Embrace Nature: Forest bathing, Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming
Created over 80 years ago by horticulturalist Dr Wilfrid Fox, Winkworth Arboretum is a glorious celebration of trees. Part of the National Trust since 1988, it covers 121 acres and is made up of 1,000 trees and shrubs. A peaceful place for a winter stroll, there is a choice of three walking routes to follow, in the fresh air amid wellbeing-boosting nature. Forest bathing – or spending time in nature – is rooted in the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku and studies have shown that it boosts the immune system, lowers your blood pressure and helps with anxiety. Also on offer are guided walks to learn more about the plants, a scenic lake and tea room – essential for refuelling on a cold day. Watch out for the new visitor centre which is due to open in 2025.
Get Creative: Art Workshop, Surrey Art School, Dorking
Inspired by nature and the changing seasons, Surrey Art School offers a whole line-up of mindful workshops for all abilities. For winter, founder Ellie Green is offering private art classes in her picturesque studio. You’ll spend the time, paintbrush in hand, overlooking a farm tucked away in the Surrey Hills. As well as botanical painting and lino printing, you’ll also be taught how to make your own beautifully-executed Christmas cards and tags – perfect to impress your loved ones this year. You can book one-to-one classes or grab some friends and make it a festive event to remember. From mid-November onwards, Ellie is also running an artistic retreat at the Sussex Country Yurt, which will focus on the Yew tree. Activities include watercolour painting and learning about plant medicine.
Close Your Eyes: Sleep Retreat, Pennyhill Park, Bagshot
Designed to reset your circadian rhythm, the Pro-Sleep Spa Retreat is a one-night, holistic experience created for guests to return home with a renewed sense of deep calm. Check-in to the 19th-century manor house-hotel and straight to the award-winning spa, which features a ballroom pool with underwater music, an outdoor hydrotherapy pool and wild swimming pool. As part of the programme, you’ll be drifting off with an 80-minute Tranquility Sleep Treatment, using Ayurvedic massage techniques, essential oils and a specially curated soothing soundscape. Guests will also find special amenities in their rooms, including Sleep Well Tea, magnesium water from OHMG Water to ease stress and snooze-inducing treats from Comfort Zone’s Tranquillity Line.
Look Up: Full Moon Circle, The Yurt, Warnham
A moon circle aims to connect you with the powerful lunar cycle and help you understand more about the impact of the full moon on your moods and energy. This season, yoga instructor and wellbeing guide, Amy Miller, will hold two events (14 November and 16 December) to harness the transformative power of the moon. The relaxing evening event includes gentle yoga, gratitude meditation and crystal work. The aim, she says, is to leave feeling calm and free of anything that has been troubling you. Bring cushions, blankets and prepare to go deep.
Amymilleryogaandwellbeing.co.uk
Turn The Pages: Walk a Book, Regents Park
Emily’s Walking Book Club was launched by writer Emily Rhodes in 2012 and it’s still going strong. With a global community of over 2,500 members, a group of friendly book-lovers meet and walk across Hampstead Heath or Regent’s Park, discussing a chosen book as they stroll. Coming up is The Past is Myself by Christabel Bielenberg (various dates in November) and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (various dates in December). If you can’t make the walk, there are zoom chats to join instead. “It’s much
easier to talk while walking,” says Emily. “The rhythm of it loosens your thoughts and your tongue, too. Also, you’re perhaps looking around at the landscape, rather than making stressful eye-contact.”
Escape for the Night: A Surrey staycation, The Piggery, Horsham
Sometimes you just need a break from the humdrum of life and The Piggery at John Bull’s House in Horsham is the perfect escape. The cosy cottage is big enough for two and is found in a rural location at the foot of the South Downs National Park. The converted farm building features comfy sofas which are perfect for curling up and reading, a state-of-the-art kitchen for hearty feasts and a king-sized bed dressed in Egyptian cotton linens for early nights. Outside is a wood-fired Scandi hot-tub – just the thing for stargazing on a winter’s night. You can also book uber-relaxing massages to make for the ultimate escapist experience.
From Scalp to Soul: Japanese Headspa, Epsom
Reset and unwind with a soothing Japanese Head Spa at Carley Bayne Hair. An expert in scalp health and rejuvenating treatments, the session starts with an in-depth analysis using a magnifying camera – for a bespoke experience. Using Oway products – an eco-friendly Italian hair care line known for its biodynamic farming and chemical-free ingredients – every treatment is luxurious and sustainable. Benefits include improving blood circulation through specialised massage techniques, detoxifying your scalp by removing impurities and buildup and you can add on a holistic facial or Reiki too. The perfect way to melt away seasonal stress and boost overall well-being.