All you need in order to take advantage of some of the most stunning scenery the UK has to offer is ensure you have all the necessary camping equipment and outdoor gear and you can’t go wrong. There are many things you can get up to out in the countryside but here are the main ways to enjoy a green holiday:

Hiking

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the UK as there is some breath-taking scenery along with many different paths and routes available for everyone; from an absolute beginner or somebody with a lower fitness level to those who are regular walkers and enjoy it at an advanced level.

Whatever your abilities, however, you will need a robust pair of hiking boots which will support your weight, be comfortable and durable as well as provide a good grip when you encounter more difficult terrain and you might want to research good walking poles. Always choose a product from a reputable brand which you know you can rely on and which is constantly striving to improve their products with the best materials and technologies.

Cycling

Cycling is a fun activity which again is suitable for most levels of fitness. All the family can hop on a cycle and really explore deep into the countryside if they wish, or if they’d prefer they can stick to straight runs and still see some of the beautiful scenery on offer in the UK as well as taking in some fresh air.

You will need to ensure your bike is suitable for the pathways available wherever you are going and that you wear comfortable clothing, taking into account the weather predictions at the time of your stay there.

Climbing

There are lots of hills and mountains suitable for climbing in the UK – whether you just want a little challenge or a practice run for a bigger climb! Climbing is quite a big activity to undertake in itself so you will need to prepare yourself with all of the necessary equipment from harnesses and helmets to ascenders, descenders and pullies. Check out a specialist shop for all the appropriate gear you will need.

Other great things you can do while you are enjoying a green holiday are checking out the wonderful beaches and coastline, forests and woodland, hope on a train or bus instead of driving the car and take advantage of being able to drink by enjoying a country pub, buy some local food from local producers and cook up a great meal round the campfire, or participate in some wildlife watching.

But whatever you decide to do on your UK green holiday, there is no better way for all the family to enjoy themselves than by gathering around their tents enjoying good food and better company and falling asleep under the stars.

Quay West is one of the greenest holiday parks in the UK and is hailed as such thanks to the park’s commitment to every aspect of ecological practice.  The greenhouse made from bottles is not a solitary attempt to display a green attitude – it is accompanied by a whole operation based on environmental conservation and efficiency.

Protecting the foliage and flowers around the park is a priority for staff who are passionate and meticulous when it comes to plant life preservation.  The wildlife inhabited within the park is also looked after by the workers and as the holidaymakers share that love for the natural world, the animals are doubly protected.

This attention and care for the natural life which surrounds the park is just one of the reasons Professor David Bellamy identified the Haven gemstone as a worthy candidate for his conservation award.  The park carries out recycling best practices and with the help of their nature-friendly vacationers, they have maintained a commendable recycling strategy for the year.

The landscaping of the park was designed to be as eco-friendly as possible too and any future developments are assured to be developed with the same approach.  Saving water and electricity is also a philosophy endorsed by the people behind the Quay West holiday site.

For campers who love the beauty of the UK, sharing that love with a green park for caravan holidays is a real bonus.  The other parks from Haven recognised by David Bellamy were Seton Sands and Devon Cliffs – both of which are equally beautiful holiday destinations.

Quay West is ideal for families who want to enjoy everything a caravan park has to offer and welcome the tranquillity of the natural world at the same time.  The accolades granted to these three parks are testament to Haven’s commitment to the environment.

The Isle of Arran is a scenic delight and the largest island in the Firth of Clyde. The island is accessible via flights to Glasgow Airport and then once you’ve collected your hire car from the airport, it’s an hour’s drive to Ardrossan Harbour. From here, there is a frequent car ferry service which lands in Brodick on the west coast of the island. It’s advised that you pre-book your car onto this ferry service as it can get busy.

Once you’ve arrive on the Isle, the world is quite literally your oyster. At just 19 miles long, you can be deceived into thinking that a trip here will be short but with so much to see, you’ll have lots of activities to fill your days with. If you want to book a green place to stay, The Lochranza Youth Hostel has recently been ranked as one of the top 10 greenest businesses in the UK. Built with traditional characteristics in mind, the Hostel is fitted with a host of low carbon initiatives and the team are really passionate about green tourism and a sustainable future.

During your stay there are a number of sights to take in on an island that has such a diverse landscape. Explore small, traditional villages and support local industry by indulging in the many forms of local produce that is on sale from knitwear to whisky. Self-sufficiency plays a large role in the everyday running of Arran. The coastline is simply beautiful and it is perfect to spot some of the wide variety of native wildlife. Deer roam freely across the hills and the sea holds opportunities to spot seals, porpoises, and even the odd Basking Shark.

Drives along the coast allow you to marvel at the geology of the island and to take in the spectacle of the landscape that surrounds it. From the west coast of the island, you can see across to the Mull of Kintyre and if you feel like exploring further there is a ferry link from Loch Anza over to Cloanag which allows you to discover the West Highland coast. Ensure you take in the historical sites as well as the natural ones, with visits to the ruins of Lochranza Castle and explore King’s Cave in Blackwaterfoot where Robert the Bruce is said to have taken shelter.

Natalie Likness’ love of travel was introduced to her from an early age due to a trip abroad before she was even born! Having close family and making friends across the world, she has continued to travel ever since.