The Colour Therapy Holidays Collection

 

Confidence: Oranges and Golden Browns

- The New Forest

- Burnham Beeches Forest

- Friston Forest

 

If you’re in need of a burst of confidence, some encouragement and optimism this autumn, try heading to a forest filled with Sessile Oak or Common Beech Trees which sport golden brown leaves in the autumn months.

 

If you’re feeling nervous or anxious about that big presentation at work coming up or upcoming change in the near future, try visiting forests filled with Common Beech trees. The golden brown of these autumn leaves will give feelings of encouragement and that burst of much needed self-confidence. Places such as The New Forest, Burnham Beeches Forest and Friston Forest are great destinations for a fun and playful staycation full of optimism and encouragement. 

 

For a burst of confidence ahead of that important event coming up, pay a visit to The New Forest in Hampshire for an encouraging and rejuvenating stroll through the golden trees. Here’s some ideal stays in The New Forest, perfect for the whole family, even the dog!

- Cottage in Hampshire (sleeps 2)  £337 for 2 night stay

- Cottage in Dorset (sleeps 4) £636 for 2 night stay

- Abbots Wood (sleeps 10) £3,018 for 2 night stay

 

In places where the trees are a lighter golden shade, such as Burnham Beeches Forest in Buckinghamshire, this can help entice feelings of intellect and illumination. Perfect for anyone in need of new ideas or a fresh way of thinking, as a burst of playfulness can help inspire creativity. If Burnham Beeches Forest seems like a more ideal destination for you and your family, check out these properties, perfect for putting your feet up after a day exploring the wooded landscape. 

- Meadow View (sleeps 2) £332 for 2 night stay

- Barn in Oxfordshire (sleeps 4) £410 for 2 night stay

- Hunts Farm Cottage (sleeps 8) £951 for 2 night stay

 

Friston Forest provides a golden yellow backdrop with hints of orange which will draw on feelings of encouragement and optimism. Those in need of a pick-me-up may benefit from a stroll through this golden forest, and should check out the below properties.  

- Sylvian (sleeps 2) £267 for 2 night stay

- Cliffe Cottage (sleeps 3) £415 for 2 night stay

- House in Sussex (sleeps 6) £836 for 2 night stay

 

Rejuvenation: Golden Brown

- Sherwood Forest

- Wyre Forest

- Grizedale Forest

 

 If you just need that autumn pick-me-up surrounded by the traditional colours of falling leaves, pay a visit to a forest full of Sessile Oak trees for that typically British autumnal feeling. The golden brown of the Sessile Oak leaves will entice feelings of optimism, encouragement, enthusiasm and confidence, making these forest destinations ideal for anyone looking to rejuvenate after the stress of everyday life. Destinations such as Sherwood Forest, Wyre Forest and Grizedale Forest are ideal staycation spots for those looking to entice these feelings. 

 

Sherwood Forest in the heart of Nottinghamshire, famous for its historic association with the legend of Robin Hood, glows a deep golden brown in the autumn months. This helps  draw out feelings of encouragement, perfect if there’s something coming up that you’re nervous about or in need of a little optimism. When booking a visit to the area, why not try out one of these stunning properties, all within easy reach of the forest. 

- Bowler Yard Cottage (sleeps 4)  £312 for 2 night stay

- Log Cabin in Nottinghamshire (sleeps 4)  £632 for 2 night stay

- Barn in Nottinghamshire  (sleeps 26) £7,348 for 2 night stay

 

The Wyre Forest is now the largest native woodland in England and in the autumn turns a brilliant shade of golden brown thanks to the hundreds of Sessile Oak trees that line the paths. A trip to Wyre Forest at this time of year is sure to put a spring in your step and a smile on your face, with feelings of optimism dominating. If planning a trip to Wyre Forest this year, check out some of these properties which are ideal for a cosy autumn getaway. 

- Round House  (sleeps 4) £305 for 2 night stay

- Pear Tree Cottage (sleeps 2) £415 for 2 night stay

- Barn in Shropshire (sleeps 8) £1,082 for 2 night stay

 

Thanks to the gold-leaved Sessile Oak dominating the landscape, Grizedale Forest is the perfect autumn destination for a wholesome escape. If life is weighing you down at the moment and work is becoming a slog, head for a stroll through the Oak lined paths of Grizedale Forest, where you can rejuvenate after the stress of everyday life. Some great places to stay within easy reach of the forest are:

- Herdwick Cottage (sleeps 3) £268 for 2 night stay

- Chapel Hill Cottage (sleeps 5) £595 for 2 night stay

- Bracken Ground (sleeps 10) £1,729 for 2 night stay

 

Courage and Bravery: Reds

- Tollymore Forest Park

- Hatfield Forest

 

Although not one of the most common forest shades, there are a couple of popular UK forests sporting bright red foliage during the autumn months, thanks to large populations of European Ash and European Hornbeam. The various shades of red found in our forests encourage feelings of strength, courage, motivation and confidence. These forests are perfect destinations to visit if you need a push to do something you’ve been afraid of. 

