In an era where over 76% of UK travellers say they want to travel more sustainably, eco-tourism has evolved from a trend into a travel revolution. Across the UK, from the peaceful lakes of Cumbria to the wild moors of the Scottish Highlands, travellers are increasingly seeking out meaningful, environmentally responsible holidays that support both people and the planet.
We’ve carefully selected the top-rated sustainable tour operators in the UK who are redefining what it means to travel consciously. These pioneers are committed to reducing their environmental impact through carbon labelling, low-emission transport options, local community engagement and ethical travel practices that preserve the integrity of every destination. Each offers immersive, low-impact adventures that allow you to experience the beauty of the UK without compromising its future.
If you’re ready to make a difference with your next holiday, be sure to explore our guide on eco-friendly hotels and learn practical ways to reduce your carbon footprint while travelling.
Let your journey be more than just a getaway; make it a purposeful, planet-friendly experience that leaves a positive legacy.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this post was correct at the time of publication, but may be subject to change. The list below has been prepared according to the customer’s number of reviews from highest to lowest.
Here is our list of the top-rated 6 Ecotourism Operators in the UK
1. Exodus Adventure Travels – 4.8 Stars with 4252 Trustpilot Reviews
Exodus Adventure Travels is a leading UK-based tour operator dedicated to sustainable and immersive travel experiences across Britain. Specialising in low-impact adventures, the company showcases the UK’s stunning landscapes, from the rugged peaks of the Scottish Highlands to the coastal trails of Cornwall, while prioritising environmental and social responsibility.
Sustainability Features:
Exodus ensures every UK adventure actively supports environmental and community wellbeing. When booking a trip, travellers contribute to:
- Carbon-Neutral Exploration: All UK trips, including transport and accommodation, are 100% carbon-offset. Exodus prioritises train travel for UK itineraries, reducing reliance on domestic flights.
- Rewilding Britain: Through partnerships like Rewilding Europe, a portion of each booking funds habitat restoration projects in the UK, such as native woodland regeneration.
- Plastic-Free Trails: Exodus works with UK accommodations and suppliers to eliminate single-use plastics, providing travellers with reusable water bottles and refill stations on routes like the Coast to Coast Walk.
- Local Empowerment: Guides and hosts are sourced from nearby communities, ensuring income stays local. Small-group hikes (e.g., Lake District expeditions) minimise environmental disruption.
- Certified Stays: UK accommodations partner with Green Key or Travelife, guaranteeing energy-efficient, eco-conscious lodgings.
Additional Activity Trips They Offer:
Cultural and discovery holidays, cycling, walking and trekking, winter activities, polar adventures, family holidays, wildlife, and mixed-activity – Exodus offers a diverse range of expertly curated trips to suit every kind of traveller.
Pricing:
The 6-day Walking The Best of Hadrian’s Wall tour package stands out as the most affordable in the UK, starting from £699. Compare all UK tour packages here.
Discounts & Offers:
Unlock exclusive offers and discounts from Exodus by clicking here.
Awards/Certificates:
- Sustainability Champion Award – Which? (December 2023)
- Best Escorted Tour Operator – British Travel Awards (Gold, 2022)
- Travellers’ Choice Award – Tripadvisor (2023)
- Best Tour Operator for Adventure – Wanderlust Travel Awards (2022)
- Best Ethical Travel Company – The Guardian & Observer Readers’ Travel Awards (2021)
Contact Information
- Address: Platinum House, St. Marks Hill, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 4BH
- Website: https://www.exodus.co.uk/destinations/europe-holidays/united-kingdom-holidays
- Phone Number: 020 3733 5532
- Email: sales@exodus.co.uk
2. Byway – 4.9 Stars with 833 Trustpilot Reviews
Byway specializes in crafting entirely flight-free UK holidays, offering slow travel experiences by rail, bus and ferry across Britain’s most scenic routes. As the UK’s first dedicated flight-free tour operator, they design personalised itineraries that connect travellers with lesser-known destinations – from coastal villages in Cornwall to hidden valleys in the Scottish Highlands. Their team of UK travel experts handpicks independent accommodations and local experiences, creating journeys that combine convenience with authentic discovery while keeping all travel within Britain’s sustainable transport network.
