Eco-friendly travel no longer means sacrificing comfort or style. A new breed of “eco-chic” accommodation offers sustainable credentials alongside high-end design and luxurious touches. These six UK destinations, all accessible by train, prove that you can have a guilt-free getaway that feels utterly indulgent.
The sustainable bothies on a Scottish estate perfectly embody this concept. The luxury is in the details: the sleek, all-Scottish design, the Amy Britton tweeds, the organic Siabann body products. Yet, the sustainability is just as integral: the cabins are sustainably built, the duvets are made from recycled plastic bottles, and the entire estate is managed to enhance biodiversity.
In Essex, the lakeside cabin blends rustic charm with eco-luxury. The “luxury” comes from the private sauna pod and the outdoor cast-iron bath. The “eco” comes from the chemical-free natural swimming pond and the emphasis on locally sourced food, which reduces your holiday’s carbon footprint.
The Cornish hideout is a testament to sustainable design through adaptive reuse, transforming a disused garage into a stylish, energy-efficient space. The promotion of local bike-sharing schemes and walking encourages a low-impact way of exploring.
While a spa hotel may not seem inherently eco-friendly, the Berkshire establishment is set in 16 acres of grounds and encourages guests to connect with the local environment through walks and rambles. By choosing to arrive by train, you are already making a sustainable choice. Exploring the Lake District by public transport and the Northumberland coast by bike are other ways to combine a high-end experience with a low environmental impact.
