The UK is packed to bursting with beautiful places to go on holiday, so why do we automatically head for the budget airlines to access European city breaks and further flung destinations? There’s so much of the world to explore, of course, but adventuring closer to home can make a lot of sense economically and environmentally.
Whether you’re interested in cutting down your carbon footprint or simply making the most of what the beautiful British countryside has to offer, you’ll be spoiled for choice with our selections - all suitable for a cosy Autumnal escape or handy if you’re planning ahead to next spring.
Here are our top picks for eco friendly holiday ideas in the uk:
1. Seaglass, Cornwall - Tregonhawke
This luxury eco-friendly self catering beach hut is decked out with a king size bed and a Delonghi espresso machine. The word “hut” doesn’t really do it justice - Seaglass wouldn’t be out of place in an episode of Grand Designs and the mini outdoor spa area with hot tub and heated shower overlooking Whitsand Bay sounds divine.
2. Golden Oak Hideaway, Gloucestershire - Forest Of Dean
Golden Oak Hideaway cabins bring the luxury of a hotel room right in to the Forest of Dean. They’re designed for couples’ retreats with decadent furnishings, wood burning stove, an outdoor hot tub and a sunken bath for two.
3. Powys, Wales - Dyfi Valley
These luxury tipis and yurts in Dyfi Valley claim to be the original “glamping” holiday and with no electricity or wifi they’re a great choice for properly switching off. Put that phone away and enjoy the natural surroundings.
4. Ling Safari Bewdley, Worcestershire
Fancy a walk on the wild side? Ling Safari offers heated pre-erected safari tents with private showers and toilets in a green oasis close to West Midlands Safari Park and Rhydd Covert Nature Reserve. Again there’s no electricity, so you can rest those tired eyes and get back to nature.
5. Ecopods, Peak District
Smack in the middle of glorious countryside with walking and cycling routes close by, EcoPod holidays put you up in their unique handmade self-heating structures - you can even buy your own to take home. Suitable for families or couples, you can stay cosy and secluded or be sociable around the communal fire pit.
6. The Straw Cottage Howden, East Yorkshire
With the choice of two beautiful straw bale structures built by the owners with locally grown wheat straw, one set in a wildflower meadow and another in an orchard, you’d be hard pressed to find a more idyllic spot to unwind than Straw Cottage.
7. Ecopod - Argyll, Scotland
Bond fans will love these sumptuously decorated 70sqm light filled domes with eco credentials. Enjoy the handmade Japanese cedar hot tub, complimentary hamper of local food and whisky and full access to wine cellar and larder during your stay. As they say, “5* isn’t a guilty pleasure”.
8. Adhurst Yurts Sheet, Hampshire
Adhurst Yurts is an off-grid idyll in a private wood, from whence the owners urge you to explore the South Downs car-free, encouraging walking, cycling and horse riding. Build outdoor skills with fly-fishing tuition and cross the river by riding the zip wire and rope swing. Off-grid doesn’t mean isolated though - the luxurious 18 foot yurts are walking distance from three pubs and a farm shop.
9. The Green Pavillion - Lower Gresham, North Norfolk
Seeking tranquility? Why not stay in The Green Pavilion? This unusual contemporary green oak building was erected in 2009 and sits in a beautiful meadow. Available to non-smokers only, for obvious reasons, it’s an award winning structure offering peaceful self-catering holidays for up to 6 people.
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