Sustainability Features:
When booking with Byway, travellers directly contribute to sustainable UK tourism through:
- Global Rail Expansion: Byway is extending its flight-free model to European routes, helping international travellers replace short-haul flights with rail connections to the UK.
- Enhanced Digital Tools: The company is improving its mapping features and trip-planning platform to make self-designed, sustainable UK journeys more accessible.
- Carbon Calculation Refinement: Byway is reviewing its emissions measurement methodology to provide more accurate Type 3 carbon data for UK and European itineraries.
- Customer Impact Research: Initiatives are underway to boost participation in post-trip sustainability surveys, ensuring traveller feedback shapes future eco-friendly offerings.
- Targeted Awareness Campaigns: Strategic advertising trials (e.g., out-of-home/YouTube) aim to educate more travellers about UK flight-free holiday options.
Additional Activity Trips They Offer:
Byway specialises in slow, sustainable UK travel, offering self-guided walking holidays in national parks, scenic rail journeys through the Highlands and Cornwall, cycling trips along traffic-free trails, and off-the-beaten-path coastal explorations.
Pricing:
Explore tour packages that match a lower budget with their 2-night Brighton break UK package starting from £348 per person. For more tour packages, click here.
Awards/Certificates:
- B Corp Certified for meeting the highest standard of social and environmental impact
- Featured in Condé Nast Traveller’s Best Sustainable Holidays list.
- Recognised by Skift as one of the Top Travel Startups to Watch.
Contact Information:
- Address: International House, 45-55 Commercial St, London E1 6BD, United Kingdom
- Website: https://www.byway.travel/
- Phone Number: +442045256215
- Email ID: hello@byway.travel
3. Brack Tours – 5 Stars with 159 Tripadvisor Reviews
Brack Tours specializes in small-group, eco-conscious tours across Northern Ireland and Ireland, offering immersive cultural experiences through locally guided itineraries. The company focuses on iconic Northern Irish destinations including Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway, and the Mourne Mountains, with select cross-border routes to Donegal and Dublin. Their trips emphasize slow travel along the Antrim Coast and through historic cities, partnering exclusively with Green Tourism-certified suppliers in these regions to ensure authentic, low-impact exploration.
Sustainability Features:
Brack Tours’ UK operations demonstrate measurable environmental commitments:
- Sustainable Operations: Runs solar-powered offices with energy-efficient VRF heat pumps (400% more efficient than gas boilers) and motion-sensor LED lighting
- Waste Reduction: Implements water-saving measures and a strict zero single-use plastic policy across all UK tours
- Eco-Friendly Transport: Uses electric/hybrid vehicles for rentals and prioritises public transport for city tours
- Carbon Neutrality: Measures and offsets all emissions through verified projects, targeting full carbon neutrality by Q4 2024
- Biodiversity Protection: Maintains green roof spaces at offices to support local wildlife while improving building insulation
Additional Activity Trips They Offer:
Brack Tours specialises in guided walking and hiking tours through Northern Ireland’s iconic landscapes, including the Giant’s Causeway and Mourne Mountains. They offer Game of Thrones® location tours, cultural heritage experiences in Belfast, and coastal exploration trips along the Antrim Coast. Their itineraries also include whiskey distillery visits, local food tours, and small-group city excursions to Dublin and Edinburgh, blending active exploration with authentic regional experiences.
Pricing:
The Northern Ireland: Christmas Charm small group tour package starts from as little as $2150 per person for 5 nights. For more package details, click here.
Awards/Certificates:
- TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2020, 2023, 2024.
- Green Tourism Gold Award- for outstanding environmental and sustainability practices.
