As a Londoner born and bred, I\u2019ve always been fond of my home town. It has its moments where the grind gets a little too much, and as for the weather\u2026 probably better not to get started on that one. But those small grievances aside, London is an awesome place to visit. One of the highlights for me this year has been getting the chance to explore my home town from a new perspective: one of someone in search of responsible tourism options in London, looking for eco hotels in London, sustainable things to do in London, and generally the chance to enjoy this beautiful city while giving back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The London Skyline \u2013 image creative commons.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s In this Guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As one of the most visited cities in the world, London definitely has something of a numbers problem, although due to its sprawling size mass tourism is not evident in the same way that it is in Barcelona, Dubrovnik or any of the Italian cities. London\u2019s size is also part of its challenge \u2013 especially for the first time visitor it can be daunting to know where to go outside of the very centre to experience a bit more of local London (as opposed to merely Tripadvisor\u2019s top 10).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you looking for tips on how to experience a bit more of local and authentic London? Then stay tuned\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the things that impressed me the most on my return to London earlier in the year was the wide range of options for travel that gives back in London. From tours run by the homeless, to SUP-ing for Plastic on London\u2019s canals, to some of the finest eco friendly hotels London has a lot to offer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inspiration from the Good Hotel! Image c. Good Hotel London<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If travelling to London from within Europe, you may be able to get there easily by train as opposed to flying. London is well connected by rail from Scotland, Paris, and Brussels (Amsterdam is coming soon with\u00a0Eurostar\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0newest route, hopefully in Easter 2018). For more on reaching London by train I recommend the ever helpful\u00a0Man in Seat 61<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re game to give Slow Travel a try, there are\u00a0ferry routes to the UK<\/a>\u00a0from Ireland, Germany, France and the Netherlands. They arrive at different ports in the UK and you can connect to London by train\/bus from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If arriving by plane, London has no less than six (yes, six) airports to choose from. Heathrow (and to a lesser extent, Gatwick) are the main international and intercontinental hubs. London City airport is the most expensive option but also the most centrally located, and Luton, Southend and Stansted airports are primarily hubs for easyJet, Ryanair, and other budget airlines. If coming in to Heathrow the most financially sustainable option for reaching London is to take the tube vs the overpriced Heathrow Express train which will set you back a whole \u00a320. In general airport express trains are an expensive option and regular trains, buses or underground\/DLR are cheaper. For buses check\u00a0National Express<\/a>\u00a0and train service details can be\u00a0found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting around London by public transport :<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the easiest ways to practise responsible travel in London is to get around by public transport. In general the network of metros (called the \u2018tube\u2019 or \u2018underground\u2019), buses and suburban trains run well, but it\u2019s best to avoid travelling at rush-hour unless you really need to (otherwise you\u2019ll get the \u201csardine\u201d experience. Buying an Oyster card is a must to be able to take buses and get the best value fares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more about the Oyster card and\u00a0special offers for visitors to London here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since November 2017 Uber has been banned in London, and black cabs are expensive \u2013 so it\u2019s best to use public transport wherever possible. Driving in London is a no-no and a \u201ccongestion charge\u201d of \u00a311.50 per day applies Monday \u2013 Friday. So definitely leave the car at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n London also has cycling schemes, an increasing number of cyclists, and some cycle lanes. The city has been trying to improve conditions for cycling over recent years, but cycling in the UK\u2019s capital remains hazardous \u2013 at best. (People die every day from collisions with lorries and busses). Cycling lanes in particular are unpredictable and a re prone to disappearing at any moment. Unless you\u2019re a cycling pro used to busy cities, I suggest sticking with public transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n London has a great selection of sustainable hotels and eco friendly places to stay, if one does a little digging. Luckily, I\u2019ve done that digging for you, and here are my top picks for green hotels in London, or are doing their bit to promote responsible travel in London.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A room at\u00a0One Aldwych<\/a>. Image c. One Aldwych.