Nine eco-friendly staycations to visit in the UK
Try something a little different this year and enjoy an eco-friendly staycation in one of our unique homes and cottages. From cosy cabins for the eco-conscious couple to energy-efficient boltholes for families, there’s something for everyone. In need of a little inspiration for your post-lockdown break? Here are a few of our favourite destinations.
1. Nottinghamshire
Best for: Discovering the natural beauty of Sherwood Forest
Perhaps best known as the home of legendary outlaw Robin Hood, Nottinghamshire has a rich history just waiting to be discovered. A trip to this county isn’t complete without a visit to the royal Sherwood Forest. With a seemingly endless array of walking routes and trails through its enchanting woodlands, you can enjoy nature at its finest.
Featured property: Bramley Orchard Glamping
Best feature: The cosy outdoor fire pit – great for stargazing in the evening!
How to get to: Bramley Orchard Glamping is just a 10-minute drive north of Retford.
If you do one thing nearby: The nearby Daneshill Lakes reserve is ideal for those who want to embrace nature!
Reduce your impact on the environment at Bramley Orchard Glamping in Bassetlaw, Nottinghamshire. This charming lodge has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including fresh apples from the orchard and eggs from the resident chickens. Canoes and bikes are available to rent, so you can make the most of your gorgeous surroundings.
2. Snowdonia
Best for: Stocking up on locally sourced produce – bara brith and welsh cakes!
The wild and rugged landscape of the Snowdonia National Park takes you from the bustle of daily life, letting you enjoy a relaxed weekend in the wilderness. If you do feel like returning to civilization for a day, you’ll find an excellent selection of green and sustainable shops, restaurants and cafes among its quaint Welsh towns and villages.
Featured property: Camping Pod, Beddgelert, Gwynedd
Best feature: Dogs are allowed to stay too.
How to get to: The cosy pod is just a five-minute drive east of Beddgelert.
If you do one thing nearby: Visit the legendary Gelert’s Grave and learn the story of this famed and faithful hound!
Set right in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, Camping Pod, Beddgelert, Gwynedd is the perfect choice for those who want to get back to basics! Fully insulated and heated, who needs an eco-friendly hotel room when you’ve got all you need in a cosy camping pod?
3. Yorkshire
Best for: Exploring the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park
Yorkshire is home to some of the most spectacular green spaces in the UK. From the North York Moors to the Yorkshire Dales, this northern county is brimming with beauty. Renowned for its Roman and Viking heritage, there’s plenty to be discovered wherever you decide to stay. As you might expect, you’ll find plenty of environmentally-friendly lodges and cottages dotted around its beauty spots!
Featured property: Wee Woody
Best feature: The organic complimentary welcome pack upon your arrival.
How to get to: Wee Woody is a 20-minute drive northwest of Hull.
If you do one thing nearby: Visit the historic Skidby Mill to see what life was like in the early 1900s.
Reduce your carbon footprint with a stay at the charming Wee Woody in Cottingham, near Hull. Bronze-awarded by Green Tourism, guests can expect biodegradable toiletries, solar panels for green energy usage, and a toasty log burner for those wintery nights. Best of all? You’ll find an abundance of beautiful walking routes right on your doorstep.
4. Dorset
Best for: Visiting the famed Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coast
Dorset offers the best of both worlds; glittering coastlines and rolling countryside that stretches for miles. While you’re there, be sure to make a trip to the Jurassic Coast – a beautiful World Heritage Site that spans from East Devon to Dorset. With its dramatic coastal cliffs and unspoilt headlands, prepare to be amazed by its natural beauty!
Featured property: Samphire at Middle Acre
Best feature: The bubbling wood-fired hot tub.
How to get to: Samphire at Middle Acre is just a short five-minute drive southeast from the village of Osmington.
If you do one thing nearby: Spend a day sunning yourself on the golden sands of Bowleaze Cove.
The delightful Samphire at Middle Acre is a cosy shepherd’s hut for two, set in the peaceful surroundings of rural Dorset in Osmington. This hand-built hut has incorporated plenty of sustainable practices; including no electricity and no wifi! If you’ve been in need of a complete break from the daily bustle, this might just be what you need.
5. Herefordshire
Best for: Sampling the local delicacies, including Hereford Beef
With its charming market towns and beautiful rolling countryside, Herefordshire is perfect for a relaxed weekend break. Local produce can be found pretty much everywhere; from premium beef to delicious craft ciders, there’s plenty for foodies to sink their teeth into! This gorgeous county is also fantastic for outdoor activities – from canoeing to cycling, you’ll find many ways to discover your surroundings.
