Woods

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.

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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.

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The UK is home to more than half of the world’s bluebell population and spring is the best time to see them

The UK boasts countless stunning locations to discover – and amongst England’s most iconic sights are the bluebell forests. Now is the ideal moment to venture out and witness these delightful blue flowers in full bloom.

The UK is home to over half of the world’s bluebell population, with the Lake District ranking amongst the finest places to spot them. Experts at Sally’s Cottages have put together five of the top locations to explore for your best opportunity of seeing the gorgeous British blooms this spring. These five Lake District spots make for an ideal weekend escape.

Buttermere to Rannerdale

One of England’s finest bluebell displays can be discovered at the Rannerdale Knotts near Buttermere.

Legend has it that the bluebells growing here emerged from blood shed during a Norman war. The flowers here flourish on a hillside, rather than within woodland, reports the Express.

To view the stunning bluebells, you can tackle the three-mile circular route from Buttermere, which takes you past the flowers while offering breath taking views across the lake.

Skelghyll Woods and Jenkins Crag

This picturesque spot is home to some of England’s tallest trees and an abundance of spectacular views.

You can reach Waterhead Pier by boat before wandering the Champion Tree Trail, which meanders through ancient woodland. Towering fir trees rise above while the ground is blanketed with bluebells.

Rydal Water

This walk is stunning at any time of year, but come May it transforms into something truly breathtaking, thanks to the vast carpets of bluebells in full bloom.

Begin your walk at White Moss Common, a woodland draped in bluebells throughout spring, before setting off on the three-mile circuit around the lake.

Brandelhow Park

This park holds the distinction of being the first piece of land in the Lake District to be acquired by the National Trust back in 1902, and each May it bursts into a sea of bluebells.

Accessible by boat, if you disembark at Hawes End Jetty, you can follow the Octavia Hill Walk along the banks of Derwentwater all the way to the park.

Tarn Hows

Once owned by Beatrix Potter and left to the National Trust upon her death, Tarn Hows ranks among the most breathtaking spots in the Lake District, boasting sweeping views of the Langdale Pikes, Old Man of Coniston and Helvellyn.

A gentle two-mile trail winds its way around Tarn Hows, where the ground is awash with bluebells. Keep your eyes peeled for rare red squirrels and cattle along the way.