Organic Places to Stay

If you’re looking for an eco holiday there's a wide selection of places to choose from in this website directory of organic holidays. There are over 500 places to stay in the UK and over 500 places abroad in around 50 countries. Combine rambling with organic meals at a 16th century guest house in Belgium. Charter a yacht in Croatia and enjoy three organic meals a day on board. Hike from the door of an auberge on top of a volcano in France and look forward to locally produced organic food on your return.

Browse around the website to see the variety of accommodations in places as far away as Canada, Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand.

Around two thirds of the places listed offer meals, usually breakfast, but lunches and evening meals are often available as well. Many of these places have their own small restaurant, a few of which are certified organic, and others may have a certified organic kitchen garden, orchard or vineyard.

Meals are prepared using local organic produce whenever possible. On average this will be at least 50% organic, but many of the places offer a much higher percentage, up to 100% organic. Quite a few of them grow their own produce, some use wild or natural foods, and most will aim to use fresh local produce rather than imported food. The rest of the places are self-catering on organic farms or smallholdings. At these places you'll find information about the availability of organic food - for example whether you can buy the farm's own organic produce, have an organic vegetable box delivered, or find organic produce in the local area.

Fresh produce, local specialities, slow food, home baking, homemade products such as jam, juice, ice cream, yogurt, cheese, pasta, pasta sauce, olive oil, wine - you'll find all these and more ......

Visit www.organicholidays.co.uk or send an email direct to lindamoss@organicholidays.com for more information.

Looking for a unique travel experience? Make a difference in some of the world's most critical conservation and community volunteering projects with Global Vision International.

Adventurous individuals can join over 150 projects including challenging Marine Conservation and Wildlife Research expeditions in Africa and Latin America and volunteer teaching and wildlife projects in over 30 countries worldwide.

Global Vision International (GVI) was formed in 1998 to provide support and services to international charities, non-profits and governmental agencies, through volunteering opportunities and direct funding. It has over 150 project partners in over 30 countries and provides opportunities for volunteers to fill a critical void in the fields of environmental research, conservation, education and community development.

Some of their international partners include The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund (International), Rainforest Concern, The Endangered Wildlife Trust and the South African National Parks, The Jane Goodall Institute and the Mexican National Parks Board amongst many others.

Join a group of adventurous and like-minded individuals from 5 to 20 weeks as a member of an international research team. Live in some of the most dramatic and remote locations on earth, and gain practical field work experience. Or join a GVI project and work with organisations which have been specially selected for their commitment to conservation and humanitarian needs.

A volunteer holiday with GVI offers up a great opportunity to individuals and groups who may not have much time to spare but want to experience a new country off the regular tourist trail while also doing something worthwhile. From one week and upwards you can choose to volunteer in over 30 countries worldwide on construction projects, wildlife programs, climate care initiatives and much more.

With an international team of over 150 field staff to ensure your peace of mind, in-depth training, cultural orientation and 24 hour support throughout your stay you can join an exciting and progressive volunteering organisation and experience the world through new eyes.

www.gvi.co.uk

Walking trips with Creature Comforts

Foot Trails is an award-winning company who can give you peaceful time out, and take you away from the stresses of the modem world. Choose one of these walking trips with creature comforts for some of the most authentic and inspiring experiences of rural South West England on foot.

Indulge your senses with relaxing stays in hand-picked character  country inns, located in unspoilt villages and hamlets, and varied walks through spectacular scenery with breath-taking views. You can choose from a wide range of walking trips, including Bluebell Trails in Spring, Vintage Cider Trails with tasting in the autumn, follow in the footsteps of Smugglers or discover the mysteries of the prehistoric Jurassic Coast. What ever you like to explore, you'll discover the hidden idylls of Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset and The Cotswolds.

Foot Trails was started 6 years ago by husband and wife David and Alison Howell and has grown in popularity ever since. The company believe in a sustainable approach to tourism, and this approach is intertwined into the holidays where ever possible. As a guest you'll  enjoy authentic experiences off the beaten track, walking on small local paths and tracks and local flavours and food. There is much respect for local communities, with all your accommodation being located in rural village inns and small country house hotels, full of character and charm.

