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Eight ways to explore Britain more sustainably

Responsible tourism picks in the heart of Britain – the Midlands

Photo by: kateelizabethwright

Woman standing in front of steps with green coloured bicycle

Pedal power

Birmingham is home to an array of canals and an extensive canal-side cycle route network. The West Midlands Cycle Hire costs just £1 to unlock a bike, then 8p per minute after that. Look out for docking stations around the region.

Photo by: West Midlands Growth Company

A street at the Black Country Living Museum

Step out on a walking tour

Learn while you walk through Positively Birmingham, offering walking tours on anything from history to canals. Lovers of the hit series should take its Peaky Blinders tour. The Locationist also offers film-themed tours of the city, taking you behind the scenes of Birmingham’s screen stars.

If you fancy going solo, you can take your time using Walk Run Cycle Birmingham app. For those looking to up the pace, try Run of a Kind’s jogging tours of Birmingham.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Winnall

Steel framework building lit up in a blue light at night

Shop vintage

In the world of fashion everything old is new again. Hunt out some unique pieces in vintage fashion shops like Urban Village Vintage in Henley-in-Arden, or antique treasure troves like Moseley Vintage Hub. Even iconic Birmingham department store Selfridges has vintage designer items.

Photo by: lostinadventure__

Peak District National Park

Explore the great outdoors

Sutton Coldfield’s 2,400-acre Sutton Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe. The Peak District National Park, Sherwood Forest and several National Landscapes including Cannock Chase, the Cotswolds, Shropshire Hills and Malvern Hills are all nearby.

Outdoor experiences in Britain’s cities

Discover the parts of the city you never knew about on these self-guided London walking tours.

Explore London on foot

Photo by: Shutterstock/Westend61 on Offset

Two young women linking arms and walking in a street smiling
London walking tours

Discover Antony Gormley’s work of 100 cast-iron figures spanning across two miles of coastline.

Find out more about Another Place

Photo by: seward.photography

Antony Gormley’s Another Place
Antony Gormley’s Another Place

Eye-catching designs and transformed spaces fill Glasgow’s streets.

Discover more about Glasgow's Mural Trail

Photo by: Art Pistol & Rogue Oner, Bubbles/Glasgow Mural Trail

Location: Glasgow

Mural on wall of kids blowing bubbles, Glasgow Mural Trail
Glasgow Mural Trail

See Brunel’s iconic vessel, as well as one of Banksy’s most famous works at Bristol’s picturesque harbour.

See what Bristol's harbourside has to offer

Photo by: anabdavhawar and craving.nirvana

A man stood at a ship's wheel in the harbourside of Bristol
Bristol’s harbourside

Find your wild side with dolphin, seal, otter and whale spotting.

Discover dolphin watching in Aberdeen

Photo by: ammonitefan16

Dolphin watching
Dolphin watching in Aberdeen

Try a SUP yoga retreat, learn how to paddleboard for the first time, or book a sunset paddleboard adventure.

Try paddleboarding with Norwich Paddleboard Hire

Photo by: Visit Norwich/Norwich Paddleboarding

Location: Norwich, England

A group of people paddleboarding on the River Wensum
Norwich Paddleboard Hire

Pause for a moment at this tranquil wildlife sanctuary, a haven for birds and marine life.

Visit Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve

Photo by: VisitWales

Location: Image Cardiff

A woman looking out across Cardiff's harbour
Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve

A once-disused Victorian bridge transformed into an urban sky park and ‘garden in the sky’, where lush planting combines with its original 19th-century features.

Learn more about Castlefield Viaduct

Photo by: National Trust/Annapurna Mellor

A woman taking a picture of plants and flowers in the gardens of Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester
Castlefield Viaduct

No trip to Cambridge is complete without a punting trip on the River Cam – so hop aboard with the Traditional Punting Company!

Take a punting trip on the River Cam

Photo by: Traditional Punting Company

A punting tour passing a historic university building in Cambridge
Punting on the River Cam

Join a foraging tour for a low-impact supper, or follow the bee-utiful St Davids Pollinator Trail.

More about Sustainability in St Davids
WCP_ST JUSTINIANS 1
Sustainability in St Davids

This is no ordinary boat cruise: you’ll voyage out to the whirring turbines of Rampion wind farm.

