Greener holidays and travel
Wanting to reduce the carbon footprint of your holidays and leisure travel? Sick of motorway jams, waiting in airports and wanting to enjoy some slow travel? Did you know that:
- According to a survey by Byway Travel, two in five (42%) of UK holidaymakers would rather take a train, ferry or coach than fly. This is highest among Gen Z travellers (60%) and 25 to 34-year-olds (54%).
- Until 31 December 2024, several local bus operators are offering £2 single bus fares?
- If you travel to Chatsworth by bus, train or bicycle you can save £5 on your ticket to the house, garden and farmyard?
- Once the Chesterfield East West Walking and Cycling Route is finished you will be able to cycle almost the whole way from Chesterfield railway station to the Beeley Moor entrance to Chatsworth almost entirely on car-free or quiet cycle routes?
Here are some good sites to get you started, whether you want a day trip, weekend break or longer holiday without driving a car or flying.
Chesterfield public transport map showing destinations accessible by train or bus from Chesterfield (routes and approximate times)
Peak District bus map showing bus routes around the Peak District
Comprehensive public transport maps for Matlock , Matlock Bath and Ashbourne
Chesterfield Cycle map showing traffic-free and quiet links in and around Chesterfield
Traveline: Useful journey planner with routes and times for all travel in Great Britain by bus, rail, coach and ferry.
Good Journey : Car-free adventures in the UK with easy travel directions and discounts at attractions
Eco Attractions – alliance of UK visitor attractions that help to connect people with the natural world, may have green travel incentives
The Man in Seat 61: Comprehensive information about train journeys across Europe, to inspire people and give them the confidence to book their trips themselves.
Map of European sleeper train destinations in 2024: Europe’s night train network is set to expand in March 2024. Travellers can board a train in the Belgian capital, Brussels, or the Netherlands capital of Amsterdam, and wake up the next morning in Dresden, Germany, or Prague, Czech Republic.
Interrail : An all-in-one Pass that lets you explore 33 countries by train. UK residents can travel with Interrail, and under-27s and over-60s get a discount. See Sample prices for passes here
Byway Travel: This commercial travel site allows you to search flight-free holidays designed by sustainable travel experts including overland travel and accommodation.
Green Traveller: News and inspiration about lower carbon travel and holidays. Includes over 50 green travel guides to specific destinations in the UK, Europe and beyond.
Great Rail Journeys: A company specialising in bespoke European rail journeys and holidays (escorted or independent)
Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms, UK (WWOOF UK): is part of a worldwide effort to link visitors with organic farmers. Visitors, or ‘WWOOFers’, share in daily life with their host and learn about organic agriculture, while spending about half of each day helping out on a farm in exchange for board and lodging.