Foot Trails has received high critical acclaim, with features written by The Sunday Telegraph, The Guardian, Country Living Magazine and The Times. In 2006 the company became the first walking tour company in England to receive a silver Green Tourism Business Scheme award. Measures they have introduced include printing with vegetable inks and waterless printing on recycled, bleach free paper, supporting the local Wildlife Trusts, promoting the beauty of English nature and tourism and supporting local communities.

www.foottrails.co.uk

Manor House Stables have been beautifully restored using natural earth- friendly materials and traditional methods.

Set in the heart of rural Lincolnshire and dating back to the 18th Century these Grade II Listed Stables now form 2 units of quality self-catering accommodation which can be rented separately or together.  The first floor ‘Hayloft’ (sleeps 4) is spacious and open plan whilst the ground floor ‘Bothy’ (sleeps 3) is smaller and cosy but also wheelchair-friendly. 

Both units are warm and welcoming with wood-burning stoves, exposed beams and lime-washed walls. Real wood floors or natural brick tiles are covered in braided wool rugs and recycled cotton mats.  Fabrics are soft and natural, and colours are warm and earthy. The luxury organic wool mattresses are covered in quality bedding and cotton quilts. 

Natural earth-friendly materials were used throughout the restoration.  The walls are insulated with cotton, hemp and wood fibre and below the ground floor lies layers of insulating limecrete and recycled glass. 

Natural environmentally-friendly paints and wood finishes have been used throughout the building and the hot water, underfloor heating and cast iron radiators are fuelled by a wood pellet boiler and solar panels.

Welcome Hampers await full of freshly picked veg from the locality or from our own organic garden. Chemical-free soaps and other luxuries are also provided to make each stay a little more perfect.  Add to that chocolates, wine and fresh flowers and this is certain to be a very special break away...

www.manorhousestables.co.uk

The Man in Seat 61...

Seat61.com was started purely as a hobby in 2001, by a UK based railway expert, with the aim of providing sound practical advice to help people make journeys by train or ship instead of flying, affordably, comfortably and safely.

It has grown over the years and now holds an enormous amount of information helping people who already know they want to travel by train or ship, but who can't find out about it through normal commercial websites or travel agencies. 

Many people prefer the experience of train travel, are afraid of flying, want to avoid unnecessary flights for environmental reasons,   or would simply prefer a more civilised, comfortable, interesting, adventurous, romantic, scenic, historic, exciting and environmentally-friendly way to travel,  but information can often be difficult if not impossible to find.

Travelling by train from London to Europe is really easy, but finding out about it (and how to book it) can be frustratingly difficult. The Man in Seat Sixty-One will tell you how to travel overland comfortably & affordably where you might think that air was now the only option. Travel within the UK and Ireland, from the UK to across Europe, or even as far as Asia, Africa, America and Australasia.

There's also info on railpasses, buying train tickets and buying ferry tickets too.

The site aims to inspire people to do something more rewarding with their lives and their travel opportunities than going to an airport, getting on a globalised airliner and missing all the world has to offer.  There's more to travel than the destination.  It used to be called a  journey ...

And with such accolades as winning a First Choice Responsible Tourism Award in 2006, and a Wanderlust Travel Award in 2007 it's the site to visit for alternative travel!

www.seat61.com

Bicycle Beano Cycling Holidays combine delicious organic vegetarian cuisine with a relaxed friendly atmosphere and great rides on peaceful country lanes.

The rides explore the Pembrokeshire Coast and Snowdonia national parks in Wales; the Welsh Borders, the Vale of the White Horse, and the South Downs in England. Each Beano is based at a brilliant venue including a medieval manor house, a Georgian mansion, and an eco-centre with its own lake and the best view from a bike shed ever!

Ace cooks provide delicious vegetarian cuisine. Home-grown organic fruit & veg, fair trade, and local produce are used as much as possible. You don't have to be a vegetarian to enjoy a beano, lots of non-veggies keep coming back because they like our food (meat and veggie meals are available at the lunch stops).

