How to Plan an Environmentally Friendly Staycation in the UK

Opting for a staycation is already better for the environment, but if you make a few smart choices, you can help even more. For example, if you choose a hotel that lets you charge your electric car, you're already doing something good for the planet from the very start. From using cleaner ways to travel to choosing activities that help nature, there are lots of things you can do to make your trip better for the environment and still have a good time. Seeking out EV-friendly hotels, for example, means you can start your trip already doing something good for the environment.

You can travel to your staycation spot without having to deal with exhaust fumes. Trains are a cleaner way to travel, since they cover many places in the UK, even those that are far from big cities. When the distance is short, cycling is a good way to travel, since it is environmentally friendly and adds some excitement to your trip. If you have to drive, try carpooling or use an EV for a more environmentally friendly option. If you use an electric car, you can plan your trip so that you always have access to charging points.

Where you sleep matters as much as how you get there. Look for accommodation that prioritises sustainability—be it through renewable energy usage, rainwater harvesting, or eco-friendly toiletries. Many smaller lodges and countryside cabins are embracing these methods without compromising comfort. Listings often mention certifications or green policies; seek out those that go beyond mere marketing. Properties that recycle, reduce plastic usage, and limit laundry frequency also help cut down unnecessary waste.

Staying at an EV-friendly hotel is convenient and also demonstrates a strong commitment to a cleaner industry. In addition to charging stations, these hotels usually focus on sustainability in all areas of service. They try to be eco-friendly in every part of their services. From using local ingredients to using old furniture, these hotels highlight the need for sustainable tourism. When you book into an EV-friendly hotel, you are also helping other businesses to improve their environmental practices.

Many small decisions taken before departure make a lasting difference. Ditching disposable travel products for durable alternatives—such as bamboo utensils, refillable water bottles, or solid shampoo bars—saves resources and avoids unnecessary packaging. Opt for multi-use clothing items to keep your luggage light and your environmental impact lower. The more self-sufficient your kit, the less reliance on single-use conveniences along the way.

Eating during a staycation doesn’t have to involve supermarket chains or imported ingredients. Independent cafés, farm shops, and local markets often serve up regional produce with lower food miles. Choosing establishments that source seasonally ensures fresher meals and reduces the environmental toll of transport and refrigeration. Even self-catering guests can prepare meals using local ingredients, helping to support area farmers while keeping emissions in check.

What you do during a staycation shapes its overall impact. Skip motorised excursions in favour of experiences that highlight the natural world—forest walks, coastal hikes, paddleboarding, or wildlife spotting. Many conservation projects also welcome volunteers or offer educational tours, making it possible to give back to the areas you’re enjoying. These activities foster connection with place, creating memories without resource-heavy entertainment.

Part of being eco-friendly when travelling is to respect the places you visit. Use the marked routes, remove all your waste, and don’t disturb the local nature. You can reduce harm by using reef-safe sunscreen while swimming and turning off the lights in your room. The aim is to improve the places you visit and ensure they are better than when you arrived.

Staying local doesn’t mean compromising on experience—it’s an invitation to rediscover the richness of your surroundings with new intention. Eco-friendly staycations help both the planet and the traveller, thanks to low-emission transport, careful packing, and EV-friendly hotels. They allow you to have a good time without harming the environment, making both the planet and the traveller stronger.