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Number One Aldwych<\/a>\u00a0occupies prime position in London\u2019s West End, just steps from Covent Garden and theatre land \u2013 not only will you never run out of things to do staying here, but you\u2019ll be able to enjoy luxury at its best \u2013 that is in a way that is sustainable. I caught up with the hotel\u2019s own \u201cMr Green\u201d during my stay here and heard all about the measures that the hotel has put in place and couldn\u2019t fit all my notes onto one page of my notebook, there was so much going on to make the hotel as sustainable as possible. If you\u2019d like to read about them you can check out\u00a0my review of One Aldwych here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The pool at\u00a0One Aldwych<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 all chemical free!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond a whole host of energy efficiency measures, the hotel has a chlorine-free pool, a sumptuous spa that uses organic products and its main restaurant sources sustainable ingredients for its gluten and dairy free menu. Their destination restaurant, Eneko, is run by award winning Chef Eneko Axta, who is owner of the\u00a0world\u2019s most sustainable restaurant<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find more info and rates for One Aldwych here.<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip: even if you don\u2019t stay at one Aldwych I highly recommend visiting for Afternoon Tea (what could be more British) or a cocktail in their lounge to admire their stunning floral displays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A room at the\u00a0Good Hotel London<\/a>\u00a0(some have river views) Image c. Good Hotel.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are few hotels in London that do as much good as the\u00a0Good Hotel London<\/a>. Located in London\u2019s eastern docklands, this floating hotel used to be based in Amsterdam. Together with its twin property in Antigua, Good Hotel provides \u201cpremium hospitality with doing good for the local community\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Along with the eco friendly measures that you would expect from a sustainable hotel in London, the Good Hotel is big on up cycling and strives to have a positive social impact too. They take on a number of unemployed locals as trainees from disadvantaged communities\/backgrounds (of which there are plenty in East London). Once their training is completed with Good Hotel, they get a salaried job. Good Hotel sources from local suppliers, and helps local NGO\u2019s with business support. The hotel also supports NGO Ninos de Guatemala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip: I loved the feel of the Good Hotel, from everything they do to give back socially while minimising their environmental impact, to the feeling of floating (the hotel floats on water). Waking up to a water view never felt so good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The\u00a0QBIC Hotel London<\/a>\u00a0is living proof that sustainable travel on a budget is perfectly possible. Nestled in London\u2019s super trendy Shoreditch (hipster alert), the QBIC hotel is also super handy for being close to the city of London. This part of town offers great deals at weekends particularly, given the preference of some to be in the heart of the west end (which is further away). Personally I prefer my weekends a little quieter so this hotel was just my cup of (green) tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The QBIC Hotel London manages to go far beyond the \u201creuse your towels and save the planet\u201d vaguery of so many hotels and actually takes it to the extent of: if you skip your daily house-keeping, get a drink on us at the bar. I don\u2019t know about you, but any hotel that incentivises environmental friendliness with the offer of a free cocktail is onto a winner in my book. And just in case you forget about responsible water usage while enjoying the super-efficient rain shower, this eco friendly hotel has reminders on their organic (non plastic) shampoo bottles to turn off the shower while lathering up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My room at the\u00a0(complete with super comfy bed)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Along with being \u201cLondon\u2019s Greenest Hotel\u201d, QBIC hotel also lets its basement space be used by local artists and social initiatives. They host regular events that are targeted at the local community, so that instead of being a \u201cplace for tourists\u201d, QBIC hotel is just as much a place for local residents in the community. If you\u2019d like to learn more, have a read of\u00a0my review of the QBIC Hotel London<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip: I loved the super comfortable beds, and the array of yummy vegetarian options on offer in their cafe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shard View? <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Or best for those who like their room complete with a view of the Shard (London\u2019s iconic pyramid skyscraper)! My favourite part of London has always been the \u201csouth bank\u201d and the area around London Bridge. With it\u2019s now converted warehouses, narrow winding streets and dockyards that were once the industrial hub of an empire, I\u2019ve always found