 

Embrace upcoming change and evoke the motivation to do the things you may have been putting off out of fear by planning your autumn staycation in a brilliant red landscape. Tollymore Forest Park and Hatfield forest are ideal staycation destinations to visit if you’re wishing to evoke these feelings of bravery and motivation.

 

Tollymore Forest Park, a backdrop for Game of Thrones, can flood visitors with feelings of courage and bravery thanks to the brilliant red of the European Ash filling the forest. If you’re lacking in willpower or need the final push to do the thing you’ve been afraid of, the colours of Tollymore Forest Park will help provide the power and excitement you’ve been missing. 

 

Check out one of these properties for your visit, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the forest. 

- River Cottage (sleeps 4) £319 for 2 night stay

- Glebe Farm Cottage (sleeps 4) £338 for 2 night stay

- 27 Pinewood Hill (sleeps 6) £1,014 for 2 night stay

 

Hatfield Forest is the perfect destination for walking your dog, with miles of paths to explore and trees to sniff. However, what makes this place truly magnificent is the stunning red colour that envelopes the forest during the autumn thanks to the leaves of the European Hornbeam found in the area. The striking colour of the leaves acts as motivation and can provide a burst of courage and self-confidence for anyone in need of it. For a motivating trip, why not check out these properties all within easy reach of the forest.

- Log Cabin in Essex (sleeps 2)  £376 for 2 night stay

- Barn in Cambridgeshire (sleeps 2)  £461 for 2 night stay

- Bumpstead Barn (sleeps 8)  £2,972 for 2 night stay

 

 

Creativity: Gold and Yellow

- Royal Forest of Dean 

- Epping Forest

- Salcey Forest

- Macclesfield Forest

- Ashdown Forest

- Galloway Forest

 

If creativity is lacking, a trip to a forest housing a large population of Hazel, Beech or Elm trees may be just what you need! Being surrounded by the autumn leaves of these trees can help inspire creative thoughts as the yellow and gold shades resonate with the left side of the brain, inspiring new ideas and creativity. Mood will be uplifted, with happiness and fun at the forefront of your mind. 

 

Forests filled with English Oak, which turns a stunning golden shade in the autumn, are ideal for inspiring feelings of optimism, happiness and fun. Forests such as the Royal Forest of Dean, Epping Forest and Salcey Forest house an abundance of English Oak so are ideal destinations for an uplifting forest getaway. 

 

If you’re feeling down in the dumps, pay a visit to the Royal Forest of Dean and take a walk through the woods filled with old Oak trees. The trees display golden leaves in the autumn months which will help lift your mood, evoking feelings of happiness and optimism. For the perfect stay in Gloucestershire check out these stays within easy reach of the forest. 

- Oakdean Studio (sleeps 2) £383 for 2 night stay

- Kensley Lodge (sleeps 6) £528 for 2 night stay

- Bungalow in Gloucestershire (sleeps 6) £1,050 for 2 night stay

 

The colours of Epping Forest will also encourage creative thoughts as yellow is the tone of new ideas and new ways of doing things. Mood will be uplifted, with emotions of happiness and fun at the forefront of the mind when visiting this stunning golden landscape. Check out the following properties within easy reach of the ancient forest. 

- Barn in Bedfordshire  (sleeps 2) £339 for 2 night stay

- Baldwin’s Hill Cottage (sleeps 5) £591 for 2 night stay

- Cottage in Kent (sleeps 10) £2,511 for 2 night stay

 

Need a feel-good trip to a traditional British forest? Pay a visit to Salcey Forest and take a stroll through the towering English Oak trees evoking feelings of hopefulness, happiness and an illuminating outlook on life. For an uplifting dog-friendly staycation for the whole family, check out these properties on the doorstep of the golden forest. 