Each day there is a moderately-paced 35 to 40-mile main route, returning to the same venue each evening. Short cuts and longer detours are available en-route, so you can choose how far you cycle - anything from 30 to 60 miles depending on how you feel.

Specially designed maps and route sheets mean you can cycle at your own pace, either with a group or on your own if you prefer. Everyone meets up at lunch time hostelries and afternoon teastops; or explore an ancient castle, admire a view, or go for a swim. Bicycle Beanos are suited to everybody - vegetarians and meat eaters, singles and couples, young and old. Bicycle Beano is a chance to make new friends, relax, justify cake consumption, and enjoy cycling in splendid countryside.

www.bicycle-beano.co.uk

Anna's House, Co Down Ireland

Organic, Eco-Friendly and Beautiful -  Anna’s House fits this description perfectly.     It lies in a most tranquil landscape within its own organic meadows and gardens, overlooking a wildfowl lake with panoramic views down to the Mountains of Mourne.       

Delicious organic food and home baking, the finest pure linen sheets in all bedrooms which are ensuite with books, armchairs, mini fridge, TV, radio.   There is geothermal heating, solar panels, low energy lighting.

The old farmhouse has grown the most spectacular living space, a vast construction of steel and glass with minstrel’s gallery which invariably makes guests gasp with pleasure when they arrive.    You can experience this before your arrival if you click on the ‘virtual tour’ logo on our website.

Take a moment to relax and wander among the shrubs and flowers, discover a secret pond or stretch out on a hammock in the pine grove. The garden has been planted and nurtured organically over the last thirty years on what was once an open field. It has become a tranquil retreat and home to many kinds of wildlife.

Anna’s House has received and continues to receive a stream of recommendations from independent travel guides, newspapers and magazines.   The latest in March 2008 was a long editorial in The Guardian and a Japanese Lifestyle magazine “Mr Partner” who featured Anna and Ken on their front page and four interior pages!

www.annashouse.com

Don't Forget the Sun Lotion!

Green People’s range of organic sunscreens combines natural, broad spectrum UVA & UVB protection. Their organic range covers SPF8 - SPF22, with childrens at SPF25. Plus organic aftersun lotion, and even organic self-tan lotion!

To avoid the signs of premature ageing and to protect against long term damage from UVA rays, Green People recommends you choose a chemical-free sun lotion providing natural antioxidants and effective protection from both UVA & UVB radiation.

Not tested on animals, the natural sunscreen formulations are without unnecessary chemicals which reduce the likelihood of skin irritation, prickly heat and hives. Green People’s organic sun creams use the Earth Minerals Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to provide natural protection allowing you to tan safely, with confidence.

Using the purest, natural and organic ingredients, hand made in small quantities to ensure you receive the freshest products possible, these gentle highly effective, organic alternatives ensure you can look and feel your best, regardless of any allergies or sensitivities.

Green People's natural sunscreens are free from irritating detergents such as Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) Sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), parabens, ethyl alcohol, GMO's and unnecessary synthetic ingredients. Plus, the packaging is recyclable and non air-freighted so you can be sure that any environmental impact is minimal.

www.greenpeople.co.uk

The Big Green Tipi is located in the centre of the Llyn peninsula, and at 400ft above sea level commands stunning views of Cardigan Bay and the Irish Sea. It's ideal for a family or group of friends who want to "get away from it all". The tipi is in a quiet, sheltered spot, away from other visitors, so our guests can do whatever they like without being disturbed.

We're surrounded by the sea, so there's stunning beaches and all kinds of water sports on your doorstep. If you want nightlife, there's pubs, clubs and restaurants in the nearby bustling holiday town of Abersoch.

This is the perfect place to relax and a great opportunity to let the kids explore a simpler way of life. You will have the opportunity to help take care of the free-range chickens and pigs. You can even collect eggs for your breakfast.

The Tipi is 24ft in diameter and is capable of sleeping up to 10 people, but is ideal for the average family. Light a fire, and you'll be toasty and warm on the coldest of days. The stone fireplace and wrought iron fire basket in the centre on the tipi will be used to provide all your heat, and the wrought iron trivet can be used for cooking, or you may prefer to have a go at fire pit cookery, a spit roast, or a barbeque.

