Seeking a staycation spot where cosy luxury meets environmental responsibility? Tallulah Rushaya rounds up the best eco-friendly stays in Britain
In and around London, there are ample hotels for a short or long break where eco-friendly meets luxury. Whether you are an adventurous traveller or prefer to unwind within nature, this guide will help you plan your next trip.
HOME HOUSE, Marylebone
The iconic grand Georgian townhouse and private members’ club began life as a residence for Elizabeth, Countess of Home, designed by architect James Wyatt. With the later appointment of Robert Adam, Home House’s interiors were transformed into a study in neoclassical decadence, which members of the club and guests of the hotel still enjoy today. Home House continues to add to its illustrious history, with leading business club Home Grown. Together they make up the Home Club Collection.
Home Grown, a stone’s thrown away on Great Cumberland Place, is part of several initiatives that work to support entrepreneurs. In April, the Home Club Collection became the first private members’ club group to receive the Butterfly Mark, the leading sustainability certification from Positive Luxury.
With a commitment to growing its environmental strategy, Home House switched to 100-per-cent renewable energy in 2022, aiming to reducing gas usage by 10 per cent and reducing electricity usage by 10 per cent year on year to achieve net zero and to help tackle global warming.
Club rooms for non-members start from £275 per night at Home House, and from £175 at Home Grown.
THE LAKES BY YOO, The Cotswolds
At this secluded 850-acre estate, filled with panoramic views and an eco-pond, ecology and conservation are necessities. Founder John Hitchcox originally envisioned a Swallows and Amazons-style playground, where children could freely and safely explore.
Rewilding is a core aim with a wild arboretum full of trees donated to the estate. A further 500,000-plus trees have been planted to develop into vast woodland. Providing fun for all the family, activities at The Lakes by Yoo range from festivals and wellness retreats to paddle boarding. Families can also spend time at the on-site farm populated by rescue animals.
The idyllic lakes lifestyle will have visitors wanting to return year after year. Divided into luxury rooms, apartments and lodges, the interiors reflect the harmonious surroundings, with the use of local and natural materials, such as Cotswold stone and locally woven willow. Accommodation starts from £995.
THE NEST, Stamford, Lincolnshire
Forget the hustle and bustle of city life in this serene hideaway, nestled within private farmland. This luxury glamping and dog- friendly destination is the ultimate nature escape. Choose from the Cuckoo, Pinkfoot and Teal, where six can sleep in each lodge with stellar views of the lake.
With access to large burning stoves in lodges, and a Gozney pizza oven, guests can cook up a feast. In The Nest, find a menu of spa treatments to help you unwind, and why not try the wood- fired hot tub? Embrace the full glamping experience with film night on the deck of your lodge, lighting a roaring firepit to keep you warm from head to toe.
From dawn to golden hour, the lake has activities to suit all types of guests. For the sporty, there’s wild swimming and kayaking, and picnicking for those who want to simply admire the view. Beyond The Nest, venture to nearby Stamford where you can explore Burghley House and Belvoir Castle.
Rooms start from £880 for a mid-week stay, and £930 for weekend getaways
THE TAWNY, Staffordshire
On the grounds of rural Staffordshire’s Consall Hall Gardens, The Tawny is an oasis for nature lovers. A haven of discovery and adventure, stay in eco-conscious accommodation that fuses simplicity and luxury.
With 55 Scandi-chic ‘rooms’, some of which are named after wildlife such as Stag, Hedgehog, and Poppy and Foxglove after botanical delights, take a map to navigate. Amid five lakes and rolling vistas, you’ll find The Plumicorn restaurant sitting majestically at the peak. Offering up a brasserie menu, using ingredients from Staffordshire’s finest artisans, bakers and farmers.
Rejuvenate with activities: guests with artistic flair may want to try their hand at the abstract and mixed-media class. Giving a new lease of life to the grounds, the whimsical Folly Trail has a number of statue and stone works from the country houses destroyed in the 1960s along with their gardens. On 1 September, discover Libra and Lyra with mindful stargazing. Rooms start from £240 per night, with prices varying between low-, mid- and high-season
THE HARPER HOTEL, Norfolk
In north Norfolk’s tranquil rural village of Langham, The Harper is a luxury hotel with ample charm. Near the Blakeney coast, The Harper has been described as where land meets the sea. The 32 rooms have all been designed with warming colour palettes, and original art, perfect for a country escape and understated luxury. The hotel uses LED lighting throughout the building, with electricity, wood and bio-mass fuel to heat and power the hotel.
Expect a culinary labyrinth of restaurants that showcase the finest and freshest of Norfolk. For a convivial setting, have a tipple or snack at The Bar, where upcycled copper piping has been utilised. The Stanley’s table d’hôte menu spans land and sea, including homemade sourdough and butters.
Ivy’s is the perfect setting for all-day dining. Under the star-filled skies, dine at The Yard. Harper added two sister pubs to its portfolio. The Blue Bell serves pies, puddings and pints, and The Morston Anchor serves traditional British seafood. Rooms starts from £225 a night, including breakfast
The Grove, Hertfordshire
A mere drive from London, The Grove is nestled within 300 acres of rolling greenery, with links to royalty and golf. Exuding grace at every corner, the interiors of the hotel were designed by Martin Hulbert.
Culinary options at the hotel mean there is a cuisine for everyone. Using produce from Jemima’s Kitchen Garden, dishes are even more flavoursome. For Great British classics head to The Stables, or The Glasshouse for international cuisine. Madhu’s brings the delectable flavours of New Delhi to The Grove.
For summer only dine in new heights with Feast on Cloud 9, and Italian pop-up Verde Kitchen in The Potting Shed. Partnering with Royal Botanic Kew Gardens, the Kew Gardens Afternoon Tea will take bookings from the 9th September, with 10% of every purchase being donated to Kew Gardens.
A range of countryside pursuits are available in this peaceful oasis, from immersive nomadic feast and foraging in August to hot air balloon experiences and preserves and chutney making in September.
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