Stay Green in Britain: Eco-Friendly Hotels, Routes and Experiences

ByFionn Murphy

Travelling responsibly doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or adventure. In fact, it often leads to richer, more meaningful experiences. Across the UK, a growing number of hotels, transport routes, and activities are putting sustainability at the forefront, making it easier than ever to explore Britain while treading lightly.

Whether you’re planning a countryside retreat, a coastal ramble, or a city break, here’s how to keep your trip green from check-in to check-out.

Sleep Sustainably: Eco-Friendly Places to Stay

Today’s eco-accommodation combines energy efficiency with thoughtful design, local food, and a sense of place. Here are some standout options:

  • The Zetter Hotel, London
     A boutique stay in Clerkenwell with rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient systems, and organic bedding – all wrapped in quirky, stylish décor.
  • The Orchard, Kent
     Luxury eco-cabins powered by solar and built with reclaimed materials, nestled in apple orchards for a peaceful countryside escape.
  • Loch Ossian Youth Hostel, Scotland
     Accessible only by train, this remote mountain hostel runs entirely on renewables and encourages a leave-no-trace ethos.
  • Trelowarren, Cornwall
     A 1,000-acre estate offering carbon-neutral cottages, solar-heated pools, and a focus on rewilding near the Lizard Peninsula.

Tip: Look for accommodations with Green Tourism certifications or those part of eco-initiatives like the Considerate Collection.

@The Zetter Hotel, London
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel @VisitScotland
@Trelowarren, Cornwall

Take the Scenic (and Sustainable) Route

Public transport in the UK is extensive and often delivers the most memorable journeys.

Train Travel

  • Settle–Carlisle Line: Travel through Yorkshire Dales viaducts and charming stone villages.
  • Night Riviera Sleeper: An overnight train from London to Cornwall, offering ocean views at sunrise.
  • ScotRail Highland Explorer: A bike-friendly train connecting hikers and cyclists to the West Highlands.

Bus and Coach

  • TrawsCymru Network (Wales): Connects coast and mountains with scenic routes.
  • England’s £2 Bus Fare Cap: Affordable and eco-friendly travel across rural and urban areas.

Cycling and Walking Routes

  • C2C Cycle Route: Coast-to-coast cycling across northern England.
  • South West Coast Path: Walk along dramatic coastal cliffs with public transport access.
  • Sustrans Routes:  Discover thousands of miles of traffic-free or quiet-road bike paths across the UK, including the well-known Sustrans Routes that make cycling accessible to all.

Pro Tip: Slower travel reveals hidden gems – smaller towns, scenic detours, and local secrets you’d miss on a tight schedule.

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John Doe

Experience Local, Leave Less Behind

Sustainable travel is about connecting with places and communities in a way that leaves a positive impact.

For Nature Lovers

  • Join a seal-watching walk on the Norfolk Coast with local conservationists.
  • Go birdwatching on Brownsea Island, a National Trust haven for red squirrels and migrating birds.
  • Volunteer for a day with Beach Clean UK or a local rewilding project.

For Foodies

  • Dine at farm-to-fork restaurants like The Black Swan in Yorkshire or River Cottage near Axminster.
  • Shop at local farmers’ markets in Bath, Edinburgh, or Ludlow.
  • Take a cookery class using regional ingredients – many small producers offer hands-on experiences.

For Culture Seekers

Book walking tours with locals for insights into folklore, food, or forgotten histories. Explore independent galleries, craft shops, and bookshops in towns like Hay-on-Wye or St Ives.

A Lighter Way to Travel with Great British Trips

At Great British Trips, we believe sustainability and adventure go hand in hand. We specialise in planning slow, scenic, low-impact travel across the UK – weaving in train journeys, walking routes, eco-accommodation, and authentic local experiences.

Whether you’re dreaming of a weekend in the Lakes, a coastal rail journey, or a multi-stop trip that avoids flights and hires, we’ll help you explore Britain’s beauty without leaving a heavy footprint behind.

The journey matters, and travelling lightly often makes it even more memorable.

We also believe in supporting visitors to explore Britain in the most responsible way possible, which is why all our itineraries encourage sustainable travel that benefits both people and the planet.

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