If you’re planning a UK staycation this year, don’t just linger in the South – take a trip beyond the Watford Gap and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime, served up with a side of Northern hospitality. From tranquil canals and zero-waste dining to wet-and-wild adventures for the whole family, these are the sustainable activities to get stuck into on your next visit to the North.
Sustainable Things To Do In The North
Pull up a chair at zero-waste restaurant Hypha
Chester’s Hypha is just one of 31 restaurants in the UK and Ireland to be awarded the Michelin Green Star. It boasts a seasonal vegan tasting menu created using ingredients sourced from eco-conscious local suppliers, growers and foragers. See how it’s done up close and book a seat at the Chef’s Counter, an experience only offered to four guests a week. hypha.uk
Take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge
Cut the carbon on your next adventure and head out on foot to trek up three peaks in the Yorkshire Dales. Known as one of the hardest hikes in the UK – it’s done in under 12 hours – the Three Peaks Challenge is a great one for seasoned hikers (the rest of us can go at a leisurely pace). The views from the top are well worth it. threepeakschallenge.uk
(c) Gary Butterfield, Unsplash
Book a stay at Battlesteads hotel in Hexham
Battlesteads is one of only two hotels in Northumberland to hold a Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme. The boutique retreat’s carbon footprint is just onefifth of the industry average, with carbon-neutral heating systems, homegrown food and an on-site sustainable mushroom farm making it a truly guilt-free getaway. battlesteads.com
Clean up Yorkshire’s coastline
Join the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust for one of its regular beach cleans, where you can take part in the battle against marine pollution on the UK coast. Litter pickers, bin bags and other equipment are provided for each clean – all you need to do is turn up with warm clothes and a pair of gloves. ywt.org.uk
(c) Andy Carne, Unsplash
Explore the North’s canal routes
You can hire a luxury narrow boat for a quiet getaway with Canal Boat Cruises of Riley Green. The journey begins in the Lancashire countryside with cruise routes across the north of England. A complimentary hamper of local and Fairtrade produce is also included with each hire. canalboatcruises.co.uk
Get wild at the Newlands Adventure Centre
In the heart of the Lake District National Park lies Newlands Adventure Centre, which works with the natural landscape to create outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy – from kayaking and bike tours to rock climbing. Recently the centre has cut the amount it sends to landfill by half, upgraded its recycling programme and begun to plant trees to conserve the local environment. activity-centre.com
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Visit Durham University’s Botanic Garden
Durham University is on a mission to be one of the greenest universities in the UK. The Botanic Garden has played host to extensive conservation and biodiversity projects, including an initiative to reintroduce endangered plants and flowers back into the ecosystem. In summer, see bees from the apiary making the most of the garden’s floral banquet. dur.ac.uk
Book an eco staycation at The Samling
The Samling creates experiences that ‘balance nature’s beauty with world-class service’. Spread over 67 acres of English countryside, the hotel boasts scenic views over Lake Windermere. Try out the ‘Wilderness Adventure’ glamping package for a civilised taste of the outdoors and be looked after by a personal butler and chef. thesamlinghotel.co.uk
Stargaze in the Forest of Bowland
The Forest of Bowland is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty noted for its dedication to providing opportunities for sustainable tourism. The forest is committed to reducing light pollution in the area, partnering with local businesses to offer evenings of stargazing, night photography courses and forest moon bathing. forestofbowland.com
Feel inspired by nature at Tatton Park
Located in Knutsford, Cheshire, Tatton Park has over 1,000 acres of parkland for visitors to explore on foot or bike. This family-friendly tourist spot encourages visitors of all ages to take an interest in the local landscape, with activities ranging from deer and bird watching to outdoor painting, mindful walking experiences and yoga in the park. tattonpark.org.uk
Featured image: Jonny Gios, Unsplash
