Green holidays

Keeping Devon Special

Devon's stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage are deservedly famous and we are working hard to keep it as special as it is today. As a visitor to Devon you will, quite painlessly, be making a significant contribution to keeping Devon green by following our visitor code and supporting green businesses.

We have some simple tips to help you have a great visit - and help us to keep Devon special forever...

Green Businesses and Green Awards

Keep an eye out for the many places in Devon to stay, visit, eat at and shop in that have won awards for their efforts to become greener. Your support will reward them for their work and encourage other businesses to take similar steps.

View Green accommodation
View Green attractions
View Green restaurants

Find out more about the Green Tourism Business Scheme and other awards.

Explore What's On Your Doorstep

Why spend hours of your time travelling when there are all sorts of fascinating things to see and do right on your doorstep? Give your car a rest, stretch your legs and explore around where you are staying. With Devon's wonderful network of paths and trails you can easily walk and cycle to a host of attractions.  Click here for some ideas of how to give your car a holiday.

Want to go further afield but stay green?
Leave your car behind and have a day out with a difference - explore Devon on foot, by bike or even by canoe! You can reach much of Devon's coast and countryside by public transport and it's a great way to travel!

Explore Devon’s coastline on foot in seven simple steps

Devon is spoilt for choice when it comes to spending time by the seaside, with two separate coastlines and a variety of landscapes and activities to enjoy it.
Its diverse natural beauty is the reason why many of us choose to live here or to visit. The best way to explore the coast is with a walk along the South West Coast Path. Even better, is to experience it in a sustainable way to preserve its natural beauty.  Click here to learn more about how to explore Devon's coastline on foot in seven simple steps.

Try Local, Buy Local

Here in Devon we produce some of the best food and drink in the world. And we like sharing it! For a true taste of Devon, visit local markets, shops, pubs and restaurants. You'll be contributing to the local economy, and helping to reduce food miles and traffic.

Find out more about Devon's local produce.

 Get Wild about Devon

With over half of Devon's stunning countryside and coast awarded protected status, you have thousands of attractions competing for your attention. Fossils and birds, plants, cliffs and beaches - a break in Devon will be full of wonderful surprises.

If you're interested in Devon's wildlife click here to see the businesses that share your enthusiasm.

Find out more about natural attractions in Devon. 
Find out more about Devon's protected landscapes.

Visitor Gifting

You can help us to keep Devon beautiful by supporting some of the excellent work carried out by the county’s conservation organisations. Your contribution will be the best possible memento of your time here in Devon. Click here to find out more about Visitor Gifting.

How Do I Make Green Holiday Choices?

Take the train and come and visit. If you cannot then make sure you leave your car unused for at least ONE day on your holiday. You may discover so much more beyond the windscreen. So stay at an environmentally friendly place, visit attractions that are environmentally friendly by public transport or on bike or on foot, eat local food, turn down and switch off all the appliances you use. Make sure you find a place to recycle your waste.

What to look for in a green stay to reduce your 'carbon footprint' and that of your holiday experience:

  Look for a destination with plenty of choice for walk, cycle, bus or rail.

 Look for local food and drink - businesses selling and promoting regional or local food as THE main part of their menu choice. Also look out for food festivals and farmers' markets.

  Look for accommodation and attractions that are members of the Green Tourism Business Scheme or if they are a caravan or touring park, the David Bellamy Award - they have made a commitment to becoming as green as possible and have to pass stringent criteria for them to be classed as an environmentally friendly business.

  Look for a place to stay that can answer the following questions. If they are 'green' they will be able to give you answers!

 Do you have an environmental policy? Or are you a member of a green tourism scheme?

 Do you recycle?

  Do you use local suppliers for your food and drink and other goods or services? Do you have this information on your menu?

 Do you use environmentally friendly cleaning products?- Have you taken steps to monitor and reduce your energy and water consumption?

 Do you have information on public transport, green car hire, car free days out or walking and cycling facilities?

 Do you promote towel re-use, turning OFF lights and televisions, and turning DOWN the heating?