Sustainable Tourism Award
This ward goes to tourism business that have made an extra special effort to ensure your trip does as little damage to the environment as possible, or even helps the environment.
Winner
The Venus Company
Unit A, Block B, Halwell Business Park, Halwell, Totnes, Devon
“Loving the Beach” sums up the ethos behind the Venus Company comprising a mix of cafes and beach shops in Blackpool Sands, East Portlemouth and Bigbury on Sea in Devon and Tolcarne in Cornwall. The company strives to bring the professionalism of the High Street to some of the UK’s most beautiful seaside locations while integrating environmental and social care into every aspect of decision-making.
What not to miss: "The best al fresco Mediterranean style dining experience in a UK beach setting." www.venuscompany.co.uk
National finalists
The Hytte
Denewood, Bingfield, Hexham, Northumberland
As part of its green-friendly commitment, The Hytte operates a Green Policy. This includes the use of renewable geothermal energy; multi zoned underfloor heating; a ground source heat pump, high standards of insulation, a turf roof, and plans to install a wind turbine.
What not to miss: The nearby Alnwick Garden is one of the UK's most innovative and spectacular garden projects. www.thehytte.com
The Deep
Hull
Using a combination of live exhibits, hands-on interactives, film, models and live presentations, visitors are taken on a journey of discovery from the beginning of time through to the present day oceans.
What not to miss: You can now dine with the sharks on Friday and Saturday evenings at Two Rivers Restaurant with riverside or tank views! www.thedeep.co.uk
Regional winners
Poston Mill Park
Peterchurch, Golden Valley, Hereford
Poston Mill only offers green holiday homes, which blend in with the environment. Native indigenous trees and wild flowers are planted every year and seasonal pitches and storage are offered so people do not have to tow caravans far.
What not to miss: Visit nearby Hay-on-Wye, the renowned book capital of the world - a town full of hidden suprises. www.poston-mill.co.uk
Doddington Hall and Gardens
Doddington, Lincoln
Due to the passion of its owners, the hall is run on principles of sustainability and is carbon neutral thanks to the introduction of a wood-chip heating system in 2007. There are also courses and events designed to help people live more sustainably.
What not to miss: A bite to eat at the award-winning Doddington Hall Farm Shop & Cafe. www.doddingtonhall.com
Old MacDonald’s Farm
Weald Road, Brentwood, Essex
Old MacDonald’s Farm offers children a fun, educational way of learning about life on a farm. Situated in the Essex countryside, the farm has a wide range of well cared for livestock, including rare breeds, a hatchery and poultry rearing room.
What not to miss: Be a keeper for a day and get some real 'hands on' experience working alongside the farm's animal keepers. www.omdfarm.co.uk
The Palace Hotel
Oxford Street, Manchester
The Palace Hotel, part of the Principal Hotels Group. The maintenance department is targeted on reducing energy levels on an annual basis The Palace Hotel also strives to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill sites and to recycle materials where possible.
What not to miss: Nightlife - The hotel is easily located in close proximity to a host of stylish and elegant bars, clubs and restaurants. www.palace-hotel-manchester.co.uk
Festival Place Shopping Centre
Centre Management Suite, 1st Floor Paddington House, Festival Place, Basingstoke
Staff have worked closely with the Carbon Trust to identify energy-saving measures such as installing timers on lights, photo sensitive switches and swapping to green energy electrical suppliers which has helped to save 622 tonnes of carbon dioxide being released in to the atmosphere each year.
What not to miss: Modelled on the ramen bars - popular in Japan for hundreds of years, the Wagamama restaurant is a real treat. www.festivalplace.co.uk
EC&O Venues
Warwick Road, London
As a result of its initiatives, in 2007, Earls Court and Olympia saved: 2,300,000 kWh (kilo Watt hours) in electricity consumption; equal to 990 tonnes of CO2 emissions; and reduced energy consumption by 10%.
What not to miss: La Bodeguita Del Medio in Kensignton Court is a stylish Cuban eaterie with a cocktail bar specialising in the perfect Mojito with a full tapas selection and Cuban groove music. www.eco.co.uk