A powerful shower is heated by 4 solar panels, and a wind generator powers the circulation pump. This also provides electricity for the state of the art composting toilet.

Visit biggreentipi.co.uk to find out more.

Ecoscape is defining a new way to travel proving that we can enjoy the environment but leave no hint that we’d ever been there. And we don’t have to go far to do this. We believe that the best places to escape are closer to home than we had ever imagined.

"ecoescape begins at home. It’s about reconnecting to familiar places – our cities, villages, birthplace or countries – and finding ways to escape that we may never have realised were there. We also want to discover new spaces to think and breathe. ecoescape helps you find ways to get off-grid at home and further afield without sacrificing the quality of travel experience or the potential to relax and escape everyday life.” Laura Burgess – ecoescape founder and author.

In the UK there are some of the most inspiring people and places that you will find anywhere in the world. It just takes some fresh eyes and a new mindset to enjoy them. For this inspirational and practical guide, we’ve found fifty of the best ecoescapes from around the UK. These handpicked experiences are sustainable from start to finish. These handpicked experiences are sustainable from start to finish. The author, Laura Burgess, travelled slowly and has included details of her cycle, bus and rail routes so readers can do the same.

ecoescape: United Kingdom is the first in a new series of travel guides that celebrate escapism and holidays that are closer to home. May 2008 sees the publication of ecoescape: Ireland and September sees ecoescape: Islands of Britain and ecoescape: Budgets and Backpacks. In 2009, there will be four more ecoescapes, including our first foray overseas to France.

To find out more details visit www.ecoescape.org

Moss Grove Hotel

Bronze Environmental Excellence Award winners Moss Grove Hotel, Grasmere in the Lake District has a policy to be as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible.

Not only that, they aim to use natural and organic materials, buy organic, local or fair trade produce, recycle and reduce the risk of pollution, embrace an hollistic approach to all aspects of developing, maintaining and operating their business and also indulge their guests in quality and privacy.

Retaining its original Victorian character, the property has been refurbished using as many natural products as possible, reducing the environmental and carbon impact.

Natural organic clay paints have been used throughout, Thermafleece (sheeps fleece) was chosen for internal insulation, the original windows were replaced with identical handmade hardwood sash windows - double glazed to achieve current heat loss regulations, reclaimed stained glass was used in the skylights.

The Superior Room (shown above) has a six foot hand-built, four-poster bed which is made from reclaimed timbers and sits proudly on its oak stage (made from sustainable forests) looking out, over the balcony, to Grasmere.

Each of the eleven bedrooms are unique in character, shape, design and ambiance. All share a relaxed and totally natural style.

Plus a Mediterranean buffet breakfast is served in the country kitchen, with as much organic, fair trade and local produce as possible.

To find out more details on location, and how to book go to:

www.mossgrove.com

‘Green-minded’ tourists can head for the Surrey Hills now a popular Youth Hostel has scooped a prestigious European environmental award.

YHA Tanners Hatch – set near Dorking in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – is the third YHA property to be granted the EU’s Ecolabel in the tourism category. The accolade confirms the property complies with the toughest environmental standards in Europe and was granted by Defra – the Government department that runs the scheme in the UK.

“We’re delighted to receive this top level award, which rewards our commitment to eco-friendly tourism,” said YHA Tanners Hatch manager Sarah Hart. It provides recognition of our commitment to environmental awareness and to reducing the building’s impact in every aspect of operation from efficient use of energy and water through to staff training on green issues.”

A raft of sustainable and environmental features has been installed at YHA Tanners Hatch. They include recycling and composting on site, installing a wood burner plus the addition of solar panels and a rainwater recycling system. Water reducers have been fitted to all taps and low usage toilets installed.

Sarah said some of the credit for the success should go to the Surrey Hills Sustainable Development Fund. "They provided financial support to install the rainwater harvest tank and have also paid for some interpretation boards for the site,” she added.

The green initiative is part of YHA's renovation programme to provide modern facilities and the success at YHA Tanners Hatch follows previous awards of Ecolabel status to YHA Langdon Beck, in Northumberland and YHA Lockton, in North Yorkshire. See www.yha.org.uk for more details.

