Ecotourism holidays & activities in the UK
Ecotourism is a form of sustainable travel that focuses on the conservation and protection of natural areas and wildlife. Many of our holiday parks across the UK are in areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and showcase the very best landscapes Britain has to offer, however, as much as we enjoy them it is just as important to look after them. Choosing to stay in the UK for your next getaway with a staycation is a great to reduce your footprint while also enjoying an amazing holiday.
As well as ways to make your holiday more eco-friendly, a number of our locations offer local attractions and activities that focus on ecotourism.
Local ecotourism activities around our holiday parks
Engaging in activities that practice sustainability and conservation is a great way to educate the kids, do your bit and have fun in the process! Here are some of the activities you can get involved in across the UK that are also local to our holiday parks.
Cornwall
If you’re staying at one of our holiday parks in Cornwall you should visit The Eden Project, an educational botanical garden whose mission statement is “to create a movement that builds relationships between people and the natural world to demonstrate the power of working together for the benefit of all living things.” The beautiful garden in Bodelva, Cornwall, consists of giant Biomes with an indoor rainforest, outdoor gardens and a Mediterranean Biome. Take in the stunning scenery and scents whilst the kids can enjoy the natural outdoor playground with a watercourse fed by recycled groundwater, slides and swings.
Another way to enjoy an ecotourism holiday in Cornwall is to visit the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, just a short drive from our Sea Acres Holiday Park in Helston. The UK-registered charity cares for injured or sick seals and other marine animals found in local shores, with the aim to release them back into their natural habitat. Children and adults alike will be enamoured by these majestic mammals and you’re sure to have a fun day out whilst supporting a great cause.
Northumberland & County Durham
If you’re in the North of England, the Northumberland National Park is a must-visit ecotourism destination. Less than an hour from most of our Northumberland holiday parks, you can enjoy a guided walk, admire the Hareshaw Linn waterfall and explore the natural wildlife from squirrels to fish. The Northumberland National Park is a registered charity that protects and conserves the landscape and wildlife.
Yorkshire
Whilst on holiday in Yorkshire, a great ecotourism location is the Spurn National Nature Reserve, as part of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust this moving peninsula hosts walking trails, grazing animals and beautiful views. A short half-hour drive from our Withernsea Sands Holiday Park, the Spurn National Nature Reserve is famous for its birdwatching and a great day out for the whole family.
Bempton Cliffs RSPB Reserve is a close distance to a number of our holiday parks in Yorkshire, admire the breathtaking views and watch the incredible spectacle of nearly half a million (yes, really!) seabirds gathering. You can also take part in guided walks, nature trails and educational talks. This is a great day out for all ages as the reserve is pushchair-friendly with baby-changing facilities and accessible toilets.
Scotland
Image source: National Museums Scotland © Andy Catlin
If you’re enjoying a Parkdean Resorts holiday in Scotland there’s a number of ecotourist activities and places you can enjoy. The National Museum of Rural Life boasts a 1950s working farm with acres of woodland, greenery and farm animals. A 45-minute drive from our Sandylands Holiday Park and Sundrum Castle Holiday Park. Run by National Museums Scotland, the younger ones can enjoy the play park, take a ride in the tractor and enjoy the willow sculpture trail - a range of willow sculptures in the shapes of animals and wildlife.
Wales
Wales has a wealth of sustainable tourism to immerse yourself in, from numerous country parks such as Margam Country Park and Pembrey Country Park to the National Botanic Garden of Wales. Margam Country Park has plenty for the kids to enjoy with a fairytale village, farm trail and adventure playground. Spend a day wandering around the National Botanic Gardens, seeing rare and endangered plants in the Great Glasshouse and the little ones can explore the Gruffalo Trail.
Holidaying in the UK has many opportunities for sustainable tourism, visiting and supporting local conservations, sanctuaries and gardens can help these places continue their good work and you can make a difference whilst simultaneously making memories.