There’s nothing like exploring a city on foot to get a real feel of the place. It’s the best way to discover hidden gems, interact with locals and have an experience as authentic as possible, all while keeping the environment top of mind. And if your feet become weary, explore the sights sustainably on public transport or on a bike.
According to Booking.com research, more than half (57%)* of UK travellers are planning to take slower modes of transport to reduce their environmental impact in 2022. Additionally, 78%** of UK travellers are looking to prioritise sustainability accreditation when it comes to choosing a place to stay. Booking.com shares six of the UK’s best cities for sustainable transport options, including the top sustainable stays certified with Booking.com’s Travel Sustainable Badge.
Sheffield
Regarded as the UK’s greenest city, one third of Sheffield lies within the Peak District National Park and the city contains a plethora of green space, boasting 250 parks, woodlands and gardens. In addition, its award-winning ‘Grey to Green’ initiative revamped the city’s centre with new cycling and walking routes, whilst its renewable energy sites generate hundreds of gigawatts per hour of electricity.
Where to stay: The avant-garde Jurys Inn Sheffield is filled with a bright and colourful interior and provides guests with the option to reuse towels. Merely a 5-minute walk from Sheffield’s rail and bus stations, guests can explore the city’s sights in a sustainable fashion. The hotel is also in a prime location, close to the vibrant Devonshire quarter and cathedral.
Edinburgh
This picturesque Scottish capital amasses a vast portion of green space, with approximately 112 parks and 30,400 acres. The city also has one of the lowest volumes of car commuters and a significant percentage of ULEZ-compliant vehicles.
Where to stay: Sail away in your very own boat in The Four Sisters Boatel – Houseboat. Along with a well-equipped kitchen, this unique accommodation features a breakfast bar, lounge and cabin bedrooms. Most of the lighting throughout the property uses energy-efficient LED bulbs and information is provided to guests about the local ecosystems, heritage and culture.
Bristol
With a number of renewable electricity sites, a high recycling rate and multiple charity shops located in the city, it comes as no surprise that Bristol has been ranked as one of the UK’s most eco-friendly cities. In 2019, Bristol City Council took action to ban all privately owned diesel cars from the centre, which has since been reworked to implement a ‘Clean Air Zone’.
Where to stay: The elegant Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Centre encompasses an award-winning lounge bar and restaurant, a terrace overlooking Temple Gardens and gym. The property has taken several steps, such as making a conscious effort to reduce their food waste and including an electric car charging station, in providing a sustainable stay for its guests.
Brighton
Brighton has won the first Gold Sustainable Food City award in the UK. It was the first city to build food growing spaces into new housing developments, and the first with a council to commit to a food sourcing policy that bans single-use plastics and sees schools and care homes purchasing sustainable, local produce. The council has also been encouraging its residents to move away from the use of petrol and diesel, installing numerous electric charging points throughout the city.
Where to stay: Portland Street with Free Parking is a cosy holiday home nestled in the heart of Brighton & Hove. Situated nearby popular tourist attractions like Brighton Beach and Victoria Gardens, guests can take a sustainable stroll whilst admiring the scenery and even take one of the local hiking routes.
Liverpool
Liverpool has one of the UK’s most sustainable transportation systems. With an objective to reduce its carbon footprint and energy consumption, the city has carried out a fleet of next-generation emission standard buses in the centre. On top of this, it has launched an extremely successful E-scooter trial scheme in partnership with Voi, encouraging the replacement of short car journeys.
Where to stay: The swanky Hotel Indigo Liverpool, an IHG Hotel boasts rooms with a whimsical décor and a Michelin Steakhouse Bar & Grill. The hotel invests a percentage of revenue back into community projects and sustainability projects, with single-use plastics banned, reflecting its efforts in providing an environmentally friendly stay for everyone.
London
Endorsed as the most recommended destination for convenient public transport, this vibrant and animated city powers its bus and underground system on 100% renewable energy. Thousands of commuters now cycle to work or use E-Scooters, and numerous motorists are saying goodbye to old polluting cars to comply with London’s ‘Ultra Low Emission Zone’ (ULEZ).
Where to stay: Situated in central London, The Cavendish is an elegant hotel consisting of spacious rooms, an award-winning restaurant and rooftop gardens overlooking the spectacular city. This property has taken various sustainability measures, such as using 100% renewable energy throughout and providing motion-controlled electricity.
With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, even on foot, Booking.com is sharing Early 2022 Deals for travellers to use when booking their next trip. Discounts start at 15 percent and are valid for stays until 31 March 2022. In addition, Booking.com is bringing the great value of its Genius program to even more customers by giving all account holders access to the program’s Level 1 benefits, with no minimum number of previous bookings to qualify, including access to exclusive 10% discounts at hundreds of thousands of participating properties around the world. All travellers have to do is download the Booking.com app, log in and look for the Genius logo to identify associated benefits, discounts and perks.