Featured property: Dingle Den
Best feature: The tranquil countryside setting.
How to get to: Set in the village of Craswall, Dingle Den is a 40-minute drive east from the centre of Hereford.
If you do one thing nearby: Just across the border, the popular Offa’s Dyke Path offers spectacular views across the surrounding valleys.
Dingle Den is a cosy retreat among the Herefordshire hills near Peterchurch, accommodating up to four guests. Powered by solar panels, you won’t need to worry about your impact on the environment at all during your stay! After a day exploring the local area, snuggle up in front of the fire pit to toast marshmallows and gaze at the starlit sky.
6. Kent
Best for: Exploring the historic Canterbury Cathedral
Often regarded as the ‘Garden of England’, Kent has inspired many famous authors throughout history, including the revered Charles Dickens. From the medieval town of Maidstone to the bustling seaside resort of Margate, there’s something here for every kind of visitor to enjoy. Among its most famous landmarks are Canterbury Cathedral and Dover Castle; both well worth a visit while you’re there!
Featured property: Apple Barn
Best feature: The cottage is all on one level, ideal for those with limited mobility.
How to get to: Apple Barn is a 25-minute drive south from the cathedral city of Canterbury.
If you do one thing nearby: Take a drive over to the city of Canterbury to pick up some local produce.
Apple Barn is an eco-friendly barn conversion set within the Kent Downs. Sleeping up to five guests, this home-from-home offers all you need for a relaxed family holiday. Surrounded by wildlife, you’ll easily spend hours sitting outside and watching the world go by!
7. Carmarthenshire
Best for: Enjoying a weekend of outdoor activities
If you prefer to escape the crowds and find undisturbed forests and beaches, Carmarthenshire is the place for you. A haven for outdoor activities, you’ll get to enjoy everything from mountain biking to golfing – and pretty much everything in between! Be sure to stop by some of the county’s most popular attractions, including the National Botanic Garden of Wales and the prehistoric Carreg Cennen Castle.
Featured property: Ty Steffan
Best feature: The five acres of beautiful gardens that surround the cottage.
How to get to: Ty Steffan is just five miles south of the town of Carmarthen.
If you do one thing nearby: Take a ride on a traditional steam train at the Gwili Steam Railway in Carmarthen.
Ty Steffan is a beautiful one-bedroom cottage near Carmarthen, set within five acres of lush gardens. With beautiful views across the River Tywi, it’s oh-so-easy to unwind and relax here. Set close to the Wales Coast Path, you’ll have a wonderful selection of nearby walking routes to enjoy during your stay.
8. Devon
Best for: Soaking up the sunshine on one of Devon’s many beaches
Famed for its golden beaches and idyllic seaside towns, Devon is easily one of the most popular coastal destinations in the UK. Home to the English Riviera, it’s the perfect alternative to a beach holiday overseas. Prefer the countryside? Well, you’re in luck! You’ll also find the spectacular Dartmoor National Park here, boasting over 235,000 acres of stunning moorland.
Featured property: Love Barn
Best feature: The sound of birdsong as your natural alarm clock.
How to get to: Love Barn is just a five-minute drive north of Totnes or 10-minutes south of Buckfastleigh.
If you do one thing nearby: Visit the nearby Totnes Rare Breeds Farm to meet the resident goats, sheep, and ducks!
Love Barn is a lovingly restored cottage in Dartington, sleeping up to six guests. Ideally located in between the towns of Buckfastleigh and Totnes, you are just a short drive from plenty of amenities – that is, if you actually want to leave the peace and quiet of your cosy cottage!
9. Anglesey
Best for: Taking a walk along the picturesque Anglesey Coastal Path
Planning a seaside break? The Isle of Anglesey is a small island, just off the northwest coast of North Wales. From rib rides to boat tours, there’s a big emphasis on coastal adventures here – but you’ll also find plenty of gorgeous woodlands and countryside on this small but mighty isle. After a busy day, visit one of the county’s many seafood restaurants to tuck into locally sourced seafood – delicious!
Featured property: Stabal
Best feature: Stabl was listed as Anglesey’s first Green Key Accommodation!
How to get to: Stabal is just nine miles west of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, close to the village of Bethel.
If you do one thing nearby: If the sun is shining, head over to Trearddur Bay to stock up on local seafood and other tasty treats.
Stabal is a stylish three-bedroom cottage in Bodorgan, Anglesey, close to the popular Newborough Beach. Beautifully furnished with a retro feel, this contemporary home comfortably sleeps up to six guests. For larger groups, the nearby cottages can be booked at the same time.
