Summer is in full swing, and people are booking holidays left, right and centre. But instead of going abroad this year, why not make the most of the amazing destinations right here in the UK?
As well as often being cheaper, it also means less travel time – which is always an added benefit when it comes to going away.
This year ethical cleaning company Bio-D suggest trying out the wide range of eco-friendly accommodation and activities available in England. Celebrate the very best of the country’s tourism that can be found right on our doorstep – there are hidden gems all over the country that are well worth a visit.
From environmentally friendly water parks to wood chip heated hotels, Bio-D’s list of inspirational eco-places has a whole host of ideas for you to try out!
The Druidstone – Haverfordwest
The Druidstone hotel sits atop of the beautiful St Brides Bay within the wild Pembrokeshire National Park. A million miles away from city life, it boasts stunning views and spectacular sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.
As well as using 100% natural Bio-D products in their hotel and cottages, The Druidstone also uses wood chip heating to warm their ten bedrooms. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted compared to traditional heating methods. Electricity for The Druidstone’s cottages is also produced from solar panels, which further reduce emissions. Recycling everything used in the hotel, the team at The Druidstone like to set a good example to guests, showing that you can go eco-friendly in all aspects of life.
The Blue Lagoon Waterpark – Pembrokeshire
Indoor waterparks can provide endless fun for children and adults alike. The Blue Lagoon is an eco-friendly park that features crashing waves, a rapid river ride, a full-size pirate ship, a lazy river ride and two separate flumes to keep the kids entertained for hours on end, whilst parents enjoy the indoor and outdoor spa pools – alongside the outdoor sunbathing deck in the summer.
The Blue Lagoon Café overlooking the pool also offers a selection of food and drink for guests to enjoy.
Hargate Hall – Buxton
In the heart of the Peak District National Park, part of the pull to Hargate Hall is the vast countryside that surrounds it. Isolated from city life, Hargate Hall has also been awarded the Peak District Environmental Quality Mark for supporting the local community, protecting the global environment and enhancing the local environment.
Anthony Knox, owner of the family-run business, says: “I love the peace and tranquillity here in the Peak District, and it can be really nice to get away from the busyness that everyday life can bring. The quaint villages close by are full of micro businesses and well worth a visit.”
The hall’s self-catering apartments are heated from a biomass boiler, and they’re aiming to use wind and solar power in the near future. The team also use a range of Bio-D cleaning products after being recommended the brand, the packaging of which is 100% recyclable – helping to reduce the plastic waste ending up in landfill.
Lammas – a pioneering ecovillage
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to really live off the land? The Lammas project provides an insight into a world that empowers its inhabitants to design their own infrastructure to truly support a one-planet lifestyle.
Exploring an alternate method for living on the land, Lammas holds guided tours every Saturday from 4th May to 28th September, giving people the chance to see a different way of living that benefits the environment. Combining traditional farming and building techniques, with the latest innovation in environmental design, green tech and permaculture, the project contains a number of smallholdings.
Visitors can also explore the village’s community hub, village green and millpond.
Deanston Distillery and Visitor Centre – Doune
Find out how an 18th century cotton mill was transformed into the premium whiskey distillery it is today. First established in 1965, Deanston celebrates its heritage with a visitor centre that takes guests on a journey from its beginnings as a cotton mill, to the modern-day distillery. There are also a whole range of tours and tastings available, with plenty of Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey ready to try out!
The distillery’s historic and long-running commitment to sustainability began all the way back in 1949, when electrical turbines were installed – which to this day provide all of the electricity using water from the river.