this part of town to be the one that conveys the most of London\u2019s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bermondsey Square hotel is a boutique hotel that is just steps from all of that. Located in the heart of thriving Bermondsey which is packed with independent local stores and local businesses, this hotel is in prime position to explore the ever popular Borough Market, and the array of organic cafes and artisan shops that line bustling Bermondsey Street. While not officially an eco hotel in London, the Bermondsey Square is proudly part of the local community and actively encourages its guests to \u201cmeet the street<\/a>\u201c. Add to that a view of the London skyline that you won\u2019t forget in a hurry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip: If you\u2019ve been putting off your yoga practice for a while (I know the feeling) the hotel offers yoga classes or private lessons. It\u2019s also well worth the extra for a room with a Shard View!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Balconies from some of the rooms at the\u00a0Berm<\/a>ondsey Square Hotel<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to sustainable things to do in London, sightseeing, tours and activities, the city could keep you entertained for days \u2013 so this is far from an exhaustive list! From responsible tours that give back, to mindful visits to gardens, and zero waste restaurants, these are a few ideas to get you started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore London\u2019s City Gardens.\u00a0<\/strong>Hidden away behind walls, or simply tucked into less-known parts of the city, London holds a treasure trove of city gardens waiting to be enjoyed. I visited\u00a0St Mary\u2019s Secret Garden<\/a>\u00a0in Paddington, which is a not for profit organisation that focuses on providing well-being, support and an inclusive environment to local communities and those in need. You can find a whole\u00a0list of city gardens here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The\u00a0Walthamstow Wetlands<\/a>\u00a0recently opened and is a beautiful part of London to explore for a leisurely walk and some bird spotting while supporting conservation of inner city nature reserves<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you like green spaces,\u00a0Kew Gardens<\/a>, in south west London has also received much praise \u2013 I have yet to make it back there , but you can read my friend\u00a0Alex of the Mindful Mermaid\u2019s account here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Birds flying over the reservoirs at the Walthamstow Wetlands.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Go on a Mindful Walk of London.\u00a0<\/strong>When I came back to London after living in the Netherlands for 7 years, it wasn\u2019t all plain sailing. What really helped me to appreciate being back in London, though, was going on a mindful walk of London with social enterprise,\u00a0Street Wisdom<\/a>. Their mission is to bring inspiration to every street around the world \u2013 they hold a number of events in London (and around the world) that are free to attend and encourage a whole new perspective on a familiar place. \u00a0The walk certainly inspired me ? .<\/p>\n\n\n\n Go on a tour\u2026 and help London\u2019s Homeless.\u00a0<\/strong>Unseen Tours<\/a>\u00a0set up in 2010 with the aim of helping some of London\u2019s homeless through tourism. This is not poverty tourism, but instead tours of different parts of London run by guides who are \/ have been homeless in that area and can give a unique perspective and story on that part of London. I was lucky enough to go on both the London Bridge tour and the highly memorable Camden Tour by Mike, who tells stories of his Camden of contrasts \u2013 to the homes inhabited by Hollywood celebrities in Hampstead to the gritty reality for others. You can book the Camden tour\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exploring Camden with Unseen Tours \u2013 Photo Credit Katy Clarke of\u00a0Untold Morsels<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Paddle and Pick up Plastic along London\u2019s Canals. <\/strong>Active 360 run \u201cpaddle and pick<\/a>\u201d events around London where you SUP your way around some of London\u2019s more scenic spots and clean up plastic waste in the process \u2013 cleanups are organised regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn about parts of London that few Tourists Do.\u00a0<\/strong>London can be overwhelming at times. It\u2019s a big city, and there\u2019s so much to fit in, especially for a first time visitor. Many visitors to London stick to the well known highlights, but if you want to get a more authentic view of London, I recommend joining one of\u00a0Context Travel\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0experts for a different insight to the city. They use local guides who are experts in their field often hold PHDs on the topic. I went on Context Travel\u2019s\u00a0tour of Legal London<\/a>\u00a0and was fascinated at the behind the scenes view of London\u2019s legal system that I hadn\u2019t known much about, even as a Londoner. Plus I can now officially say I\u2019ve been taken to court ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n View from the top.. sunrise yoga at London\u2019s Sky Gardens.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Salute the sun from the top of London.