Contact Information:
- Address:
- Brack Tours Ltd, 6 Margaret Street, Newry, Co.Down, BT34 1DF, Northern Ireland
- Brack Tours Ltd, 11 Tamarisk Lawns, Kilnamanagh, Dublin 24, D24 YVA8, Ireland
- Website: bracktours.com/
- Phone Number: +44 (0)28 3044 5060
- Email ID: info@bracktours.com
4. Adventurous Ewe – 5 Stars with 82 Google Reviews
Adventurous Ewe specializes in responsible adventure travel across the UK’s national parks and wilderness areas. Based in North Wales, the company offers guided hiking, trekking and multi-activity trips in Snowdonia, the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands. Their expert-led small group adventures (maximum 1:8 ratio) combine outdoor challenges with sustainable tourism practices, prioritising low-impact travel and genuine connections with local communities.
Sustainability Features:
- Conservation Funding: Allocates 1% of revenue to environmental charities, supporting both UK initiatives (Snowdonia Society) and global projects (Cool Earth’s rainforest protection).
- Local Supply Chains: Prioritises locally owned services across UK operations, reducing carbon-intensive logistics while supporting regional economies.
- Plastic Reduction: Provides reusable Water-to-Go bottles to eliminate single-use plastics on trips, including UK adventures.
- Low-Impact Transport: Uses public or locally owned private vehicles sized appropriately for groups to minimise fuel consumption per passenger.
- Ethical Wildlife Standards: Adheres strictly to ABTA’s Five Freedoms framework for any UK wildlife encounters, ensuring humane treatment.
Additional Activity Trips They Offer:
Adventurous Ewe provides guided outdoor activities across the UK, including mountain trekking in Snowdonia, multi-activity weekends with hiking and wild swimming, and cycling tours in Wales. They offer winter snowshoe treks in Scotland and coastal swimming experiences.
Pricing:
The national 3 peaks challenge package starts at £885 for a 3-day trip. For more packages and itineraries, click here.
Awards/Certificates:
- Travelife Partner level Award 2023
- Travelife training on Tour Operators and Sustainability and Sustainability Management Certificates.
- 2019 UK Enterprise Award: Best Adventure Tour Operator.
Contact Information:
- Address: 52 Ty Mawr Rd, Deganwy, Conwy LL31 9UB, United Kingdom
- Website: https://www.adventurousewe.co.uk/
- Phone Number: +441492588069
- Email ID: info@adventurousewe.co.uk
5. Wilderness England – 4.7 Stars with 39 Trustpilot Reviews
Wilderness England specializes in crafting immersive, small-group adventures across England’s most breathtaking landscapes. Since 2017, their expert guides have led travellers through iconic destinations like the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and Northumberland Coast, blending outdoor exploration with deep cultural connections. Operating with a maximum 1:8 guide-to-client ratio, they prioritise personalised experiences while supporting rural communities through locally sourced accommodations, meals, and activities.
Sustainability Features:
Wilderness England demonstrates its environmental commitment through measurable actions:
- Net-Zero Roadmap: Aiming for 50% carbon reduction by 2030, with all trips currently offset. Achieves 7% annual emissions cuts per guest through electric vehicle adoption (23% of fleet) and rewilding partnerships like Yorkshire Dales peatland restoration.
- Local Economic Support: 80% of suppliers – from Lake District B&Bs to Northumberland fisheries – operate within 50 miles, while £50 per booking funds Peak District tree planting via the Wilderness Fund.
- Low-Impact Operations: Small groups (max 12) follow Leave No Trace principles, using reusable picnic kits. Staff receive carbon literacy training to minimise footprint (avg. 21 kg CO₂ per traveller/day).
- Industry Leadership: Contributes to broader initiatives, including £30,000 raised for World Bicycle Relief, providing 380 bikes to rural communities globally.
Additional Activity Trips They Offer:
Wilderness England curates sustainable, self-guided adventures across the UK, including guided walking holidays through national parks, scenic cycling tours (road, e-bike, and gravel routes), and wildlife-focused journeys to observe native species. They also offer luxury rail itineraries with premium accommodations and coastal sailing escapes, partnering with local operators for low-impact exploration of Britain’s wilderness areas.
Pricing:
The Wilderness Walking tour in the Lake District is priced at £2,261 per person for a 7-day/6-night. For more adventure holidays, click here.
