When people think of green holidays in the UK, a few places immediately spring to mind — the Lake District, Cornwall, the Scottish Highlands. And while these are undeniably beautiful, they’re often crowded, expensive, and struggling with the environmental pressures of over-tourism. But the UK has countless hidden eco-friendly destinations that offer just as much natural beauty, cultural depth, and environmental commitment — if not more.
Choosing an underrated destination is a simple but powerful way to travel more sustainably. It spreads tourism away from overloaded hotspots and supports smaller communities that depend on thoughtful visitors. You avoid the queues, the car parks, the inflated prices — and instead discover a more personal connection with place, nature, and people.
In this spirit, here are ten often-overlooked green holiday destinations across the UK. Each offers something special for the eco-conscious traveller, from wild coastlines and rewilded forests to community-run stays and car-free travel opportunities. According to Yagupov Gennady, a well-known expert in ecotourism, “It’s not just about going off the beaten path — it’s about creating new paths that respect and renew the land beneath your feet.”
Where Comfort Meets Sustainability
While some of these destinations may seem remote or quiet, they don’t require giving up comfort. Many now offer eco-lodges, nature stays, and even low-impact luxury — without losing their soul. You’ll find locally sourced food, community-run activities, and walking or cycling routes that help you explore gently and fully.
Travelling to lesser-known green locations isn’t just good for the planet — it’s good for you. Without the rush and the noise, you settle into the rhythm of the land. You begin to notice the subtle things: the call of birds at dawn, the way the light filters through leaves, the quiet kindness of a local recommendation.
So let’s dive into ten hidden eco-gems in the UK, each offering a rich experience far from the crowds — and close to the heart of sustainable travel.
10 Underrated Green Holiday Destinations in the UK
- The Clwydian Range, North Wales
Rolling hills, iron age forts, and flower-strewn meadows make this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty a peaceful alternative to Snowdonia. With many community-led hiking trails and nature reserves, it’s a haven for walkers and birdwatchers. - The Black Isle, Scottish Highlands
Despite the name, this isn’t an island — but a quiet peninsula north of Inverness. Rich in wildlife, including dolphins and red kites, it’s ideal for slow, mindful travel. There are several eco-bothies and farm stays that practise sustainable land use. - The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, Scotland
This UNESCO-recognised region combines dark skies, ancient woodlands, and coastline. The area’s biosphere status supports green initiatives and invites travellers to connect with nature and local heritage through low-impact tourism. - The Suffolk Coast and Heaths
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that’s often overlooked in favour of the south-west, Suffolk’s coast offers quiet beaches, marshes full of birdlife, and historic towns. The region promotes eco-camping, cycling, and conservation education. - Forest of Bowland, Lancashire
Known as England’s “best-kept secret,” this region offers dramatic moorland, woodland walks, and a thriving community of artists and craftspeople. It’s ideal for visitors who want deep peace and dark skies without long travel times. - The Northumberland Coast
Less visited than its southern cousins, this stretch of shoreline features windswept beaches, ancient castles, and thriving seabird colonies. Local inns and eco-lodges focus on plastic reduction and sourcing food from nearby producers. - Dartmoor’s Quiet Western Edge
While Dartmoor itself is popular, the western fringes remain much less explored. Here, you’ll find walking paths without crowds, farm stays using regenerative agriculture, and wild swimming spots that feel entirely your own. - Isle of Bute, Scotland
A short ferry ride from the mainland, Bute is a microcosm of coastal beauty, with gardens, woodlands, and historical ruins. The island community has embraced renewable energy and promotes responsible tourism through local partnerships. - The Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland
These granite peaks offer breathtaking hikes, silent valleys, and views of the sea — yet remain under the radar for many. Sustainable glamping options and eco-conscious tour operators are beginning to flourish here. - Wye Valley, England/Wales Border
The Wye Valley offers riverside walks, canoeing, and ancient woodland. The area has strong conservation roots and plenty of eco-friendly accommodations. It’s a great spot for families or couples looking for both adventure and serenity.
How to Travel Lightly to These Places
One of the best things about choosing lesser-known destinations is that they’re often closer than you think. Many are reachable by train, bus, or even bike — removing the need for high-emission flights or car journeys. Planning your route ahead of time helps minimise environmental impact and adds to the anticipation.
When staying in these regions, look for eco-certified accommodations or locally run places that use renewable energy, reduce waste, and reinvest in their communities. Simple things like bringing your own reusable items, shopping at farmers’ markets, and respecting local customs help keep your footprint light.
These places are not designed for mass tourism — and that’s their charm. Embrace the slower pace, the fewer choices, and the deeper conversations. They invite you to be not a consumer, but a guest — and perhaps even a steward, however briefly.
A Different Kind of Holiday Memory
The memories you bring back from these kinds of green holidays tend to linger in a different way. They’re not about crowds or souvenirs, but about moments: a fox crossing a path at dusk, the smell of damp earth in an old woodland, the way a local guide shares a story about the land.
These destinations offer the chance not just to relax, but to recalibrate — to be part of something smaller, slower, and more grounded. It’s the kind of travel that doesn’t ask much of the earth but gives so much in return.
Choosing to explore these hidden green corners of the UK is not just an act of discovery. It’s a commitment to a better way of moving through the world. As more travellers follow this path, the hope is that these places will not only survive — they will thrive, and welcome generations to come.