- Ash Barn (sleeps 2) £275 for 2 night stay

- 4 Canalside Cottages (sleeps 2) £549 for 2 night stay

- Hill House Farm (sleeps 10) £1,174 for 2 night stay

 

Anyone in need of positivity and a pick-me-up could try a walk through Macclesfield Forest. The forest, which is home to Japanese Larch trees, can entice feelings of cheerfulness and playfulness. The striking yellow colour of the leaves will brighten people’s spirits and help develop creativity. For a perfect playful stay, check out these properties within easy commute of the forest. 

- Buttercup Cottage (sleeps 4) £297 for 2 night stay

- Cottage in Staffordshire (sleeps 4) £386 for 2 night stay

- Curlew Barn (sleeps 6) £619 for 2 night stay

 

With the yellow leaves of Common Hazel covering the landscape of Ashdown Forest, a walk along these forest paths is sure to inspire creativity, illuminating new ideas and possibilities. The colour is often associated with the left, creative side of the brain, a perfect staycation destination if you’ve got writer's block or need to churn up some new ideas for that project at work. Check out these properties within easy access of the forest for the ultimate creative staycation.

- Orchard Lodge (sleeps 4) £335 for 2 night stay

- Winters Farm Cottage (sleeps 2) £537 for 2 night stay

- Barn in Sussex (sleeps 10) £1,820 for 2 night stay

 

Yellow is the colour of the mind and the intellect, making Galloway Forest and the bright yellow leaves of the Wych Elm trees a perfect setting for a thought provoking getaway. The shades of the forest will inspire new ways of doing things, while creating an uplifting tone and feelings of cheerfulness. For a brilliantly bright autumn getaway, check out these properties which you and your dog can call home while exploring the trails of Galloway Forest.

- Silver Lodge (sleeps 4) £321 for 2 night stay

- Seabank (sleeps 8) £382 for 2 night stay

- Penninghame Mid Lodge (sleeps 7) £737 for 2 night stay

Growth and Reflection: Light Green

- Hamsterley Forest

- Dalby Forest

- Gisburn Forest of Bowland

- Kielder Forest

- Whinlatter Forest

- Clocaenog Forest

 

If you’re in need of a moment of reflection and rebirth, head to a forest filled with evergreen trees. Choosing forested areas housing trees of a lighter green shade will help inspire feelings of rebirth, growth and freshness as well as helping you feel more balanced and restful. Perfect for anyone in the midst of upheaval or for those looking to develop themselves and grow.

 

One of the more common species of evergreen tree found in UK forests are Sitka Spruce, a large species of conifer that will help stabilise the mind and provide feelings of balance and growth. Visiting landscapes such as Hamsterley Forest, Dalby Forest, and Whinlatter Forest, among others, are great for provoking these emotions thanks to the presence of evergreen Sitka Spruce trees.

 

Thanks to the dominating presence of Sitka Spruce, Hamsterley Forest remains evergreen year-round. The forest, in County Durham, is an especially good autumn destination for those who have some personal development to undergo, as the shades of the forest will inspire growth while maintaining balance. For the ultimate wellness retreat to Hamsterley Forest, check out these properties, perfect for the whole family, dogs included.

- Barforth Hall Parlour (sleeps 2) £218 for 2 night stay

- 1 The Potteries (sleeps 4) £281 for 2 night stay

- The Byre (sleeps 6) £450 for 2 night stay

 

For a relaxing and restful staycation, why not visit Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire is a perfect destination. A walk along the paths lined with hundreds of Sitka Spruce will inspire balance and stability, perfect for anyone with current upheaval or change in their lives. For the perfect wilderness escape, stay in one of these properties with easy access to the forest.

- Barn Cottage (sleeps 2) £250 for 2 night stay

- Pheasant Roost (sleeps 2) £330 for 2 night stay

- Barn in North Yorkshire (sleeps 4) £596 for 2 night stay

 

Gisburn Forest of Bowland is another peaceful destination for those looking for a fresh outlook. The hiking and cycling trails are linked with Sitka Spruce, with the towering evergreen conifers inspiring feelings of freshness and harmony. Anyone looking for a fresh perspective and in need of a getaway in the Lancashire wilderness should check out these properties, all within easy access of the trails.

- Pendleside (sleeps 5) £290 for 2 night stay

- 8 Stonegate (sleeps 4) £326 for 2 night stay

- White Hart House (sleeps 4) £653 for 2 night stay

 

The evergreen shades of Kielder Forest are the perfect backdrop for a staycation in a time of self-reflection. If something in everyday life hasn’t gone to plan, or change is on the horizon, an escape to this Northumberland forest may be the answer to aid in a few moments of self-reflection. This selection of properties are perfect for a relaxing getaway for the whole family in a time of change or uncertainty.

