BOURNEMOUTH is one of the best spots in the UK to escape into nature, according to The Body Shop.

With staycations at an all-time high, new research from the firm has ranked towns and cities across Great Britain based on five greenness factors to reveal the best places to escape into nature.

Criteria to make the list is based on air quality, noise pollution, greenspace per person, number of parks/forests and number of walking trails.

Bournemouth is placed fourth on the list, boasting a joint top showing in number of walking trails — with 30 countywide. The South West Coast Path is among the top five rated walking trails to visit in the south west of England.

Dimitrios Paschos, a consultant psychiatrist, said: “Many studies have shown consistent benefits from spending time outdoors or exercising in nature, even a 20-minute walk in the outdoors in the afternoon was found to be enough to improve mood and sleep.

“Getting outside gives individuals a break from busy schedules, enabling time to relax, reflect and give the brain a rest. Going for a walk in the fresh air is beneficial to the muscles as well as having restorative effects on the mind and concentration."