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Eco-Friendly UK Travel: Sustainable Stays and Activities
The UK has become a popular destination for eco-conscious travelers seeking unique experiences. With a focus on sustainability, many cities offer green accommodations, sustainable activities, and a commitment to reducing their environmental impact. From the historic charm of Edinburgh to the coastal beauty of Swansea, the UK offers a variety of sustainable travel options for environmentally conscious visitors.
Lucy Couser
Friday, January 03, 2025
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The UK has become a hot spot for travellers looking to experience unique amenities that can’t be found anywhere else. As someone who has been to many cities and towns throughout the UK for both business and pleasure, I cannot recommend it enough. Yes, the weather might not be the best, but the amount of things you can do more than makes up for it.
Sustainability is more important than ever, with travellers looking to be eco-friendly while embarking on their journeys. Luckily, the UK has plenty of green destinations that are unmissable if you are planning a trip to the constitutional island. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all have excellent sustainability cities waiting for you to enjoy whether you’re staying in one location or living the van life.
When looking for sustainable places to stay in the UK, you need to consider your accommodation and ensure that you are staying in places that have an ecological footprint. Luckily, many cities within the UK have adapted and changed their outlook on sustainability by incorporating more green spaces and architecture throughout their city centre buildings.
This article will explore some of the best eco-friendly UK cities that I have visited and provide you with knowledgeable tips and tricks on what you can get up to on your travels.
Sustainable UK Areas
(Photo by David Rico on Pexels)
Edinburgh
The greenest city in Scotland and an epicentre of travel in the UK, Edinburgh offers a wide variety of sustainable stays and activities. The Scottish capital is low on pollution, energy efficient and climate aware with a goal of net zero by 2030.
The capital city of Scotland since 1436, Edinburgh has plenty of atmospheric surroundings and is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in the world, such as the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It has some of the best roads to navigate as an expat.
Let’s take a look at some of the best green accommodation options, as well as different eco-friendly activities you can do:
Green Accommodation
- The Balmoral: Famous for its fine dining and perfect service, this hotel prides itself on its new green initiatives that focus on energy, waste, water, paper and plastic.
- DoubleTree by Hilton: With many amenities like spas, pools and fitness facilities, this Hilton hotel uses renewable energy sources throughout its day-to-day operations.
- Holiday Inn: Developing an online environmental sustainability system, this hotel has made it their mission to cut down on energy wastage and water consumption.
Eco-Friendly Activities
- Nature Walks: There are 138 walking trails and 77 total parks in Edinburgh, making it one of the greenest cities in the UK.
- Edinburgh Remakery: This community hub is dedicated to promoting sustainability and is a fun green attraction suitable for the whole family.
- Dynamic Earth: The captivating science centre and planetarium focuses on earth and environmental sciences to offer visitors the ultimate interactive experience.
(Photo by Joshua on Pexels)
Swansea
With the highest percentage of waste sent for reuse in the UK (56.7%), Swansea is one of the most sustainable cities in the UK and the most in Wales. The city has plenty of green infrastructure with Swansea Council and Natural Resources Wales creating a joint strategy to include more soil, water and vegetation in their infrastructures. Based on the Gower Peninsula, the city is naturally beautiful and has an inviting cultural landscape that makes it a must-visit place. It’s also a city with an array of exciting bars and extravagant restaurants that you can enjoy during your stay.
Let’s take a look at some of the city’s sustainable stays and activities that you can enjoy while in Swansea.
Green Accommodation
- Hafan Y Coed Haven of Trees: Located in the countryside of Swansea, this retreat offers plenty of natural options and uses sustainable resources.
- The Swans: A very price-effective option and is considered to be a great place to stay for those who are eco-conscious.
- The Sleeping Giant Hotel: Offering plenty of natural scenery with local lakes, this hotel gives guests a more luxurious experience.
Eco-Friendly Activities
- Environmental Centre: This hub offers travellers a special place to enjoy unique events while also helping the environment.
- Bishop’s Wood Local Nature Reserve: Located in the Gower Peninsula, it hosts 46 acres of limestone woodland and grassland to explore.
- Swansea Beach: The most sustainable beach in Wales, Swansea Beach is the perfect location to enjoy a whole range of different activities.