- Cottage in Scottish Borders (sleeps 2) £442 for 2 night stay

- Cottage in Scottish Borders (sleeps 6) £776 for 2 night stay

- Fox View Cottage (sleeps 8) £872 for 2 night stay

 

Whinlatter Forest, set within the Lake District is a stunning wilderness escape for the whole family, and perfect for long dog walks. However, the evergreen backdrop of the landscape not only makes for an ideal hiking location, but will also help inspire feelings of rebirth and growth. The destination is perfect for those who need to adapt to a changing situation as well as those who simply wish to switch off from everyday life and escape to the harmony of the forest. Here are a selection of properties within easy reach of the forest, perfect to call home for a relaxing weekend away.

- Barn in Cumbria (sleeps 2) £161 for 2 night stay

- Randel (sleeps 2) £248 for 2 night stay

- Grasmere (sleeps 5) £401 for 2 night stay

 

Clocaenog Forest, in the heart of Carmarthenshire, is the perfect destination for a harmonising and restful escape to the Welsh countryside. Not only is the forest a calming and restorative environment, but is also home to a whole host of wildlife including the hazel dormouse, a European Protected Species, and several species of bat. For those looking for a restful staycation away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, here are a selection of properties within easy reach of the stunning Clocaenog Forest.

- Glan Nug Bach (sleeps 2) £261 for 2 night stay

- The Banquet House (sleeps 4) £663 for 2 night stay

- House in North Wales (sleeps 8) £916 for 2 night stay

Healing and Stability: Dark Green

- Delamere Forest

- Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

- Thetford Forest - Haldon Forest

- Castlewellan Forest Park

- Swinley Forest

 

Green is the colour of security and stability, with the ability to evoke feelings of healing, so is an ideal shade to surround yourself with if going through a difficult time. Darker greens can also embody money, wealth and prestige so can aid in channelling emotions related to these.

 

Forests housing large populations of Corsican Pine and Douglas Fir, among other species, are ideal destinations to visit to evoke feelings of healing and stability as well as a sense of security within yourself. Such forests include Delamere Forest, Haldon Forest and Thetford Forest, which are all ideal locations for a relaxing and nurturing wilderness escape.

 

The Corsican Pine lining the pathways of Delamere Forest make it the perfect destination for a wholesome healing retreat. Anyone going through a difficult or trying time should consider an escape to this Cheshire woodland, as the colours from the evergreen pine leaves will help evoke feelings of healing and self-reliance. With a great selection of dog-friendly properties nearby, Delamere Forest is a great destination for a family staycation this autumn.

- 27 Green Road (sleeps 4) £260 for 2 night stay

- Houseboat in Merseyside (sleeps 4) £614 for 2 night stay

- House in Cheshire (sleeps 10) £3,017 for 2 night stay

 

Those looking for a healing escape in the south of England should consider Moors Valley Country Park and Forest with the shades of its towering Corsican Pine trees promoting feelings of growth and healing. There are an abundance of properties within easy reach of the Forest, perfect for a dog-walking holiday among the Pines.

- Tiny Willow (sleeps 2) £270 for 2 night stay

- Sea Road Cottage (sleeps 6) £477 for 2 night stay

- Cosy Cot (sleeps 6) £688 for 2 night stay

 

Are you feeling the pressures of everyday life? Why not head to Thetford Forest and bask in the deep green shades of Corsican Pine where you’ll feel relaxed, and the trees will promote harmony. Take in the sights and smells of the forest while allowing yourself to embrace the sense of security within yourself. For the ultimate relaxation escape, check out these dog-friendly properties perfect for the whole family.

- Honeysuckle (sleeps 4) £240 for 2 night stay

- Barn in Norfolk (sleeps 5) £599 for 2 night stay

- The Lodge, Middleton (sleeps 4) £927 for 2 night stay

 

The towering Douglas Fir’s of Haldon Forest create the perfect backdrop for a healing and harmonising holiday, away from the hustle and bustle of life. This is the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape to the peace and quiet of nature and embrace the beauty and stability of the forest. The whole family will enjoy walks through the winding trails, especially the dogs, so check out these properties below for your next Haldon Forest escape.

- Jasmine Cottage (sleeps 2) £298 for 2 night stay

- Old Chapel (sleeps 6) £420 for 2 night stay

- Sylvan Scene (sleeps 10) £1,509 for 2 night stay

 

Castlewellan Forest Park is perfect for anyone looking for an escape to the quiet of the Northern Irish woodland. Littered with Hall’s Tōtara, an evergreen species of conifer, the forest is set to bring about feelings of security and self-reliance, the perfect escape for those looking for stability during a turbulent time. These properties within close proximity to the forest are great to call home for a long weekend exploring the forest.

