Sustainable travel destinations in the UK for an eco-friendly bucket list

For fun by the sea, bohemian vibes and a population of people who celebrate inclusivity, progressive-thinking and diversity, Brighton is the place to be. There are tons of sustainable dining spots and ice cream parlours dotted around this walkable seaside city that will open your mind to how delicious vegan and veggie food can be.

If you want to shop ’til you drop, Brighton offers serious eco retail therapy with antique shops, vintage clothing stores, independent boutiques and ethical beauty product lines. Enjoy a paddle on the pebbly beach, historic rides on the pier and strolling the North Laine area for eco-friendly souvenirs. Keep an eye out for The Rampion Project, a forest of 116 wind turbines just off the coast, which fuel half of Sussex’s homes.

This sustainable West Country delight has many a green accolade, including being elected a European Green Capital, the UK’s first “Cycling City” and a Fairtrade City, meaning it trades with over five million workers in 58 developing countries. Eco-travellers can enjoy tours of the BBC’s Natural History Unit, where hit documentaries like Blue Planet and Planet Earth were made, or a Sustainability Tour at We The Curious—a science museum with more than 300 environment-focused exhibits.

For insight and inspiration on how to make greener choices, visit The Create Centre to see exhibitions on sustainability. Bristol is also home to four city farms where you can brush up on how to grow plants and rear animals, and wildlife reserves to explore in the city and its surrounds.

Sustainability is top of the agenda in the English capital. Enjoy some of the world’s best farmers markets, as well as restaurants and bars serving up the finest ethical fare. London is known for its green spaces, including Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath where you can enjoy wild swimming in their ponds. London has many city farms, where you can buy fresh produce and eat brunch.

Visit wonderful natural habitats like Walthamstow Wetlands—a nature reserve only 15 minutes from central London where you can spot birds of prey. Furthermore, there are number of hotels in London with an environmental focus, including The Good Hotel, where everything from the staff, to the kitchen ingredients and building materials, are sourced locally.

Sheffield is nicknamed “The Outdoor City” because a third of it is located within the Peak District, making it the only major UK city to have a National Park within its borders. Sheffield is a prime example of a place that has regenerated itself with sustainability in mind.

Former steel houses and industrial factories have been transformed into hip shopping arcades, micro-breweries and food halls like Cutlery Works, where you can sample dishes prepared by local independent kitchens. The city also has an exciting cultural scene, with award-winning theatre, plenty of live music and excellent art exhibitions.

Oxford’s sustainable food scene alone will earn it a place on your eco-friendly bucket list. The city is home to an array of farmers markets perfect for snapping up picnic items to fuel your exploration of the city, or your punting trip along the River Cherwell. Good Food Oxford is a network of local food producers who supply fresh, sustainable food to the city’s dining establishments.

Oxford is also known for its green spaces, many of which are located around the iconic University’s impressive, historic buildings. We recommend the Oxford Botanic Garden (Britain’s oldest) and Harcourt Arboretum.