What is a Discovery Break?

On a Discovery Break guests can experience the best of the local area whilst also finding out what it is like to live with the latest green technologies and products in environmentally friendly accommodation.

We believe that sustainable tourism and having a good time on holiday go hand in hand. Our breaks are interactive, exciting and demonstrate just how easy it can be to consider the environment and have a more positive experience in the process.

Guests will leave with a real understanding of the place they have visited.

Breaks are available for any time of the year. We attract many different types of guests; from people who are interested in environmental issues or would like to find out more to those who just want to relax in innovative, stylish and comfortable surroundings.

What is a Tailor-made Group Break?

Whether a group of you want to get away, relax and de-stress, or discover some environmental ideas, Natural Discovery can tailor make a break or away day for you.

Perfect for birthday celebrations, friends going away together, corporate team building or away days, or just going away with the family.

Find out about local culture, history and explore local attractions. Discover green & renewable ideas and technologies, local wildlife on land, sea or in the air. As active or relaxing as you would like!

For accommodation we use self-catering cottages, hotels or B&Bs, run by our partners committed to quality & environmental improvement, with some places demonstrating interesting eco-features.

For more information see our Tailor-made webpage.

What is Discovery Accommodation?

The Discovery Accommodation page contains details of a range of places to stay around the country that are committed to environmental improvement.

You will find everything on this page, from small B&B's to large hotels, all quality places to stay, with a special touch. Many are members of local Environmental Accreditation Schemes and demonstrate interesting eco-features. For more information on Accreditation Schemes click here.

These establishments are full of local character, and are owned by people with a great deal of knowledge and an appreciation of the local areas in which they live.

So whether you are looking to stay in a 200 year old woodsmans cottage made from local stone or a eco lodge built from local sustainably managed wood there is something for you.

If you see something interesting contact us and we will send you an 'ecard' with more information and the owners contact details. For a direct link to our Discovery Accommodation page click here.

Your Discovery Information

The key to providing a Discovery Break is the accommodation's 'Discovery Information'. This draws on local knowledge to provide a unique insight into the local area; its history, culture, natural environment and the best ways to enjoy them.

Discovery Information is provided for guests who take our Discovery Breaks (including Group Breaks). The information is not available for guests booking Discovery Accommodation (although do contact us if you require any information about an area, we are always happy to help).

Depending on the break you are taking the information is provided either in booklet form or you are given a unique pass code to access the information online.

You can also choose from a host of 'self-led' activities presented on Discovery Sheets. The information is accessible for all and includes activities such as recipes, walks and places to visit.

You have a chance to feed back your experiences so that Discovery Information for an area is constantly evolving and improving.

Some sample Discovery Booklet extracts from our Sussex Breaks can be seen online by clicking the following link Discovery extracts online

Natural Discovery Clusters

In partnership with local people Natural Discovery is developing a 'positive network' of different types of sustainable accommodation, suppliers and service providers. Our breaks are based around this local network.

All sign up to our environmental policy and either exhibit sustainable practices or are committed to moving in that direction.

The Natural Discovery network is more than just a green accreditation scheme. There is an emphasis on the quality of the guest experience and appreciation of environmental issues through what they do on holiday.

Our first cluster of accommodation was in Sussex and we have now launched in Wales and are about to launch in Scotland. We are also in the process of setting up clusters in other UK areas.

Road test products on our breaks

On a selection of our breaks there is the opportunity to try out a selection of our innovative environmental products. This is a part of our breaks package that we are currently developing further and expanding to a wider range of accommodation.

At Natural Discovery Hailsham, for example, you can try your hand at recycling cans using the special mounted can crusher.

We have also tested out using Powabyke electric bicycles on special interest breaks. With a range of 30 miles they really take the effort out of enjoying the countryside and the car gets left at home!

Offsetting guest carbon emissions

Breaks booked through Natural Discovery include investments to offset the impact associated with guest travel and stay.

Current projects include donating energy efficient lightbulbs to accommodation and working with the EcoSchools Initiative - a programme that encourages children and teachers alike to improve their local environment in areas such as waste, water, energy and transport.

We are working with our local networks to initiate other energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in the future.