- River Cottage (sleeps 4) £319 for 2 night stay

- Glebe Farm Cottage (sleeps 4) £338 for 2 night stay

- Number 91 (sleeps 5) £405 for 2 night stay

 

Swinley Forest on the outskirts of Windsor is the perfect destination for an autumn getaway to promote healing as well as enticing feelings of prestige. The Scots Pine trees dominating the forest remain evergreen year round, with the deep green leaves not only evoking feelings of security, healing and stability, but the colour is often associated with wealth and prestige. For an unforgettable staycation, here’s a selection of beautiful properties to call home while exploring the stunning green forest.

- Gardeners Cottage (sleeps 6) £441 for 2 night stay

- Townsend (sleeps 5) £655 for 2 night stay

- 2 Great Tangley Barns (sleeps 5) £1,059 for 2 night stay

 

Dog Friendly Forests

Dogs may be colour-blind, but an autumn walk through the forest isn’t just great for your physical and mental health, but also great for the health of your four-legged friend. Dog behaviourist, Nick Jones, has offered his insight into how a walk in the forest can benefit the wellbeing of your dog.

 

New smells: Dogs possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, and their ability to analyse smells is about 40 times greater than ours. With a single sniff, a dog's nose can interpret an entire story and the world around them, so when in a new territory, your dog's sense of smell can help them focus their energy and familiarise themselves with their environment. Giving our dogs the chance to sniff is vitally important, as it fulfils their sensory needs just as much as exercise and play. Sniffing makes them happy and reduces stress, while giving them an outlet for their natural behaviours, and with deer, badgers, foxes and birds, a forest is the perfect environment to enhance their senses.

 

Bonding between dog and owner: There’s no denying that a walk in a forested area will help owners feel more calm and relaxed, which your dog will pick up on. Dogs will sense their owners' ease and in turn feel more relaxed in their environment. As you begin to feel more peaceful, you will unknowingly become more receptive to your dog, building and strengthening the bond between dog and owner. This is why forest walks are especially great for new dog owners, not only to allow your young dog to explore the sights and smells of the forest but to encourage the strong and lasting bond between you.

 

Getting back to nature: To keep your dog in optimum health, it’s always a good idea to try and mimic your dog's natural environment where possible. A walk through the forest trails with hundreds of new smells, leaves and sticks is a great activity for your four-legged friends as exploring these environments is similar to what they would naturally do in the wild. And not to mention, kicking up leaves in the autumn isn’t only great fun for us, but also a great stimulant for our dogs!

 

Walking on uneven or hilly terrain: Like humans, dogs' fitness levels can deteriorate with time and lack of physical exercise. To challenge your dog and ensure optimum physical fitness, a walk through varied surroundings is most beneficial, improving balance and strength while dodging fallen branches and navigating uneven terrain. This will also ensure they remain mentally active too, heightening their concentration and navigation skills!

 

Stress relief: A slow and mindful walk through a forest can benefit your dog's mental health by relaxing them into their surroundings and focusing their minds. The activity can, at times, work to lower canine cortisol levels, reducing feelings of stress. Cortisol also aids in regulating immune response, metabolism, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, so a walk in the forest can help ensure your dog not only has a healthy mind, but healthy body too. Enjoy exploring!

 

 

METHODOLOGY

The most iconic or dominant tree species in the 25 most photographed forests in the UK were considered, and the top reviewed forest in Wales, and the colour of autumn leaves analysed against the colour spectrum. Colour psychology was then used to determine the emotions and feelings experienced when surrounded by these shades to conclude how people may feel when visiting different environments, creating each forests’ unique colour palette.

 

References: https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=today%205-y&geo=GB&q=calming%20colour https://www.verywellmind.com/color-psychology-2795824 https://www.forestryengland.uk/ https://www.awayresorts.co.uk/best-forests https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/statistics/forestry-statistics/forestry-statistics-2018/woodland-areas-and-planting/national-forest-inventory/woodland-area-by-species-broadleaves/#:~:text=The%20most%20commonly%20occurring%20broadleaved,12%25)%20(Table%201.9). https://londonimageinstitute.com/how-to-empower-yourself-with-color-psychology/ https://www.dogfriendlycottages.co.uk/ https://www.nhs.uk/ipgmedia/national/Royal%20College%20of%20Psychiatrists/Assets/SeasonalAffectiveDisorder.pdf