(Photo by Pixabay on Pexels)
(Photo by Teresa & Luis on Pexels)
Cambridge
There have been net-zero advancements in Cambridge throughout the last decade with new municipal buildings and major renovations being made “net-zero ready” since 2015. It’s also a very pleasant city to visit due to its amazing scenery and classic feel. When you visit Cambridge you'll find that culture and creativity exist all over the city, from its museums and galleries to its amazing food scene. Make sure to explore one of the oldest cities in the UK by looking at its advanced and long-lasting history.
Let’s explore the accommodation and activity options that will bring a smile to eco-conscious travellers:
Green Accommodation
- The Varsity Hotel & Spa: With a rooftop bar overlooking Cambridge, this is a great place to stay during your travels. It’s also very eco-friendly.
- Holiday Inn: Focusing on less energy and water waste, this hotel has made strides over the years to be more sustainable.
- Graduate Cambridge: Located on the river Cam, this hotel is known for being a great stay in the city and is perfect for eco-conscious travellers.
Eco-Friendly Activities
- Wild-swimming: There are plenty of places to go for a nature swim in Cambridge and there are good health benefits for doing so.
- Nature Walks: Cambridge is home to many beautiful parks and woodlands just waiting to be explored.
- Wildlife Centers: Wandlebury Country Park is a great place to learn about local flora and fauna while supporting conservation efforts.
(Photo by velislaven on Pexels)
Belfast
The capital of Northern Ireland is slowly becoming more sustainable for future generations and is dedicated to being a carbon-neutral city by 2050. It’s also an amazing place to visit with plenty of activities to enjoy and an array of excellent restaurants and bars. Belfast has an abundance of fantastic activities, including world-class museums, breathtaking hidden jewels and impressive architecture that will make your jaw drop.
Let’s take a look at the best green places to stay and things you can do during your journey through Belfast:
Green Accommodation
- Clayton Hotel: Accredited with gold in green tourism, this hotel has its own environmental impact team to ensure maximum sustainability.
- Titanic Hotel: One of the most premium hotels in the city, it also has great eco-friendly values that will make you value your stay even more.
- Hastings Grand Central: Located in the heart of Belfast, this hotel is a great choice for those looking to combine eco-friendliness with elegance.
Eco-Friendly Activities
- Bike Tours: There are Belfast Bikes available for public hire at over 40 docking stations around Belfast.
- Zoological Gardens: Home to more than 120 species of animals, this garden saves many of its inhabitants from being endangered.
- Lagan Valley Natural Park: A beautiful place to enjoy a long walk and appreciate nature while also supporting the environment.
(Photo by Paul Groom Photography Bristol on Pexels)
Leeds
Although not well-known for its sustainability, Leeds is one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK in terms of becoming more eco-friendly. The Yorkshire city has a climate emergency declaration and a climate action plan that aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions. They are proving this with the Victoria car park in Leeds being one of the most sustainable in the country. It’s always an interesting place to visit in the UK, with it having its own unique feel.
Here are some of the best eco-friendly places you can stay in Leeds and some things you can do on your travels:
Green Accommodation
- The Queens Hotel: Having seen a wonderful transformation over the last few years, this hotel has got a new aim of being more energy efficient.
- Green Room: As the name suggests, this is a great stay if you are looking for somewhere green to stay while in Leeds.
- Days Inn: Being a huge advocate for natural lighting, this hotel is known for being sustainable and eco-friendly.
Eco-Friendly Activities
- Sustainable Shopping: Leeds houses many sustainable clothes stores and has many amenities for visitors to enjoy in their local shopping centre.
- Eat Your Greens Restaurant: Visit for the most eco-friendly and delicious dishes that you could ever imagine.
- LGAP: This group provides the community with green activities that are both fun and help out the environment.
(Photo by Arnold Nagy on Pexels)
Final Thoughts
The UK has emerged as one of the leading destinations for eco-friendly travel in Europe with many authentic experiences available no matter where you look to hang your hat. From the historic charm of Edinburgh to the coastal Welsh beauty of Swansea, there are many cities that are not only sustainable but also offer travellers truly refreshing experiences.
As the world becomes increasingly aware of its environmental impact, destinations like these demonstrate that sustainable tourism can thrive without compromising on comfort or excitement. There are so many choices for travellers looking to make the journey to the UK and now may be the time to enjoy eco-friendly journeys around some of the UK's most exciting destinations.
Written by Lucy Couser
I am Lucy, 24, and I am from Manchester. I graduated a couple of years ago with a degree in creative writing. When I'm not reading romance novels, I am usually watching true crime documentaries, thrifting or traveling with my boyfriend in his campervan around the UK.
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