From rolling green hills and National Parks, to tranquil lakes and winding streams, the UK is full of opportunities to connect with nature.
Ahead of B-Corp Month this March, Sykes Holiday Cottages, a B-Corp certified business, has rounded up five properties near experiences that promote biodiversity and conservation.
Whether you’re immersing yourself in beekeeping workshops, taking part in a beach clean, or enjoying solar-powered adventures, these activities offer meaningful ways to engage with the environment while learning about the vital role we all play in its preservation.
To book a staycation with Sykes, visit www.sykescottages.co.uk, call 01244 617 683, or download the Sykes Holiday Cottages app.
- Become a beekeeper for the day
The Croft – Chorley, Lancashire
Sleeps: Two
Price: Seven nights from £425
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Lake-District-Yorkshire-Dales-South-Heapey/The-Croft-1019239.html
The Bee Centre in Chorley, Lancashire, offers a ‘Bee Experience’, where visitors can learn all about honey-making. Committed to ethical beekeeping and promoting biodiversity, this hands-on activity supports environmental conservation and is a great way to connect with nature.
Sitting just a 10-minute drive away is The Croft, a stylish apartment which sleeps two. Flooded with natural light, the property has a spacious, open-plan interior and panoramic views of the surrounding green fields.
Guests can dine al fresco in the private garden, enjoying treats picked up from The Bee Centre before heading a little further afield to Southport for sea air and a stroll along the pier.
- Venture into the rainforest
The Old Dairy – Finchampstead, Berkshire
Sleeps: Six
Price: Seven nights from £769
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Cotswolds-Hampshire-Ridge-Fm/The-Old-Dairy-1022098.html
The Living Rainforest in Berkshire, run by the Trust for Sustainable Living, is a great family day out. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the rainforest and learn more about its animals, including sloths, monkeys, and toucans.
Located nearby is The Old Dairy, a contemporary barn conversion in the village of Finchampstead. After a day in the rainforest, guests can whip up a feast in the large ultra-modern kitchen before tucking in at the dining table with the garden as a backdrop.
For another day trip, the Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve is close by, along with opportunities for local fishing and boat hire.
- Ride the only people-powered rollercoaster
Brynkir Tower – Garndolbenmaen, Gwynedd
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £794
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/North-Wales-Snowdonia-Brynkir/Brynkir-Tower-1008721.html
GreenWood Family Park in Wales offers the ultimate eco-conscious adventure, featuring the world’s only people-powered ride and a solar-powered water slide—fun for all ages and planet-friendly too!
Families can stay at Brynkir Tower, a unique Grade II listed gothic tower which dates back to 1821. The property is packed with unique features, including an arched gothic doorway and traditional windows throughout.
The surrounding area has a lot to offer, including stunning mountain walks, picturesque villages such as Beddgelert and seaside towns like Criccieth.
- Appreciate what the Cairngorms have to offer
The Old Laundry – Grantown-on-Spey, Moray
Sleeps: Six
Price: Seven nights from £559
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Aberdeenshire-Angus-Dreggie/The-Old-Laundry-20852.html
Cairngorms National Park – with its heather moorlands, lush forest, and imposing lochs – is not only beautiful but also home to thriving biodiversity, with a commitment to woodland expansion and nature-friendly farming.
Holidaymakers looking to explore the rich colours and impressive views of Cairngorms can use The Old Laundry as their base – a detached stone cottage with an outdoor space, well-equipped kitchen, woodburning stone, and spacious rooms.
When they’re not traversing the park, groups and families can try their hand at fishing on the River Spey or head to Grantown-on-Spey, which offers excellent shopping and dining options.
- Get involved in the nationwide Great British Beach Clean
The Dairy – Burgh Le Marsh, Lincolnshire
Sleeps: Two
Price: Seven nights from £535
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Lincolnshire-Bratoft-Corner/The-Dairy-1000150.html
For one week every year, The Great British Beach Cleantakes place, with hundreds of events up and down the country. This year, the Gibraltar Point beach clean in Lincolnshire is on Saturday 20th September and is a perfect way to explore while doing some good for the local area.
Those looking to get involved can stay in The Dairy, a quaint one-bedroom holiday home bursting with character which comes complete with exposed wooden beams, vaulted ceilings, and a warming electric fire.
After a day of sea air, guests can retreat to the cottage’s king-sized bed for a good night’s sleep before venturing to one of the surrounding market towns to sample their local shops and restaurants.