“Star bathing is about connecting to our direction, while together in darkness. It’s an opportunity to open ourselves and our senses to the world directly around us, before looking up and connecting to the stars,” explains certified forest therapy guide Annabel O’Neill. So how can you try this forest bathing alternative without hiking to the furthest corners of the country?

To help make the most of dark skies this summer, Hipcamp has created a global-first UK Dark Skies Map showing campsites and regions where stars will shine the brightest – with locations ranging from Gloucestershire to the Cotswolds and Somerset.

Before you plan your star bathing trip, Hipcamp recommends checking a stargazing calendar which outlines major astrological events – like supermoons, pink moons and star showers – that make the experience even more special. May’s flower moon (4 May) or June’s strawberry moon (4 June) make for ideal timing.

‘Star bathing’ is the new outdoor travel trend we should all be trying for summer 2023