Explore Rampion Wind Farm Tours

Photo by: Brighton Diver

An offshore rig, used by Brighton Diver for fishing and diving trips
Brighton Diver Rampion Wind Farm Tour

This family-run company offers bike tours to all the top sights – as well as secret spots you won’t want to miss.

Get tickets for A Wee Pedal

Photo by: Claire Clifton Coles

Location: Edinburgh

A Wee Pedal
A Wee Pedal

A traffic-free trail in Nottingham, with good-quality pathways – and plenty of pubs and cafes along the way.

More about The Big Track

Photo by: Peter Sampson / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Notts

Boats docked at Nottingham Marina
The Big Track

Maybe you’ll pedal all the way from New Town to the coast, or take a history-filled tour of the city centre?

Discover Edinburgh Bike Tours

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Edinburgh

A woman putting on her bike helmet about to hop on a bike by the riverfront on a sunny day
Edinburgh Bike Tours

These foraging tours reveal the edible herbs, flowers and berries hidden in the capital’s parks and gardens.

Find out more about Forage London

Photo by: Forage London

A group of people on a foraging tour on the outskirts of London
Forage London

Rather than driving or taking the train between these great cities, why not cycle instead?

Follow the Bristol and Bath Railway Path

Photo by: VisitWest

A group of people cycling along a path in Bristol
Bristol and Bath Railway Path

These guided paddleboarding trips reveal the beauty of Glasgow’s waterways and wildlife.

More about Glasgow Paddleboarders Co.

Photo by: Glasgow Paddleboarders Co

Paddleboarders laying down and forming a shape in the River Clyde in Glasgow
Glasgow Paddleboarders Co.

Explore the city’s top sights – and get a workout too with these pedal-powered tours…

Join Liverpool Cycle Tours

Photo by: Liverpool Cycle Tours

Location: Liverpool

A tour group on bicycles near the Chinese Arch in Liverpool
Liverpool Cycle Tours

Where nature meets the city, the working farm is a haven for wildlife and a popular spot for avid walkers.

Get into nature at Ludwell Valley Park

Photo by: Exeter City Council

A woman looking out across Ludwell Valley Park in Exeter
Ludwell Valley Park

Whether you’re a natural on the water, or wanting to try something new, make a splash at this activity centre.

Feel the adrenaline rush with watersports

Photo by: Destination Plymouth

Location: Plymouth, England

A person paddling a kayak off the coast of Mount Batten in Plymouth
Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre

Beginners and experts alike can take to the water for a turn at wakeboarding, kitesurfing or wakeskating.

Ride the water at South Coast Wakepark

Photo by: Visit Portsmouth

A woman wakeboarding at South Coast Wake Park, Portsmouth
South Coast Wakepark

Take your pick from sightseeing trips, sunset voyages, and gourmet sailings on the River Thames.

Discover Oxford River Cruises

Photo by: Photos by John Cairns

A group of people on a river boat in Oxford
Oxford River Cruises

Explore the River Avon in a rowing boat, punt, canoe or motorboat from this historic rental spot.

Get to know Bath Boating Station

Photo by: Bath Boating Station

Rows of kayaks lined up on the shore at Bath Boating Station
Bath Boating Station

Sheffield's largest park offers sweeping countryside views, woodlands, a visitor centre and Graves Park Animal Farm.

Get into nature at Graves Park

Photo by: Gemma Thorpe/Marketing Sheffield

A child feeding a llama at Graves Animal Farm in Sheffield
Graves Park

From the arboretum to the herb garden, glass houses, rock gardens and more, take a guided tour to get the most from a visit to these botanic gardens in Leicester.

Explore Leicester’s Botanic Gardens and Arboretum

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

A couple sitting by a water fountain in Leicester's Botanic Gardens
Botanic Garden and Attenborough Arboretum

Chill out in Lincoln’s Grade II listed park that is home to growing gardens, a fountain, children’s play area, lake, and bandstand.

Relax in Lincoln Arboretum

Photo by: Visit Lincoln

A fountain surrounded by trees in Lincoln Arboretum
Lincoln Arboretum

This fantastic social initiative has transformed countless lives, and is a great way to get to know York with local guides.

More about Unique York Walking Tours - Invisible Cities

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Woman wearing pink hat walking through narrow street
Unique York Walking Tours - Invisible Cities

Founded in the Victorian era, this urban idyll is criss-crossed with walking and cycling trails.

