Eco-Friendly Holidays in Wiltshire

Looking for an eco-friendly UK holiday destination for your next trip away? Here in Wiltshire we've got plenty of options for booking a holiday that is green, sustainable and kind to nature. 

In October 2019, Wiltshire Council was named the most 'climate-friendly' council in England and Wales by Friends of the Earth, reflecting the local authority's pledge to become Climate Neutral by 2030. 

Choose eco-friendly travel and transport

Many Brits are now choosing to go on holiday in the UK to avoid contributing to climate change by flying. But if you’re travelling to Wiltshire from abroad and are concerned about the environmental impact of your holiday transport, there are a number of convenient ferry options just a short drive away.

If you’re already in the UK, Wiltshire is an ideal destination which can easily be reached and explored using public transport. Buses or trains can bring you directly into historic and picturesque towns and villages like Salisbury, Westbury, Chippenham and Pewsey. And once you've arrived, there are many organisations that run bus tours to local attractions like Stonehenge and Avebury.

Wiltshire is largely rural and almost half of the county is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so you can also be sure to find lots of options for exploring the gorgeous countryside and quaint English villages by foot or by bike!

Travelling to Wiltshire by Ferry

Travelling to Wiltshire by Train

Travelling to Wiltshire by Coach and Bus

Walking Holidays in Wiltshire

Cycling in Wiltshire

Car-Free Days out in Wiltshire

Book environmentally-friendly accommodation

Ensure your stay in Wiltshire is green by booking eco-friendly accommodation. Many local hotels, B&Bs and self-catered holiday homes are working on making their accommodation more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Log House Holidays just over the border in Gloucestershire offer the chance to stay in an eco-friendly wooden cabin in a stunning 130-acre nature reserve, looking out over a lake. Woolley Grange Hotel are exploring new ways to become more sustainable and eco-friendly, including having recently installed electric-car charging points. And Whatley Manor in the Cotswolds even offer a ‘Simply Sustainable’ holiday package for guests who want to minimalize their environmental impact.

Alternatively, take a look at one of the local glamping sites or a shepherd's hut for an off-grid holiday that will help you really get back to nature! Have a look at a whole range of places to stay in the area.

Sit down to an eco-friendly meal

The Dining Room at Whatley Manor here in Wiltshire is one of the first UK restaurants to be recognised with a Green Michelin Star. This new award celebrates restaurants that pioneer sustainability. 

Enjoy sustainable, plastic-free and locally-sourced products

Trying traditional local food and drink like Cheddar cheese and West Country Cider is one of the timeless pleasures of a trip to Wiltshire. Many local pubs, cafes and restaurants pride themselves on using organic produce and sourcing their ingredients from local farms, vineyards and suppliers for the lowest possible impact on the planet. While you're in Wiltshire, why not head to one of the local farmers markets or a farm shop to pick up some local produce with a low carbon footprint?

You will find eco-friendly shopping opportunities across Wiltshire. Regent Tailoring in Salisbury is an elegant clothing brand that prioritises sustainable products. 

If you’re looking for sustainable cafes, restaurants and shops, the town of Bradford on Avon has recently been awarded ‘Plastic-Free Community Status‘ by marine conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage. As part of this initiative, local businesses have committed to using biodegradable paper, re-usable straws, paper bags, and selling loose products without plastic packaging. 

Vaughan's Kitchen & Cookery School in Devizes have recently announced that they have achieved zero food waste to landfil as well as switching to using biodegradable and compostable food packaging.

Support local conservation charities

While you’re visiting Wiltshire, why not visit one of the attractions run by one of our local wildlife or conservation trusts? These organisations work hard to protect and support the landscapes and wildlife that make Wiltshire so special.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust runs many nature reserves in the local area, all of which are open to the public and free to explore. The Trust works to create living landscapes across Wiltshire by restoring, reconnecting and recreating wildlife habitats across local landscapes. They run lots of events, including craft classes, talks and guided walks - why not book onto one of their upcoming events to support the work they do across Wiltshire?

The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust look after the lovely waterways of the Kennet & Avon Canal, home to wildlife such as herons, dragonflies, water voles and kingfishers. At their headquarters in Devizes, you can take a boat trip, enjoy a cup of tea in the café or visit their museum.

The Hawk Conservancy Trust just over the border in Hampshire supports conservation efforts to protect birds of prey.  Visit the Trust for a fun family day out where you can watch spectacular flying displays while supporting the Trust’s important conservation work.