The greenest cities in the UK: 11 eco-friendly city breaks
NatWest’s Green Cities Report recently revealed the most eco-friendly towns and cities in the UK. Led by Professor William Powrie, cities all across the country were ranked based on their efforts to become greener. So if you’re a climate-conscious traveller, forget about long-haul flights. Keep your carbon footprint down and your adventurous spirit up with a break to one of the greenest cities in the UK.
1. Sheffield
Location: Yorkshire
Green score: Five
Place to stay: Your Sheffield Stays
Named as the UK’s greenest city, Sheffield runs circles around the other UK cities in our list for its incredible renewable energy production. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Peak District National Park, the city in Yorkshire has over 22,000 acres of green space. But you’ll also find an amazing music scene, award-winning independent eateries and year-round festivals, too.
2. Glasgow
Location: Scotland
Green score: Four
Place to stay: The Coach House
Glasgow has been dubbed one of the greenest cities in the UK thanks to its eco-focused businesses – think sustainability-focused community groups, zero-waste stores and ethically-manufactured textiles. The city’s residents even travel to work via its electric bus network. Embark on a walking tour and learn about Scotland’s iconic street art, historical highlights and eclectic music scene.
3. Cardiff
Location: Wales
Green score: Five
Place to stay: Drws Nesaf Cardiff Townhouse
Focusing on their carbon footprint tracking, Cardiff hopes to be carbon neutral by 2030 by encouraging its residents to be more eco-friendly. This compact city is brimming with fascinating museums, epic sporting events and has an all-round vibrant urban feel. And as the capital of Wales, it has excellent transport links to other parts of the country too so you really can make the most of your staycation in Wales.
4. Belfast
Location: County Antrim
Green score: Three
Place to stay: Carrington
If you’re always scouting out the next vegan restaurants or eco-friendly shops, Belfast should be on your travel list. It’s one of the greenest cities in the UK thanks to the gorgeous County Antrim countryside, sustainable living practices and green travel. And it helps that even for a capital city, it has a relatively low population of 280,000.
5. Bristol
Location: Somerset
Green score: Four
Place to stay: Redcliffe Parade Apartment
Bristol was proudly named the European Green Capital in 2015 and continues to be a huge part of the UK’s green movement. In fact, it’s great to see a city having such an impact on how the country tackles climate issues. Not only does this city in Somerset have over 400 green outdoor spaces, but it’s also the UK’s first Cycling City. Hire a bike and tour the sights of this eco-city by pedal. It really is the perfect way to explore everything it has to offer.
6. Edinburgh
Location: Scotland
Green score: Five
Place to stay: Brunton Apartment
Scotland’s second-biggest city is represented in the top three because its residents choose public transport over cars, and it boasts a whopping 230 square miles of green space per resident. Other reasons to visit Edinburgh? The history-rich Edinburgh Castle, beautiful architecture, whisky tasting and of course the Edinburgh Fringe Festival!
7. Leeds
Location: Yorkshire
Green score: Four
Place to stay: The Corson
Why does Leeds rank highly for being green? An increase in tree planting, improvements to transportation and a new plan to build affordable, eco-friendly homes. All of this, and more, to help this Yorkshire hub achieve its net-zero status. It also has a plethora of plant-based restaurants, tranquil outdoor spaces and some of the best charity shops for snapping up second-hand designer labels.
8. Newcastle upon Tyne
Location: Newcastle
Green score: Three
Place to stay: Foster Drive
A focus on improving waste and recycling, as well as air quality make up a large part of Newcastle upon Tyne’s green strategy. The city is introducing more electric buses to its public transport network, as well as installing more charging points to encourage the uptake of electric cars. Newcastle was also voted as one of the best places to visit too, with plenty of museums, independent shops and outdoor spaces to keep you busy.
9. Nottingham
Location: Nottinghamshire
Green score: Four
Place to stay: Lindley Terrace
With the launch of its carbon footprint target – net-zero by 2028 – Nottingham has quickly gained a reputation as one of the greenest cities. And around one-fifth of the city’s energy is already powered by low-carbon sources. Visit rural Nottinghamshire, including Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest and many National Trust sites, to experience the region’s calming green spaces.
10. Brighton
Location: East Sussex
Green score: Five
Place to stay: Corner Cottage
Eco-restaurants, zero-waste shops and a big uptake in cycling make Brighton one of the greenest cities in the UK. The city in East Sussex has a large population of veggie/flexitarian residents who are adopting a more plant-based lifestyle. And if you love thrifting, it’s also one of the best places for vintage shopping. Just wander down the iconic Brighton Lanes and you’ll find a plethora of second-hand clothes, jewellery and furniture.
11. London
Location: Greater London
Green score: Three
Place to stay: The Mayfair Parade
With a plethora of parks, plant-based restaurants and sustainable fashion stores popping up around the city, London is definitely making its way up the greener-living ranks. Although it has some way to go to match the other cities on our list, there’s still plenty to in the capital for eco-conscious visitors. There are cookery schools reducing food waste and single-use plastic, outdoor cinema screenings powered by pedalling, and even carbon-neutral theatres!
