Come and cool down in the soothing shade of the nation’s forests! Forestry England’s top ten heatwave havens

8 July 2025

Come and cool down in the soothing shade of the nation’s forests! Forestry England’s top ten heatwave havens 

With temperatures set to soar to 30C in some parts of the country this week, the third heatwave of the summer is set to bring scorching days and stuffy nights.  Sometimes, paddling pools and ice lollies are just not enough! To beat the heat, Forestry England is encouraging everyone to enjoy the wonderfully cooling shade found in the nation’s forests and woodlands.

Walking into glade of tall trees on a hot day can feel like stepping into a cool bath, and tree canopies – as well as being beautiful to gaze up at – do a fantastic job of keeping temperatures low and providing much-needed shade for us as well as for wildlife.

With everyone in the country living within an hour’s drive of one of the nation’s 1,500 forests, they’re the perfect place to head as the mercury climbs higher for a gentle stroll, to sit and relax or for a cold picnic. Remember, extreme heat and dryness means the risk of wildfires is high and disposable or portable  BBQs are not permitted in any of the nation’s forests. Please do your bit to reduce the wildfire risk by packing a picnic of delicious, chilled goodies as well as your water and sun cream.

Check out Forestry England’s top 10 heatwave havens:

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Located on the edge of the Cotswolds, Westonbirt offers a stunning 240 hectare setting within which to escape to the cool of some majestic trees. Home to 2,500 different species from the far corners of the Earth and five national tree collections, the arboretum boasts meandering walkways and plenty of quiet and shaded spots to sit and relax on a hot summer’s day. Feel free to bring a picnic or stop by the cafe or restaurant for refreshments.

Beechenhurst, Forest of Dean, Coleford, Gloucestershire
The perfect picnic spot, with wide open lawns, shaded benches in the trees, and a wonderful café, Beechenhurst is a beautiful destination on a hot day. Experience the jaw-dropping Forest of Dean sculpture trail and keep your eyes peeled for a giant stained-glass window hanging from the trees. The sculptures on this trail are inspired by the forest: its trees, wildlife and industrial past. 

Haldon Forest Park, Devon
With 1,400 hectares of woodland just 15 minutes from Exeter and Newton Abbot, Haldon Forest Park offers shade galore and plenty of space to keep cool when the heat is building. And on days when the beach is simply too scorching, there are plenty of shady ways to have fun and entertain children including the Stick man activity trail, walking trails and calm picnic spots throughout the forest.

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Kent
Just a short walk from the car park and you will be immersed into the largest pinetum in the world, a globally important collection of conifers including a magnificent stand of redwoods. During the summer, the tree team mow routes off the beaten track under the shade of towering canopies, taking you to places you may not normally explore. With a picnic in tow from Bedgebury Cafe, seek out your new favourite shady sanctuary here. 

Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire
Stretching over 3,500 hectares, Dalby Forest has shady space galore and offers cool and tranquil strolls and picnic spots on a hot day. With over 13 walking trails to choose from,  many under the tree canopy amidst deep shades of green, you’re sure to cool down and relax during a summer visit. The visitor centre cafe offers plenty of refreshment and is the perfect place for a stop. 

Jeskyns Community Woodland, near Cobham, Kent
Home to 145 hectares of newly planted woodlands, meadows and orchards, this beautiful location is not far from Dartford in Kent and offers activity trails, shaded walks and even a spot for the dogs to paddle. Visiting with little ones? Don't miss the Fairy and Elf Village where the kids can explore Mushroom Manor and The Old Boot Inn, whilst you enjoy a cool drink from the cafe nearby.

Alice Holt Forest, near Farnham, Hampshire
Alice Holt Forest has 2.4 miles of scenic woodland and mature pine forest - perfect for cooling down on a summer's day. And with scenic walking trails, bike hire, a Go Ape Tree Top adventure course plus picnic areas on offer, you certainly won't be short of things to do. Be sure to check the events page to see what's going on at the activity centre. 

Delamere Forest, Frodsham, Cheshire
Just an hour's train journey from Manchester, Delamere Forest is an oasis in the summer. Offering beautiful views of Blakemere Lake and quiet shaded spots for a walk or cycle, this is the perfect spot to spend a sunny day out. Remember to bring lunch to enjoy at one of the many picnic spots you’ll find in the forest. Venture away from the visitor centre on the Old Pale trail or hire bikes and explore the forest on two wheels – you’ll love the breeze as you cycle along!

Fineshade Woods, Fineshade, Northamptonshire
Nestled between Corby and Stamford in the Midlands and just a short drive from the A1, Fineshade Woods is the perfect place to enjoy a day outdoors. With plenty of shady spots beneath old oak trees and stately scots pine, it’s a cool and peaceful retreat on a warm day. The forest is teeming with wildlife – keep an eye out for dragonflies, butterflies, and even deer. Look up and you might spot red kites or buzzards soaring overhead. After your woodland adventure, stop by Grounds Café to cool down with a delicious ice cream – and don’t worry, there’s even a homemade dog-friendly version for your four-legged friend! 

Hamsterley Forest, Bishop Auckland, County Durham
With picturesque woodlands that sprawl along a sheltered valley, Hamsterley Forest is the perfect spot for a day out with friends and family. There's something to keep all members of your group busy all day including some wonderful opportunities for outdoor children's play! Kick your shoes off and cool down on a hot day with a paddle by the river.

As you enjoy the cool and shade of the nation’s forests when you visit to beat the heat, remember you can invest in Forestry England membership to unlock the opportunity to explore in every season. Your membership will support our work caring for the forests we all love meaning these wonderful places will flourish in the decades ahead.