Mental Wellbeing in the Kent Downs

Badgells Woods

Head to Badgells Wood for a Forest Bathing experience. This practise has formed an integral part of Japanese healthcare for over 40 years and is prescribed to treat a wide range of physical and mental health issues and is now practised all over the world gaining popularity in Western cultures as an effective antidote to our ‘always on the go’ culture.

During a Forest Bathing Experience, you will be gently guided into the heart of the woods and invited to immerse yourself fully in nature using all of your senses. You will be offered various invitations to connect with Nature through simple mindfulness exercises that will help you to develop present moment awareness and establish a deep connection with the forest and its wildlife.

Book a 1 ½ hour taster session or a full morning experience including a tea ceremony.

Accessible by train from Borough Green or by bus on route 308.

Trosley Country Park/The Villager Pub

Head over to Trosley Country Park Bluebell Cafe and to enjoy tasty food from a menu made with locally sourced produce. (Bus route 308)

Enjoy a meal at The Villager pub. A family run pub serving great food and situated close to Trosley Country Park in Vigo.

Coldrum Trail

From Trosley Country Park follow the Coldrum Trail taking in part of the North Downs Way. A 6.2 mile walk starting and finishing at Trosley Country Park. You’ll descend from The North Downs Way with stunning views across Kent through farmland and woodland to the Coldrum stones. These stones are the remains of a Neolithic Long Barrow.

Along the route take time to practise your meditation. Stop, enjoy the views, listen to the birdsong and the wind in the trees and clear your mind

Accessible by bus on route 308. Nearest station Borough Green.

The Nevill Bull / The George

Visit The Nevill Bull pub at Birling, serving delicious locally supplied home cooked food and some amazing local ales to sample

Try the family run George pub at Trottiscliffe famous for its homemade shortcrust pies made with delicious local produce!

Camping, Glamping/ Nurstead Court

If you enjoyed your forest bathing experience why not stay in a Bell Tent at Badgells Wood: Off-Grid Woodland Camping? You’ll be provided with everything you need for a great off-grid camping experience. What’s more, several local companies (Stone Willy’s Pizza & Kent Brewery) even deliver food and drink straight to the campsite!

If you prefer slightly more comfort try the accommodation available at the beautiful Nurstead Court situated in Meopham.

Choose between one of the three delightful Shepherds Hut on site, each with their own character and situated amongst the fields of Nurstead Court Estate, or try Stables Cottage at Nurstead Court  for some luxury!

Vedic Meditation in Cobham

Alternative Experience: Book an introduction session at Vedic Meditation with Camilla, in her garden meditation room situated in Cobham.

This effortless meditation experience can help you to reduce stress, improve sleep, normalise blood pressure and increase creativity and problem solving skills.