A wonderful "fairytale" forest in the heart of Scotland has been named the best to visit in Britain by Time Out.

Introducing the list, which includes popular spots like Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, the travel publication said the UK does it better than most when it comes to "fantastical, lore-inspiring" woodlands.

It added that there are "storybook-worthy" forests up and down the country with each being home to "little oddities" and "natural wonders".

See the 'fairytale' forest in Scotland named the best to visit in the UK

Scotland is home to many enchanting forests Scotland is home to many enchanting forests (Image: Getty Images) Loch Ard Forest in Stirlingshire, Scotland was named the best fairytale forest to visit in the whole of the UK by Time Out.

Stretching from the pretty village of Aberfoyle to the rugged hills beside Loch Lomond, Loch Ard Forest was described as a "sublime body of trees" hiding both "natural and manmade wonders".

The magazine went on to praise its "enveloping conifers and ancient oaks" as well as the "rare animal species" that inhabit these woods, including roe deer, otters, red squirrels, reintroduced water voles and osprey.

Loch Ard Forest is home to dozens of winding pathsLoch Ard Forest has  dozens of winding paths (Image: Getty Images)

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Offering some advice, the publication tells potential visitors to follow the "myriad forest trails" to see if they can find the "gleaming pool of fresh water" that is known as Loch Ard.

Thanks to how sheltered it is, the area is the "perfect spot" for water sports like kayaking and wild swimming. The various sculptures placed all over by local artist and environmentalist Rob Mulholland also make this place ideal for art lovers.

Time Out adds: "If you fancy prolonging your stay, Loch Ard’s sheltered woodland is also a good spot for wild camping, which is legal throughout Scotland."