Rezare Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast offers comfortable, characterful accommodation with an emphasis on good food and sustainability. Situated in a quiet, peaceful hamlet within the Tamar Valley AONB on the Cornwall / Devon border, midway between Bodmin moor and Dartmoor, you will be perfectly placed to explore the region's many and varied attractions.

Living sustainably, for us, means fostering a sense of place by utilising what the immediate environment and community produce, minimising energy consumption, and minimising waste. We make full use of the fact that we have many excellent producers and suppliers of meat, fish, vegetables and cheeses locally. For breakfast, sausages and bacon come from a great local butcher, kippers and smoked salmon come from the excellent Tregida Smokehouse, pure apple juice comes from the Tamar Valley, eggs come from our own chickens, we bake fresh bread daily, make our own yoghurt and granola, and have a selection of home-made preserves and marmalade.

During the summer months we provide a generous fresh fruit salad which highlights produce from a number of growers in the Tamar Valley. When fresh fruit is no longer in season we make our own spiced fruit compote. Three-course meals are available most evenings. We use seasonal produce whenever possible, from our own vegetable garden when available, and use ingredients that speak for themselves, cooking them simply and with care, with the minimum of fuss.

All special dietary requirements are catered for, and if you have any particular likes or dislikes, we will be happy to take them into consideration. We are licensed, and stock a range of award-winning, locally produced wines, beers and ciders.

www.rezarefarmhouse.co.uk

Volunteer Latin America is an independent and ethical organisation committed to helping protect Latin America’s flora and fauna, its biodiversity, and to offering the most cost effective way to become an environmental or humanitarian volunteer in Central and South America.

Their service provides individuals with all the information they need to organise a volunteer placement in Central or South America and is a comprehensive source of free and low cost volunteer opportunities in the environmental and humanitarian sectors. Volunteers have the satisfaction of knowing that all the money they pay (if any) goes directly to the host organisation rather than an intermediary agency. Whatever your interests the voluntary work information service will provide you with some of the best grassroots volunteering opportunities in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Central and South America.

There are a variety of work experiences including:

Street Kids Volunteer; Research up in the Canopy; Green Sea Turtle Conservation; Build Homes for Poor Families; Volunteer Work & Permaculture Design Courses; Dental Programme for the Inhabitants of the Amazon; Volunteer in Eco Village; Whale Shark Monitoring and Research; Training Course in Organic Farming; Long Term Volunteer Teacher; Earthquake Relief Project; Ecological Restoration in the Galapagos and much more...

Volunteer Latin America aims to endorse and advance the conservation of wild habitats and their flora and fauna, provide a diverse and regularly updated range of environmental and humanitarian projects along with increase the number of people who can afford to become volunteers. Plus ensure that volunteering through Volunteer Latin America is a rewarding and productive experience.

For more information visit:

www.volunteerlatinamerica.com

At Careys Manor you will find a homely and friendly service in a stress-free modern Spa in the heart of the beautiful New Forest in Hampshire.

Careys Manor are committed to doing as much as they can to help protect our environment. In May 2007 the hotel was awarded Gold by the Green Tourism Business Scheme for Excellence in Environmental Practice.

They undertake a number of activities to ensure that the hotel and spa is as ‘green’ as possible and actively promote green tourism by encouraging guests to travel car-free. They reward all guests who visit car-free with 10% off our standard tariff rate plus 2 for 1 tickets at Beaulieu, a free steam train ride at Exbury Gardens and 10% off cycle hire at Cycle Experience in Brockenhurst.

Careys Manor also supports The New Forest Trust, which manages a number of important projects to assist in sustaining the key features of forest and its treasured fauna and flora.

And for over 10 years Careys Manor has been committed to using local and free-range produce as far as possible.  Many of the suppliers they use carry the New Forest Marque, which is a symbol which identifies produce which originates from the New Forest.

Plus natural spa products are used at the SenSpa. All of the products have been specifically designed to ensure that they are highly active and effective, with natural, pure and organic ingredients that are completely natural - made in the New Forest, with organic Soil Association certification.

For full info about the hotel and how to book, go to www.careysmanor.co.uk