire.
It’s an adventurer’s paradise with nature and play trails galore and even a Go Ape course, sheltered by the surrounding trees.
Make sure to check the events page ahead of your visit to find out what’s happening that week.
DELAMERE FOREST
This gorgeous spot in Cheshire is a wonderful spot for nature enthusiasts.
Major work has gone into restoring the hidden pools within the forest to encourage the return of the White-Faced Darter dragonfly — one of the rarest in the UK.
This forest is likely to be one of the coolest of the bunch, too, thanks to the many peat bogs and moss carpets that keep the forest floor damp.
FINESHADE WOOD
Both the kids and Fido will love this gloriously sheltered spot in Northamptonshire.
You’ll be sharing the 516 hectares with deer, dragonflies and butterflies, and keep an eye out through the tree canopy for the buzzards soaring overhead.
When the heat gets too much, the on-site Grounds Cafe is loaded with ice cream — and there’s even some doggy-friendly scoops, so no one misses out.
- For more details on any of the sites featured on this page, head online to forestryengland.uk.