If you’re heading across the pond, Road Trips Gardeners, consider a stop at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest (on the Kent side of its border with Sussex) for an “adventure in a world of trees” — no matter what the season.

It’s called a “pinetum” rather than an arboretum because it shelters a large collection of conifers. which are (of course) especially spectacular in the winter. The two thousand-acre Bedgebury Forest offers miles of family cycling, mountain-biking, riding, walking and adventure play for all ages and abilities. The Visitor Centre has cycle hire, refreshments and (bonus!) showers.

Besides, Bedgebury is also the site of one of 26 places in the United Kingdom where you can sign up to “Go Ape”! Take to the trees and experience a course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and zip wire slides as high as 35 feet above the forest floor. The admission fee grants you three hours of fun and adventure.