Forest Bathing and Yoga in Brighton: Stanmer Park Woodland Walk

Walk through remote woodland, breathe with intention, and return to the city calmer than you left.

Forest bathing and yoga in Brighton combines a beginner-friendly yoga session at One Garden with a guided walk through Stanmer Park's woodlands to practice shinrin-yoku: the Japanese art of absorbing the forest atmosphere. The four-hour activity, led by an expert instructor, includes yoga mats and equipment. It starts at 9:30 AM and suits both locals and visitors seeking stress relief and mental clarity. Minimum age is 16. Moderate fitness is needed, and good grip shoes are recommended for woodland terrain.

The experience

You start at One Garden, a garden tucked into the South Downs just 15 minutes from Brighton centre, where the studio opens onto lawns and woodland. At 9:30 AM, you begin with a feel-good yoga flow indoors or outside, depending on the weather. The space is designed to blur that line, with bi-folded doors and a restaurant, market and café within the garden walls. This is not a vigorous practice. The movements draw on Q Gong-inspired techniques and stay accessible to beginners.

From there, you walk into the surrounding woodlands with your guide to experience shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. The practice is simpler than it sounds: you move through nature at a deliberate pace, taking in the sights and sounds around you, connecting with what's there. The science behind it is solid. The method is proven to reduce stress, improve memory and bring a calm clarity that lasts. The woodland paths are remote enough to feel removed from the city, yet the route adjusts to weather. Even light rain does not stop the session, and the guide can shift between outdoor and indoor spaces as needed.

The whole experience runs four hours. Yoga mats, blocks and other equipment are provided. You'll need good grip shoes for the woodland terrain: trainers with solid traction work. Canvas shoes do not. Bring at least a litre of water and some snacks for a picnic break. Public transport reaches the area, so you do not need a car to arrive.

What’s included

• Beginner-friendly yoga flow with Q Gong-inspired movements.
• guided forest bathing walk through Stanmer Park woodlands.
• yoga mats, blocks and other equipment.
• expert instructor leading the full four-hour session.

Before you book

Days and timesSundayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Under 16: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by BrightonYoga ltd

Is this one for you?This is a shared, guided activity, so you move through the woodland and practice yoga as part of a group with an expert leading both parts. It suits anyone with a free morning who wants to step away from the city and return with a clearer head: locals looking for a regular practice and visitors with a few hours between other plans both fit here.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is forest bathing, and how is it different from just walking in the woods?

Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a deliberate practice of moving through nature and absorbing the forest atmosphere through all your senses. Rather than hiking or exercise, you walk at a slow, mindful pace with your guide, observing the sights and sounds around you and connecting with the environment. The practice is backed by research showing it reduces stress and improves memory and mental clarity.

Do I need yoga experience to join this activity?

No. The yoga session is beginner-friendly and uses feel-good, Q Gong-inspired movements designed to be accessible to anyone. You do not need prior experience. The instructor guides you through the flow at One Garden before you head into the woodlands.

What should I bring, and what happens if the weather turns bad?

Bring at least one litre of water, snacks for a picnic, and wear shoes with good grip: trainers work well, but canvas shoes like Converse do not grip woodland paths safely. The event runs in light rain. The studio at One Garden is surrounded by nature and can shift between outdoor and indoor spaces, so the session adjusts to conditions without cancelling.

How far is Stanmer Park from Brighton, and how do I get there?

One Garden, where the activity starts, sits in the South Downs just 15 minutes from Brighton centre. Public transport options are available nearby, so you can reach the location without a car.

Is this activity suitable for me if I have health concerns?

The activity requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness, as you will walk through woodland for part of the four hours. It is not recommended for pregnant travellers or those with poor cardiovascular health. If you have concerns about your fitness or health, check with the operator before booking.