Sustainable, or eco-friendly, tourism is about travelling in a way that minimises your impact on the environment, respects local cultures, and supports the economy of the places you visit. It means making choices that help preserve natural resources, reduce waste, and promote fairness in communities. This might involve staying in eco-friendly accommodation, using public transport, supporting local businesses during your visit, and being mindful of how your travel affects the planet and the people who live in the areas you visit. The goal is to enjoy ‘guilt-free’ travel while ensuring that future generations can do the same.
Sustainable Tourism in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is the third largest protected landscape in England and with its blend of stunning landscapes and picturesque, honey-coloured villages, it’s obvious why it attracts so many visitors. It’s through working together – local organisations, businesses, residents and visitors – that we can ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy the Cotswolds now and in the future.
Green travel, responsible travel, slow travel or eco-friendly travel, whatever you choose to call it, this is simply ‘travel’ in the Cotswolds, somewhere you leave little or no trace behind and only take away the memories you’ve made and photographs you’ve taken (plus some lovely gifts from our wonderful independent shops, of course!)
So, before you visit take a look at this section of our website which pulls together all the information you need to plan an eco-friendly short break in the Cotswolds, including how you can help to protect this area of outstanding natural beauty.
Eco Friendly Things to Do in the Cotswolds
From attractions with impressive targets to reach net-zero in the next few years to experience providers at the start of their sustainability journey, the Cotswolds has myriad of attractions, things to do and experiences working hard to reduce their impact on the Cotswolds and the planet.
Eco Friendly Accommodation in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds has a wide range of eco-friendly places to stay, from luxurious manor houses to traditional B&Bs, country pubs with rooms and self-catering cottages to quirky yurts, there’s something for every conscious traveller.
Eco Friendly Food & Drink
Local produce is key for any eco-friendly cafe, restaurant or pub, but a lot of businesses in the Cotswolds are going far beyond this. From zero-waste menu options to brewing with leftover bread, growing their own produce to opening hours that work for their staff, food & drink businesses across the Cotswolds are on their own sustainability journeys.
Eco Friendly Shopping
The Cotswolds is home to an abundance of independent retailers who champion products from local producers and makers, but some businesses are going far beyond this to be greener. Reducing waste, having strict purchasing policies and using electric vehicles are just a few of the ways our retailers are creating eco-friendly shopping opportunities in the Cotswolds.
Sustainability Champions
We’re proud of all the businesses across the Cotswolds who are on their sustainability journey and to help inspire other businesses to join them we’ve created our Sustainability Champions project. Our Champion businesses are all different sizes and types, and are at different points on their journeys, but they have one thing in common, their passion and commitment to being more eco-friendly.
Tread lightly, wander kindly, leave only stories.
#leaveonlystories
