Skip to content

Things to see and do at Badbury

Autumn trees at Badbury, Oxfordshire
Autumn trees at Badbury | © National Trust Images/Rachael Warren

Badbury is a great place to explore and discover some of the native tree and bird species in the UK. It is known that spending time outdoors in forests and woods is good for everyone's mental health and wellbeing, so why not see what you can spot at Badbury or indulge in some forest bathing?

Spotting nature at Badbury

Tree and bird spotting are great activities to do on your own or with family and friends, so why not give them a go? Take a meander through the woods near Badbury Hill and see how many trees and birds you can identify by downloading and using these guides to help you.

Every spring you can meander the paths through a carpet of bluebells amongst the beech trees in the area known as Badbury Clump. Just remember to stick to the paths and tread carefully to ensure these flowers come back year after year.

Discover Badbury’s past on a short walk

Follow the pink route to enjoy a short woodland walk taking in the Iron Age hillfort. Legend has it that King Arthur himself led the Celtic British victory here. You will also see an almost forgotten firing range, used to prepare Britain’s secret resistance fighters during the Second World War.

Activities for families

Did you know that the National Trust has compiled a list of '50 things to do before you're 11¾'? Young explorers can tick several off their list at Badbury, such as get to know a tree, build a den and have fun with sticks.

Visitors among trees at Badbury Clump, Oxfordshire
Visitors among trees at Badbury Clump | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Forest bathing at Badbury Woods

What is forest bathing?

Forest bathing is the Japanese practice of relaxation and is a very ancient process. In Japan it's known as 'shinrin yoku'. 'Shinrin' means forest and 'yoku' means bath, so it literally means bathing in the forest atmosphere, or taking the forest in through our senses.

Who can do forest bathing?

Everybody! Whether you're one or 100 (or any age in between) you can have a go at this nature activity.

It's brilliant fun for both adults and children and something a bit different to try. It's really useful in teaching and honing concentration and mindfulness skills whilst also learning from each other and the natural environment around you.

You can do forest bathing on your own, in a group or with the children. If you're going to bring the children along, we advise supervising them at all times, and watch out for those stinging nettles and brambles.

Where and when can I do forest bathing?

Badbury Woods is the perfect place to unwind and have a moment or two to yourself. With its winding paths, beautiful vistas and hidden places it's has a wonderfully meditative atmosphere.

You can do forest bathing at any time throughout the year. We recommend visiting Badbury at the quieter times or outside peak hours, however there are so many spaces you can usually find a quiet spot.

Two visitors walk past many bluebells in bloom under the trees at Badbury Clump, Oxfordshire

Discover more at Badbury

Find out how to get to Badbury, where to park, the things to see and do and more.

You might also be interested in

A woman lying upon a slanted piece of wood in the summer surrounded by  woodland and trees taking part in forest bathing at Wallington, Northumberland,
Article
Article

A beginner's guide to forest bathing 

Forest bathing is a way of relaxing and slowing down the mind by immersing yourself in nature. It can help reduce blood pressure, lower stress levels and improve concentration.

Visitor enjoying a peaceful moment at Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire
Article
Article

Where to go forest bathing 

Forest bathing is a mindfulness practice developed in Japan that's gained popularity in the UK. It involves being immersed in nature and using sight, smell and touch to slow down the mind and relax.

Great Coxwell Barn in the summer with clear blue sky, reflected in a pond in the foreground.
Place
Place

Great Coxwell Barn 

13th-century stone barn

Faringdon, Oxfordshire

Fully open today
Man and woman in warm clothing walking along footpath covered with leaves, with autumn foliage all around

Countryside and woodland 

Plan a visit to one of the special countryside places in our care and discover the benefits of being in the great outdoors. Pack your walking boots and get ready to explore woodlands, valleys and rivers.

Visitor crossing water via stepping stones with their dog on an autumnal walk at Wallington

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

Path leading to the Boer War memorial at Coombe Hill, against a blue sky

Countryside and woodland in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire 

From dappled beech woodlands to wildflower-rich chalk grasslands in The Chilterns, a wide variety of countryside landscapes awaits you across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.