With its incredible coast and wild spaces, Cornwall is hard to beat for sustainable escapes surrounded by beautiful landscapes. A magnet for salty-aired escapism, it’s one of the best destinations for back-to-nature breaks and is home to an amazing array of flourishing local businesses. For those ready to dive into Kernowfornian adventures, endless things to see and do await – all enjoyed in tune with local culture and the great outdoors.
B Corp-certified, at Aspects we are proud to put people and the planet first. From buying Cornish produce and using greener transport to local volunteering and leaving no trace, here are just some of the ways to enjoy a more eco-conscious holiday in Cornwall.
Sample local produce
For wholesome holiday vibes, there’s nothing tastier than gathering up the freshest local produce and lapping up the finest flavours in Cornwall. Renowned for its incredible seafood landed daily in picturesque harbours and rich network of local producers, the county is truly a food lover’s dream. But don’t just take our word for it; explore some of the county’s bakeries, farm shops and independent food shops and fill baskets to the brim with seasonal offerings. For refreshments, you can also pack your own flask or reusable coffee cup and keep your thirst quenched throughout the day.
Whether you’re ready to whip up a culinary storm in your Cornish cottage or head to one of the best picnic spots in Cornwall with a hamper full of treats, sustainable travel has never been so tempting. Just remember to gather all your belongings after alfresco feasts and leave no trace behind. For something a little different, you can also check out the county’s farm-to-fork restaurants, including some of its Michelin green star restaurants for expertly crafted deliciousness.
Take part in beach cleans
If the beach calls, Cornwall answers. Blessed with over 400 miles of coastline, Cornwall is the place to go for sandy-toed adventures. If, like us, you love nothing more than salt-kissed, sun-washed days by the sea, then a great way to give a little back to the environment is by taking part in a beach clean. With community groups and ad hoc volunteers regularly gathering, you can easily get stuck in to help remove rubbish, ocean debris, and plastic from our shores.
Whether you are taking part in organised beach cleans or self-led volunteering, there are lots of ways to help protect our marine habitats and wildlife during a Cornish getaway. Simply remembering to take your belongings home with you at the end of each day and picking up any rubbish you see along the way can make a huge difference. Take a bag and gloves with you or borrow equipment from local groups and help to keep our beaches safe and inviting for everyone.
Support Cornish charities
Cornwall is a wonderful county with a big heart and vivacious community spirit. All around the county, local charities and not-for-profits work hard to drive important initiatives for people and the planet. For a great way to enjoy sustainable travel in Cornwall, why not take time to visit and support some of the amazing charities working hard to champion the county we know and love?
From daytrips to the amazing National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow and Flicka Donkey Sanctuary in Penryn, to getting involved in brilliant community projects, there are lots of ways to take part. Some charities in Cornwall are open to the public to visit, others host open days on select days throughout the year, and many host regular volunteering days (including Cornwall Wildlife Trust and the National Trust). Meanwhile, many rely heavily on donations and are always grateful for support from locals and visitors alike.
Buy less, hire more
Whether you’re enjoying a group holiday with your family and friends, a whirlwind romantic break, or immersing in some much-needed me-time, Cornwall offers something for everyone. Making trips all the more tempting is the amount of equipment hire available all around the county. Helping you to save on packing, space, and reducing the need for single-use purchases, equipment rental is a great way to travel more sustainably.
For outdoor adventures, all sorts of top-tier equipment can be hired for watersports, including canoes, kayaks, surfboards, bodyboards, and stand-up paddleboards. Meanwhile, for the cyclists, companies such as Xpress bikes rent out whizzy e-bikes, and for golfers, a number of scenic courses offer equipment hire so you can easily polish your putt. Check out local operators near your sun-kissed accommodation and travel a little lighter this year.
Use local transport
Travelling around Cornwall is a joy with oceanside roads, picturesque villages, and rolling countryside all setting a magical backdrop to your adventures. In fact, depending on where you are staying, you can easily ditch your car entirely and just explore the locale on foot or with the county’s network of local transport. From one of the country’s prettiest railway journeys (we’re looking at you, St Ives Bay Line) to EV travelling and hopping on your bike and getting around on two wheels, the options are endless.
For train lovers, our collection of cottages near train stations offers a mix of welcoming accommodation near mainline and heritage railways. From the magnetic last stop of Penzance to the heritage charm of Falmouth, a medley of places to stay promises a memorable take on sustainable travel. Particularly popular amongst walkers is the county’s established bus network, complemented by park and ride services. Elsewhere, you can also hire bikes from countless places around the county, perfect for enjoying the county’s best cycle trails with ease.
Explore mindfully
Cornwall is one of the most amazing destinations, crowned by a turquoise sea and blanketed with picturesque landscapes. Little wonder then that it inspires so many of us to explore. If you can’t wait to immerse in your Cornish travels, take a moment to consider how you can explore mindfully. Sticking to designated footpaths can allow the environment to flourish, while clearing away rubbish helps to protect our native wildlife and keep our landscapes clean.
If you are considering which attractions to visit, historic sites and wildlife-rich gardens can help to preserve the county’s heritage and green spaces. Meanwhile, visiting local businesses and projects – from art galleries and theatres to independent cafés – can provide an invaluable way to support Cornish communities. Keeping a respectful distance from wildlife ensures all of the county’s residents can thrive, and visiting local sanctuaries, such as The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, helps to support the people championing all those in need.
Excited to begin your Cornish adventures? Our holiday cottages in Cornwall beckon for unforgettable days in our seaside paradise.