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These days, eco-friendly breaks aren’t only for the sandals-and-beard brigade; they’ve entered the mainstream as more and more of us feel we want to reduce our impact on the environment. It makes perfect sense, and it can save us money too. It comes down to this: a pristine countryside, a clean conscience. Here are several green escapes to get you started.

Take in the stunning countryside views from a Norfolk cliff top setting

Make your way to the stupendous cliff top setting of Woodhill Park (www.enjoyengland.com/Accommodation/Cromer/Holiday-Touring--Camping-Park/21659/Woodhill-Park.htm) near Cromer and you’ll be rewarded with priceless views of the coastline and surrounding Norfolk countryside. The park is involved with an environmental awards scheme and won a Gold award in the David Bellamy Conservation Scheme. Explore the unspoilt landscape, then return for a BBQ while you’re serenaded by the Sky Larks.

Escape to the Lake District and stay in a luxury organic hotel

Moss Grove Organic Hotel (www.enjoyengland.com/Accommodation/Grasmere/Guest-Accommodation/18547/Moss-Grove-Hotel.htm) in the centre of Grasmere is a luxury hotel in the Lake District that has been refurbished using natural products including reclaimed timbers, organic clay paints on the walls and sheep fleece for insulation. Even the hotel’s water has been filtered to remove chlorine and pesticides. The menu is bursting with organic, fair trade and local produce and tempting meals are served in the country kitchen. The hotel also makes an ideal base for exploring the Lake District by foot or bike.

Sample tasty local produce at a sustainable boutique hotel

Strattons Hotel (www.enjoyengland.com/Accommodation/Swaffham/Small-Hotel/232678/Strattons.htm) in Swaffham, Norfolk is a family owned converted Queen Ann Villa which has won awards for its promotion of responsible travel practices. Along with a full recycling scheme, their menu includes locally produced seasonal organic food along with a fabulous selection of English cheeses and eggs come from free-range chickens that are fed on the organic waste from the kitchen. Artfully decorated throughout, the funky bedrooms are cutting edge contemporary chic.

Explore the Surrey Hills by electric bicycle

Discover the stunning scenery, sights and sounds of the Surrey Hills by electric bicycle. Pedal away to your heart’s content along the delightful country lanes, then simply engage the tiny environmentally friendly electric engine to eat up those dramatic hills before freewheeling down into the secluded valleys. There’s no finer way to enjoy the rolling chalk downs, flower rich grasslands and ancient woodlands before sitting down to a handsome meal in one of the many country inns.

Relax on an eco-friendly farmland retreat

Little Marshfoot (www.enjoyengland.com/Accommodation/Hailsham/Self-Catering/83622/Little-Marshfoot.htm) is a timber cabin situated on farmland near the ancient market town of Hailsham in East Sussex. Effortlessly blending green living with all creature comforts, this fine eco-building has won a clutch of awards for its sustainable practices. Hardly surprising, given the insulation is generated from recycled newspapers and old telephone books. Enjoy a walk through the organic garden, spend a lazy afternoon bird watching then settle down to a gas BBQ.

Hire a luxurious log cabin in the Herefordshire countryside

Woodside Lodges Country Park (www.enjoyengland.com/Accommodation/Ledbury/Self-Catering/262289/Woodside-Lodges.htm) is set in unspoilt Herefordshire countryside. With awards for its approach to conservation, you can wander through the mature woodlands, frolic through the wildflower meadows and walk by the lakes looking out for dragonflies, buzzards and kingfishers. It’s just one of the parks that belong to the British Holiday & Home Parks Association.

Discover the Cotswolds, Somerset and Dorset during a walking weekend

The award-winning Foot Trails Walking Holidays are committed to sustainable practices and combine carefully mapped-out walks through some of south west England’s loveliest countryside with plenty of creature comforts. Walk independently or join a small friendly group, and finish off your day in a luxurious and character country inn that serves delicious local food. All holidays are easy to reach by public transport, so no need to bring the car!

More walking routes

Lots of environmental centres and eco-friendly visitor attractions have sprouted up over recent years. Blending a fun day out with information about sustainability, they offer the perfect way to learn more about how we can protect our precious rural environments.

Check out the Living Rainforest in Berkshire

The Living Rainforest (www.enjoyengland.com/Attraction/Newbury/Garden/157759/The-Living-Rainforest.htm) in Berkshire introduces a tropical twist to rural England. Visit Britain’s largest frog enclosure, and stare in awe at the giant 8’ water lily. Check out a fascinating exposition of life beneath the undergrowth, complete with Leafcutter ants and giant millipedes. And discover the destruction wreaked by logging and the true cost of cocoa production. Arrive by public transport or bicycle, and receive a discount off your admission. 

Learn all about green living at Brocks Hill Environment Centre

Leicestershire’s Brocks Hill Environment Centre (www.enjoyengland.com/Attraction/Oadby/CountryRoyal-Park/126830/Brocks-Hill-Country-Park-and-Visitor-Centre.htm) is set within a vast country park filled with orchards, wildflower meadows and woods and houses exhibitions exploring subjects as diverse as energy efficient buildings and a people powered hair dryer. See rainwater (or ‘grey’ water) collection for loo flushing in action, discover how insulation material is formed from recycled newspaper, and learn about a revolutionary method of warm air heating. Plus you can pick up handy tips on how to reduce your home’s green house gas emissions.

Glimpse into the future of science and nature at Nature’s World

Nature’s World (www.enjoyengland.com/Attraction/Middlesbrough/Environmental-Attraction/123577/Natures-World.htm) in the Tees Valley offers a glimpse into the future of science and nature. Explore clean, renewable energy technologies including solar, wind and geo-thermal power in Future World 2020. Get your hands on the fun interactive exhibition Race to Recycle and see what great things you can create from yesterday’s rubbish. And use the touch-screen interactive kiosks based in the EarthShip and Future World to test your environmental footprint on the earth.

Experience the life of Pennine Dales mine workers

Exciting things have been happening at the North of England Lead Mining Museum (www.enjoyengland.com/Attraction/Cowshill/Museum/123486/Killhope-The-North-of-England-Lead-Mining-Museum.htm) in Killhope in the North East as they work towards building a more sustainable environment. That includes a dedicated Green Team, enhanced recycling facilities, a Green newsletter plus clinching a silver award for green tourism. They are also developing an amazing new visitor centre that will be built using sustainable materials and green energy.