\u00a0<\/strong>In a bustling (and sometimes just stressful) city like London, I find it\u2019s important to take some \u201cme time\u201d \u2013 one of my favourite ways to do that is to take to the yoga mat. On a cold winter morning I found myself getting up at 5am to make my way to the\u00a0Sky Gardens<\/a>\u00a0(London\u2019s highest garden and well worth a visit \u2013 whether for yoga or not) for a\u00a0sunrise yoga class<\/a>\u00a0(seasonal). If sunrise yoga is your thing I highly recommend going here vs the shard where the yoga is double the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shop\u00a0for Sustainable Fashion.\u00a0<\/strong>A fashionista\u2019s paradise, London has no end of small, local boutiques. Just stay well away from Oxford Street which is chain-store central. Brixton Village is one starting point, and Hackney \/ Dalston has some eco friendly boutiques. You can read more about where to find some of London\u2019s best eco friendly fashion boutiques<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exploring London\u2019s beautiful Notting Hill area in Spring \u2013 Image by my friend Alex of The Mindful Mermaid.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n London must be one of the best cities in the world for eating out \u2013 it\u2019s possible to find dishes from every part of the globe here. When it comes to ethical eating, London is not short of organic eateries, markets, and vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Here are some other restaurants that stand out in particular for their ethical efforts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eat Behind Bars <\/strong>at London\u2019s Clink Restaurant in Brixton, South London. The Clink Charity<\/em> offers training projects for those serving prison sentences to help them develop skills, re-enter employment and begin a successful career upon release. The restaurants are used as training restaurants for prisoners, where they work or are in training for around 40 hours per week. Eating here directly helps the rehabilitation of prisoners. Needless to say security is tight so you need to get in touch with Clink at least a week before your chosen dining date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eat at London\u2019s First Zero Waste\u00a0Restaurant.\u00a0<\/strong>Tiny Leaf<\/a>\u00a0is Organic, Vegetarian, and Zero Waste. It\u2019s now entering a new phase, having popped up in two locations over the last two years. It\u2019s now entering its third phase (details and location currentlyTBC) but this place looks like an eco-eaters dream from biodynamic wines to zero waste beer made from surplus bread (!) there\u2019s plenty to wash your organic food down with too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/London-4.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSustainable Tourism in London.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Good-Hotel-1.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGetting There and Away (Sustainably).<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Getting around in London.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/London-Guide-5.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhere to Stay in London? Here are some of the best Eco Hotels in London:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Best for Sustainability and Luxury \u2013 One Aldwych.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Sustainable](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/One-Aldwych-Bedroom.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"sustainable](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/One-Aldwych-Pool-1.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBest for Doing Good \u2013 Good Hotel London.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"eco](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Good-Hotel-2.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBest for When on a Budget \u2013 QBIC Hotel London Shoreditch.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Eco](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Hotel-Qbic5.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"QBIC](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Qbic-Hotel1.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBest for Staying Local \u2013 Bermondsey Square Hotel.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"responsible](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/London-Guide-3.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/London-Guide-4.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Best of Responsible Travel in London \u2013 Things to Do.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Responsible Travel Options and Eco Friendly Activities in London.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"responsible](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Autumn5-copy.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Sustainable](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/February2.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/London-Guide-1.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"eco](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/April-2.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nEating out with Purpose in London.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/March-Post3.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/London1.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n