Stay Smart, Stay Green: How to Enjoy a Sustainable UK Staycation

Why Choose a Sustainable UK Staycation?

A staycation in the UK naturally reduces your carbon footprint by cutting out the need for flights or long international journeys. But the advantages of choosing a sustainable holiday at home go far beyond lowering emissions. By being mindful of where you stay and how you travel, you create a positive ripple effect, for the environment, the local community, and even your own wellbeing.

🌱 Support Local Economies

Every pound you spend on your staycation helps support small, independent businesses that are the backbone of rural and coastal communities. Whether it’s buying cheese from a local farm shop, enjoying coffee in an independent café, or picking up handcrafted souvenirs from local artisans, your holiday spend goes directly back into the community. Choosing a self-catering eco-cottage also means you can shop at nearby markets and farm stands, enjoying fresh, seasonal produce while boosting the local economy.

🌍 Protect the Environment

Eco-friendly cottages often go the extra mile when it comes to sustainability. From renewable energy sources like solar panels and biomass heating, to natural insulation and rainwater harvesting, these properties reduce their environmental impact without compromising comfort. Some also contribute to conservation projects, helping to restore habitats, protect wildlife, and safeguard the landscapes we come to enjoy. By staying in this type of accommodation, you’re actively supporting sustainable tourism and helping preserve the UK’s natural beauty for future generations.

🍃 Reconnect with Nature

A sustainable UK staycation is also an opportunity to slow down and truly connect with the world around you. Imagine morning walks along a Cornish beach, afternoons cycling through the Cotswolds countryside, or evenings stargazing from a remote Scottish farm. Escaping busy airports and stressful long-haul travel gives you more time to immerse yourself in the landscapes, traditions, and heritage of the UK. Whether you crave the stillness of the forest, the charm of a riverside village, or the wide skies of the Highlands, a staycation lets you experience nature at its most restorative.

Inspiring Sustainable Staycation Destinations

🌲 Forest Escapes & Eco-Retreats

Swap the city noise for the tranquility of the forest. Across the UK, you’ll find eco-retreats that embrace off-grid living—think solar lighting, composting systems, and woodland walks straight from your doorstep. Cabins, yurts, and glamping domes in Cornwall, the Lake District, or the Scottish Highlands make for magical, low-impact getaways.

🚜 Farm-Stay Adventures in Scotland

Why not combine your holiday with learning more about sustainable farming? From shepherd’s huts on the Isle of Mull to eco-camping in Perthshire, Scottish farm stays let you experience countryside life while supporting regenerative agriculture and wildlife conservation.

🏡 Countryside Charm in the Cotswolds

For a slower pace, the Cotswolds offers timeless beauty and cozy cottage escapes. Wander historic villages like Upper Slaughter, enjoy riverside picnics, and explore walking trails that connect you to local wildlife and heritage. Many cottages here use traditional stone and energy-efficient upgrades to blend eco-friendliness with classic charm.

How to Travel More Sustainably on Your Holiday

It’s not just where you stay, it’s how you travel and spend your time that makes the difference. Here are some simple but powerful eco-friendly practices to adopt on your staycation:

🚆 Go car-light

Transport is often the biggest contributor to your holiday’s carbon footprint. Choosing public transport, such as trains or buses, can cut emissions dramatically compared to driving or flying. For more flexibility, consider renting or using an electric or hybrid vehicle—a growing number of eco-friendly cottages now offer on-site EV charging points to make this easier. And once you’ve arrived, walking or cycling not only lowers your impact but also allows you to discover hidden gems you’d otherwise miss.

🌞 Stay in green properties

Your choice of accommodation matters. Many eco-cottages now use renewable energy sources like solar panels, wind power, or biomass heating. Others are insulated with natural materials such as sheep’s wool or hemp, keeping energy usage low while maintaining comfort. Some properties even go off-grid entirely, relying on rainwater harvesting and composting systems. By staying in these types of cottages, you’re directly supporting businesses that prioritise sustainability without sacrificing style or comfort.

🥕 Eat local, eat seasonal

Food is a wonderful way to experience your destination—and it’s also a powerful lever for sustainability. Instead of relying on big supermarkets, seek out farmers’ markets, local butchers, and greengrocers. Many UK regions pride themselves on producing artisanal cheeses, fresh seafood, and seasonal fruit and veg. Dining at restaurants with locally sourced menus also helps cut down food miles and supports farmers in the area. You’ll enjoy fresher flavours while investing in the community around you.

♻️ Cut down waste

A little preparation can go a long way in reducing waste on your trip. Pack reusable water bottles, coffee cups, cutlery, and tote bags to avoid single-use plastics. Choose accommodation providers who have recycling and composting systems in place. Even small habits—like avoiding excessive packaging or carrying your own toiletries in refillable containers—help keep waste out of landfill. Together, these actions make your staycation cleaner and greener.

💚 Shop small

Every purchase is a chance to make a positive impact. Instead of mass-produced souvenirs, look for handcrafted items from local artisans or visit independent shops and markets. Not only does this give you more meaningful keepsakes, but it also helps keep traditional crafts alive and supports small businesses. Even your food choices—like stopping by a local bakery rather than a chain café—feed into a cycle of sustainable tourism that keeps communities thriving.

✨ Tip: Many eco-friendly properties highlight local makers and producers in their welcome packs—use these as a starting point to shop and dine sustainably.

Ready to Plan Your Eco-Friendly Staycation?

A sustainable UK staycation isn’t about giving up comfort, it’s about choosing wisely, travelling consciously, and embracing the beauty close to home. Whether you’re escaping to a forest hideaway, a Scottish farm, or a Cotswolds cottage, small changes in how you travel can make a big difference.

👉 Start your journey today and explore eco-friendly cottages on cottages.com. Your next holiday can be just as rewarding for the planet as it is for you.

About Us

cottages.com is your go-to destination for an extensive selection of memorable cottage holidays. With a wealth of experience spanning over 45 years, we boast a portfolio of over 19,000 holiday homes spread across the UK, catering to every budget. We're committed to maintaining a high standard of service to our customers by abiding by ABTA's Code of Conduct Our excellent Trustpilot rating reflects the high level of customer satisfaction we strive for. We believe in keeping things simple, so you can focus on making lasting memories with your loved ones from the moment you book with us.