Green Tourism
The breathtakingly beautiful and varied coastline and countryside that is this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty called the South Hams is very special. Tourism and recreation can take its toll, but as a visitor you can play an active part in helping to preserve and protect our wonderful environment for future generations...
Kingsbridge Information Centre is committed to and is a member of the Green Tourism Business Scheme, which promotes good environmental practices. We are very proud to have been awarded Gold for several years. These practices contribute to sustainable forms of tourism and include minimising energy use, recycling and use of recycled products, promoting public transport along with walking and cycling, sourcing supplies locally and much more. With that in mind we worked hard through 2008/9 to gain Walkers Are Welcome recognition for the town of Kingsbridge and were awarded it in June 2009, first in the South West and first in Devon, quite an achievement though we say it ourselves!
You too can play your part in helping to care for the beautiful South Hams countryside by supporting the local businesses which show a commitment to Green Tourism. Details of members of the Green Tourism Business scheme can be found in their booklet "extra Special" or on the website www.somewhere-special co.uk. The Coast and Countryside Service, in conjunction with the AONB, produce leaflets entitled 'Out and About' which are available free of charge from over 200 outlets in the local area and are packed with information and ideas to help you take advantage of alternative methods of transport. We can also provide you with information on the sites of the recycling banks locally.
We have a variety of ways for you to explore the area without the need to use your car. You'll see more and have an enjoyable day out and play your part in preserving the local environment. Trains and boats and buses (not planes!)...
On foot has to be one of the most enjoyable ways of seeing most of the scenery. The wonderful stretches of the coastal path that traverse the South Hams, the quiet lanes through the undulating countryside, the dramatic moorland and the tumbling rivers in their sheltered valleys and then there are the historic towns to explore.
All of our accommodation providers who subscribe & actually work towards, the ethos of Walkers are Welcome, show the emblem on their web & brochure advert.
Care for the Environment
We know that amongst the reasons why visitors come again and again to our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are: to enjoy our wonderful unspoilt environment; experience peace and quiet; breathe in clean fresh air; marvel at the diverse range of wildlife and flora which abound, or just see the night sky without light pollution; we hope you will choose to share responsibility for ensuring that what you enjoy today will still be around for years ahead, giving the same pleasure to those who come after us.
Kingsbridge and our area have led the way in 'green' and sustainable tourism for many years now - long before it became this season's "black"! Kingsbridge Information Centre was the first to achieve Green Tourism Business Scheme Gold standard; we strive to maintain this status and are proud to be Green Tourism Business Champions for Devon. Our aim is to help you make the very most of your stay in this area, however you wish to enjoy it, whilst leaving as low an impact as possible on our stunningly beautiful environment.
Locally everyone works very hard to preserve what we have all-year round - please assist our efforts during your stays with us! Many of our accommodation providers have long supported sustainable tourism in a variety of different ways whether using eco-friendly products in their properties or obtaining their energy from alternative, renewable sources; by using as many products as possible from local food and drink producers to encouraging you to enjoy car-free opportunities during your stay. Do take advantage of what they offer, all of which is supported by the personal, knowledgeable service you will receive from the team in Kingsbridge Information Centre. We are there to help you get the very best out of this amazing location and the opportunities available to you - this year, next year, whenever you come, whatever you do. Let us make your stay as special as the setting!
If you like our green ideas, please take them home to share with others - and thank you for helping us conserve...
"a little bit of heaven in southernmost Devon"!