Get to know Heaton Park

Photo by: Urban Green

Children climbing over a fallen branch in Heaton Park, Newcastle
Heaton Park

This magnificent green space features orienteering trails, nature routes, playgrounds and themed gardens.

Relax at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park

Photo by: Visit Belfast

Location: Northern Ireland

Visitors enjoying a summer’s day in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park
Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park

Discover the parts of the city you never knew about on these self-guided London walking tours.

Explore London on foot

Photo by: Shutterstock/Westend61 on Offset

Two young women linking arms and walking in a street smiling
London walking tours

Discover Antony Gormley’s work of 100 cast-iron figures spanning across two miles of coastline.

Find out more about Another Place

Photo by: seward.photography

Antony Gormley’s Another Place
Antony Gormley’s Another Place

Eye-catching designs and transformed spaces fill Glasgow’s streets.

Discover more about Glasgow's Mural Trail

Photo by: Art Pistol & Rogue Oner, Bubbles/Glasgow Mural Trail

Location: Glasgow

Mural on wall of kids blowing bubbles, Glasgow Mural Trail
Glasgow Mural Trail

See Brunel’s iconic vessel, as well as one of Banksy’s most famous works at Bristol’s picturesque harbour.

See what Bristol's harbourside has to offer

Photo by: anabdavhawar and craving.nirvana

A man stood at a ship's wheel in the harbourside of Bristol
Bristol’s harbourside

Find your wild side with dolphin, seal, otter and whale spotting.

Discover dolphin watching in Aberdeen

Photo by: ammonitefan16

Dolphin watching
Dolphin watching in Aberdeen

Try a SUP yoga retreat, learn how to paddleboard for the first time, or book a sunset paddleboard adventure.

Try paddleboarding with Norwich Paddleboard Hire

Photo by: Visit Norwich/Norwich Paddleboarding

Location: Norwich, England

A group of people paddleboarding on the River Wensum
Norwich Paddleboard Hire

Pause for a moment at this tranquil wildlife sanctuary, a haven for birds and marine life.

Visit Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve

Photo by: VisitWales

Location: Image Cardiff

A woman looking out across Cardiff's harbour
Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve

A once-disused Victorian bridge transformed into an urban sky park and ‘garden in the sky’, where lush planting combines with its original 19th-century features.

Learn more about Castlefield Viaduct

Photo by: National Trust/Annapurna Mellor

A woman taking a picture of plants and flowers in the gardens of Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester
Castlefield Viaduct

No trip to Cambridge is complete without a punting trip on the River Cam – so hop aboard with the Traditional Punting Company!

Take a punting trip on the River Cam

Photo by: Traditional Punting Company

A punting tour passing a historic university building in Cambridge
Punting on the River Cam

Join a foraging tour for a low-impact supper, or follow the bee-utiful St Davids Pollinator Trail.

More about Sustainability in St Davids
WCP_ST JUSTINIANS 1
Sustainability in St Davids

This is no ordinary boat cruise: you’ll voyage out to the whirring turbines of Rampion wind farm.

Explore Rampion Wind Farm Tours

Photo by: Brighton Diver

An offshore rig, used by Brighton Diver for fishing and diving trips
Brighton Diver Rampion Wind Farm Tour

This family-run company offers bike tours to all the top sights – as well as secret spots you won’t want to miss.

Get tickets for A Wee Pedal

Photo by: Claire Clifton Coles

Location: Edinburgh

A Wee Pedal
A Wee Pedal

A traffic-free trail in Nottingham, with good-quality pathways – and plenty of pubs and cafes along the way.

More about The Big Track

Photo by: Peter Sampson / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Notts

Boats docked at Nottingham Marina
The Big Track

Maybe you’ll pedal all the way from New Town to the coast, or take a history-filled tour of the city centre?

Discover Edinburgh Bike Tours

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Edinburgh

A woman putting on her bike helmet about to hop on a bike by the riverfront on a sunny day
Edinburgh Bike Tours

These foraging tours reveal the edible herbs, flowers and berries hidden in the capital’s parks and gardens.

Find out more about Forage London

Photo by: Forage London

A group of people on a foraging tour on the outskirts of London
Forage London

Rather than driving or taking the train between these great cities, why not cycle instead?

