Forest Bathing Arrives in the UK

A new big Eastern trend is set to take Britain by storm; the art of Forest Bathing, according to Forest Holidays.

The holiday company, which says it offers, “positive experiences in Britain’s amazing forests; connecting people, nature and local communities,” will be introducing Forest Bathing at their Hampshire and Norfolk locations from September 2017, with more locations across the UK to follow.

Their Forest Rangers have undergone extensive training with The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and are now all set to impart their wisdom to those in need of a de-stressing boost in the woods.

“The premise is simple and profound: by spending time actively engaging with nature, we reconnect to our relationship with the natural world and can gain both mental and physical rejuvenation. Leave all devices behind. Go to a forest. Walk slowly. Breathe. Open all your senses,” said a Forest Holidays spokesperson, who added.

“This is the healing way as it is known in Japan. Forest Bathing – the medicine of simply being in the forest – has become a cornerstone of preventative healthcare in Japan, where millions spent on research and a quarter of the population regularly visit one of 48 officially designated Forest Therapy bases.”

Priced at £30 for three hours, guests can expect to experience a relaxing forest trail with their Forest Therapy Guide where to immerse themselves in the art of Forest Bathing.

The finale to this special experience is a tea ceremony with the guide and other guests, where everyone may reflect upon how bathing in the forest has helped them to de-stress, become mindful, pensive and relaxed again.

The tea used in this traditional Japanese ceremony is naturally made from foraged plants from the forest.

Non-participating friends or partners can take it easy by chilling in their woodland cabin’s private hot tub, go for a spot of bike riding or take a guided Forest Ranger activity such as Forest Survival or Night Vision.

Forest Bathing sessions will start in September 2017 and are bookable online.

A weekend break in September starts from £545 for a 2 bedroom cabin ( 4) in Thorpe Forest, Norfolk or a Hideaway cabin for 2 people costs from £795 in November in Blackwood Forest, Hampshire