Ecotourism Destinations in the South of England
These tourist attractions in Southern England know that sustainability and responsibility is key and put environmental concerns top of the agenda, while still offering a fantastic experience for visitors.
From lush landscapes to captivating coastlines, in this article we’ll explore some of the best sustainable adventures in this part of the world.
Winchester Science Centre
Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium makes the perfect day out for families with children of all ages. Here, you can take a journey through the world of science with hands-on displays, mind-blowing demos and live experiments.
Winchester Science Centre can be found in the South Downs National Park and is easily reached by train. The centre has introduced dedicated waste stations and has reduced its oil consumption by 25%. It also works with the educational charity Wonderseekers to engage young children in science from an early age with the aim of inspiring the next generation of scientists. Through its interactive exhibitions it teaches children about reducing their carbon footprint and the importance of biodiversity.
Stubcroft Farm Sustainable Campsite
Stubcroft Farm Campsite boasts a wealth of wildlife with more than 78 species including birds, deer, hedgehogs and butterflies. The campsite is open all year round with all-weather pitches available. Facilities include a campsite shop, electric hookups and an eco-friendly, accessible amenity block.
Stubcroft Farm has won several awards for eco-tourism, including two Gold Awards in the 2022-2023 Beautiful South Tourism & Hospitality Awards. The campsite is also one of only three in the UK to be given the prestigious Gold Award from Green Tourism in recognition of their commitment to responsible, ethical & sustainable tourism.
Visitors can explore the sandy beaches of Bracklesham Bay and Wittering, or visit the local villages, which offer a range of shops and places to eat. There are also several National Trust properties nearby as well as the Salterns Way Cycle Path.
Knepp Wildland Rewilding Project
Knepp is a trailblazing 3,500-acre rewilding project in West Sussex. When Charlie Burrell took over the estate from his grandparents in the 80s he found it impossible to make the land profitable from farming. So after restoring a section of parkland in the centre of the estate, he decided to roll out nature conservation across the whole Estate.
Just twenty years later, the site is a huge success and several endangered species have found sanctuary at Knepp including nightingales and turtle doves. You’ll also find herds of deer, longhorn cattle, Tamworth pigs and Exmoor ponies wandering through the landscape unfettered.
The kitchen and shop offer sustainably sourced food. You can also stay onsite with both camping and glamping facilities available such as shepherd’s huts, yurts and treehouses! Alternatively, Knepp offers safari experiences and guided walks and you can even hire out spaces for weddings and other events.
Trebah Garden, Cornwall
This sub-tropical Cornish garden offers four miles of footpaths surrounded by exotic plants that will instantly transport you to sunnier climes no matter what the weather. Trebah also has its own private beach and outdoor theatre, with events held year-round.
Trebah Garden’s commitment to sustainability can be seen in its locally sourced and seasonal food menus in the Trebah Kitchen. They use local suppliers and ensure that the meat is ethically reared, the fish is sustainably sourced and the eggs are free-range. They’re also aiming to be plastic-free by 2025 and currently hold a prestigious Green Tourism Gold Award.