Discounts & Offers:
Unlock exclusive offers and discounts from Wilderness Adventure by clicking here.
Awards/Certificates:
- Gold Certified by Green Tourism (2023) – Recognised for outstanding sustainable practices
- Finalist, Responsible Tourism Awards (2023) – Global recognition for ethical travel leadership
- Best Small Tour Operator – British Travel Awards (2022)
- B Corp Certified – Meets rigorous social/environmental standards
- Travelife Partner – Audited sustainability certification
Contact Information:
- Address: Underley Business Centre, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, LA6 2DY, England
- Website: https://wildernessengland.com/
- Phone Number: +44 (0)1768 721 210
- Email ID: info@wildernessengland.com
6. Flooglebinder – 5 Stars with 26 Google Reviews
Flooglebinder specialises in educational eco-tours across Wales, working primarily with schools and youth groups. The Shrewsbury-based operator focuses on hands-on conservation experiences along the Welsh coastline around St David’s, Pembrokeshire. Their expert-guided trips combine marine biology studies with practical environmental projects, using Wales’ unique ecosystems as living classrooms for sustainable tourism education.
Sustainability Features:
Booking a Welsh trip with Flooglebinder contributes to:
- Coastal Conservation: Marine habitat restoration projects in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park align with UN SDG 14 (Life Below Water)
- Biodiversity Tracking: eDNA technology monitors species recovery at Anglesey’s intertidal zones
- Local Partnerships: All Welsh guides and suppliers meet strict ethical employment and environmental standards
- Carbon Neutrality: Verified offsetting for all transport and accommodation used in Welsh itineraries
- Impact Measurement: Pre-and post-trip surveys track participants’ environmental awareness growth
Additional Activity Trips They Offer:
Flooglebinder’s Welsh programmes focus on coastal conservation through hands-on activities like rockpool safaris in Cardigan Bay, visits to Pembrokeshire’s Bug Farm biodiversity centre, and eco-conscious coasteering adventures. Their expert-led coastal foraging walks in Snowdonia combine environmental education with sustainable exploration of Wales’ unique marine habitats.
Pricing:
To get the pricing, you need to fill out a form.
Award/Certificate:
- Certified B Corporation since 2016, noted as the first UK travel company in the education sector to achieve this status.
- Achieved Carbon Neutral Certification in 2022 by One Carbon World.
Contact Information:
- Address: 12 Bishop St, Cherry Orchard, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, SY2 5HA.
- Website: https://flooglebinder.co.uk/wales
- Phone Number: +442036330163
- Email ID: info@flooglebinder.co.uk
The Green Escape Starts Here
The UK’s landscapes tell a story – from the ancient peaks of Snowdonia to the wild coasts of Cornwall. These eco-tour operators aren’t just guides; they’re custodians of these precious places, offering ways to explore while leaving the lightest footprint.
What makes their approach different? It’s in the details:
- Local experts who know every footpath and hedgerow
- Accommodations that give back to their communities
- Journeys designed to benefit the environment, not exploit it
The truth is, sustainable travel in the UK isn’t about sacrifice – it’s about discovery. You’ll find yourself in places most visitors miss, meeting people who’ll change how you see this land, and sleeping under skies undisturbed by light pollution.
For those who’ve wondered whether tourism can be part of the solution, these operators prove it can. Their work shows that with care and commitment, our wanderlust might just help protect the very places we love to explore.
And if you’re looking to make more eco-friendly changes beyond travel, take a moment to explore our green tips for a sustainable lifestyle to continue your journey of mindful living.
The choice is yours – follow the well-trodden path, or take one that makes a difference. Either way, Britain’s beauty will endure. But how do you experience it? That’s what matters now.
If you want us to add a suggestion here based on your experience, please get in touch with us!
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- Online Media & PR Strategist
- Blogger and Educator by Passion | Senior Online Media & PR Strategist at ClickDo Ltd. | Fascinated to Write Lifestyle Blogs in News & Education I have completed a journalism summer course at the London School of Journalism and manage various blogs.
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