Being outside and amongst nature is perfect for taking some time out to boost your wellbeing, with plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, right here in Gloucestershire.
From forest bathing in ancient woodlands to noticing beautiful butterflies pass by, discover a range of activities and places to visit that are perfect for those all-important mindful moments, with SoGlos’s latest hot list.
Discover the sights and sounds of Westonbirt Arboretum
Whether it’s letting loose with the little ones, walking with your dog or exercising in the great outdoors, Westonbirt Arboretum wants to help visitors to boost their wellbeing in a way that works for them.
Some of its top tips include being present in the moment, taking notice of everything from the sound of the wind through the tree to nature’s geometric patterns while exploring the arboretum; or connecting with others, walking and talking with a friend or even striking up a conversation with one of Westonbirt’s friendly volunteers.
Get active outdoors
Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or prefer to take things at a slower pace, regular physical activity is proven to help to lower rates of anxiety and depression in people of all ages.
Get your heart rate up at Westonbirt Arboretum, with plenty of short walks all under one mile long, as well as exercise classes and forest running routes to release those endorphins. And for the ultimate challenge, take on a half marathon, 5k, 10k or one-mile fun run at Westonbirt in September, or test your mettle with the Forest of Dean Ultra Marathon in October 2026, starting from Beechenhurst.
Be inspired by stunning art on the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
With stunning sculptures to spot in the natural landscape, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail provides plenty of opportunities for peace, quiet and reflection as you admire artwork along the four-and-a-half-mile route.
Its range of sculptures, commissioned and installed at different times over a 40-year period, are inspired by the trees, wildlife and industrial past of the forest, and are designed to change as the woodland changes around them – ensuring a thought provoking, mindful experience each time you visit.
Go forest bathing
Helping people to connect with nature, ‘forest bathing’ is the Japanese practice of being still among the trees, taking deep, calming breaths and quietly observing the nature around you.
From the magical trees of Westonbirt to the ancient Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire is full of woodland to try the Japanese method out for yourself. Soak up the old beech trees in Frith Wood near Stroud; escape the bustle of Cheltenham to nearby Lineover Wood; or see wonderful wild flowers at Dymock Woods on the Herefordshire border.
Admire amazing wildlife
Take a moment to pause and notice the wildlife all around you when wandering through Gloucestershire’s glorious countryside. From the Highland cattle on Minchinhampton and Rodborough Common to the rare bats that call Woodchester Park home, the county is home to many creatures to share a mindful moment with.
Spot wild boar and deer in the Forest of Dean, watch for peregrine falcons at Symonds Yat Rock, and keep your eyes peeled for rare birds at Westonbirt. There are also two butterfly reserves in Gloucestershire, with the chance to see fluttering flashes of colour when strolling through Rough Bank in Miserden or exploring Prestbury Hill Butterfly Reserve on the outskirts of Cheltenham.
Hone your photography skills
Cameras at the ready! Working on your photography skills can help you to become more mindful as you tune into your surroundings and focus on the present moment to get that perfect shot.
And budding photographers can get some Insta-worthy snaps in stunning natural locations across Gloucestershire, while landmarks like Tyndale Monument and Broadway Tower offer a picture-perfect place to practice being more mindful, all while channelling your creativity.
Discover local history and learn something new
Broadening your mind and learning something new can give you a huge mental boost – and engaging with local history to uncover some fascinating facts about the county’s past is a great place to start.
There are lots of historical sites in Gloucestershire’s countryside, with Chedworth Villa and Great Witcombe Roman Villa giving a taste of Roman Britain, medieval ruins at Hailes Abbey, and Iron Age fortifications to see at Greystones Farm Nature Reserve in Bouton-on-the-Water.