Follow the Bristol and Bath Railway Path

Photo by: VisitWest

A group of people cycling along a path in Bristol
Bristol and Bath Railway Path

These guided paddleboarding trips reveal the beauty of Glasgow’s waterways and wildlife.

More about Glasgow Paddleboarders Co.

Photo by: Glasgow Paddleboarders Co

Paddleboarders laying down and forming a shape in the River Clyde in Glasgow
Glasgow Paddleboarders Co.

Explore the city’s top sights – and get a workout too with these pedal-powered tours…

Join Liverpool Cycle Tours

Photo by: Liverpool Cycle Tours

Location: Liverpool

A tour group on bicycles near the Chinese Arch in Liverpool
Liverpool Cycle Tours

Where nature meets the city, the working farm is a haven for wildlife and a popular spot for avid walkers.

Get into nature at Ludwell Valley Park

Photo by: Exeter City Council

A woman looking out across Ludwell Valley Park in Exeter
Ludwell Valley Park

Whether you’re a natural on the water, or wanting to try something new, make a splash at this activity centre.

Feel the adrenaline rush with watersports

Photo by: Destination Plymouth

Location: Plymouth, England

A person paddling a kayak off the coast of Mount Batten in Plymouth
Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre

Beginners and experts alike can take to the water for a turn at wakeboarding, kitesurfing or wakeskating.

Ride the water at South Coast Wakepark

Photo by: Visit Portsmouth

A woman wakeboarding at South Coast Wake Park, Portsmouth
South Coast Wakepark

Take your pick from sightseeing trips, sunset voyages, and gourmet sailings on the River Thames.

Discover Oxford River Cruises

Photo by: Photos by John Cairns

A group of people on a river boat in Oxford
Oxford River Cruises

Explore the River Avon in a rowing boat, punt, canoe or motorboat from this historic rental spot.

Get to know Bath Boating Station

Photo by: Bath Boating Station

Rows of kayaks lined up on the shore at Bath Boating Station
Bath Boating Station

Sheffield's largest park offers sweeping countryside views, woodlands, a visitor centre and Graves Park Animal Farm.

Get into nature at Graves Park

Photo by: Gemma Thorpe/Marketing Sheffield

A child feeding a llama at Graves Animal Farm in Sheffield
Graves Park

From the arboretum to the herb garden, glass houses, rock gardens and more, take a guided tour to get the most from a visit to these botanic gardens in Leicester.

Explore Leicester’s Botanic Gardens and Arboretum

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

A couple sitting by a water fountain in Leicester's Botanic Gardens
Botanic Garden and Attenborough Arboretum

Chill out in Lincoln’s Grade II listed park that is home to growing gardens, a fountain, children’s play area, lake, and bandstand.

Relax in Lincoln Arboretum

Photo by: Visit Lincoln

A fountain surrounded by trees in Lincoln Arboretum
Lincoln Arboretum

This fantastic social initiative has transformed countless lives, and is a great way to get to know York with local guides.

More about Unique York Walking Tours - Invisible Cities

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Woman wearing pink hat walking through narrow street
Unique York Walking Tours - Invisible Cities

Founded in the Victorian era, this urban idyll is criss-crossed with walking and cycling trails.

Get to know Heaton Park

Photo by: Urban Green

Children climbing over a fallen branch in Heaton Park, Newcastle
Heaton Park

This magnificent green space features orienteering trails, nature routes, playgrounds and themed gardens.

Relax at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park

Photo by: Visit Belfast

Location: Northern Ireland

Visitors enjoying a summer’s day in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park
Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park

An overnight journey into an exotic floral landscape

Night Riviera Sleep Train

Take the Night Riviera Sleeper train from London Paddington to Penzance in Cornwall and wake up to sandy beaches, glittering bays and bustling fishing villages. The train stops in St Austell, home to the Eden Project; an attraction focused on protecting the world’s biodiversity.

Photo by: GWR

GWR train journey

Explore more of sustainable Britain

Embrace these bike-friendly experiences and pedal your way around Britain’s cities, towns and more.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Storyman

A couple cycling down a ramp parallel with a canal

These spectacular places to stay are as sustainable as they are cosy.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jack Boothby

Person relaxing in hammock outside wood cabin

It’s never been easier – or more fun – to explore Britain sustainably.

Photo by: East Sussex,Brighton & Hove,West Sussex LVEP/James Ratchford

A man and a woman stand with bicycles wearing helmets

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