What are the benefits of travelling in the UK?
March marks B Corp Month, a global celebration of businesses striving to be a force for good. At Cornish Gems, it’s a time for reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment. It’s also the perfect moment to champion the benefits of travelling in the UK – embracing sustainability, choosing eco-conscious properties, supporting local communities and discovering the quiet joy of out-of-season escapes.
When you holiday closer to home, your journey can be lighter on the planet and richer in connection. Here in Cornwall, we believe travel should feel good in every sense – restorative for you and responsible for the places you love.
Our B Corp journey
In January 2024, Cornish Gems became B Corp certified, joining a global community of purpose-driven organisations. This milestone was an independent validation of our longstanding commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Achieving B Corp certification means meeting rigorous standards across social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. It required a comprehensive evaluation of our impact on employees, guests, community and environment, and we are proud to have met these exacting criteria.
As a business rooted in Cornwall’s thriving tourism industry, we recognise the responsibility we hold. Our policies and ongoing efforts to reduce our footprint played a vital role in achieving certification, but this is not a final destination – it’s a framework that guides every decision we make, from Eco-Conscious Gems to interior design services and local partnerships.
Eco-conscious properties
Our eco-conscious properties are a handpicked collection of coastal retreats and countryside sanctuaries, where comfort and conscious living exist in harmony. Imagine waking to panoramic sea views, wildflower meadows dancing in the breeze or the hush of a secluded woodland garden.
Inside, you’ll find stylish interiors paired with purposeful design – renewable heating systems, electric vehicle chargers, energy-efficient appliances, responsibly sourced materials and biodiverse outdoor spaces.
Many of our homes offer direct access to scenic walks, sweeping beaches or idyllic gardens, inviting you to immerse yourself in Cornwall’s natural beauty. As a B Corp certified company, we curate these homes with intention, so your stay feels restorative and luxurious without compromising your environmental values. It’s travel that treads lightly, yet leaves a lasting sense of wellbeing.
Supporting Cornwall’s communities
As a passionately local and independent company, we are deeply embedded in Cornwall’s communities. Our commitment extends beyond beautiful homes; it reaches into the heart of the places we call home.
We proudly support charities and trusts that protect Cornwall’s landscapes and provide vital services to its people. We strive to create quality, secure employment for our Cornish Gems team, offering progression pathways and opportunities for those beginning their careers here in Cornwall.
Championing local producers, artisans and businesses is central to our ethos, contributing to Cornwall’s circular economy and celebrating its vibrant, creative spirit. When you holiday with us, you become part of that story – supporting livelihoods, sustaining traditions and strengthening a unique coastal community.
Reducing our impact
Understanding our impact is essential to reducing it. Across every area of our business, we are conducting detailed data collection projects to measure emissions, resource use and operational footprint.
This evidence-led approach allows us to identify meaningful opportunities for reduction as we progress towards net zero. Transparency is fundamental to our values; we are committed to sharing our journey openly and honestly.
Sustainability is not a static achievement but a continual process of review and improvement. We pledge to keep evolving – refining our operations, embracing innovation and working collaboratively – to lessen our environmental impact on Cornwall and the wider planet.
Why Cornwall?
Few places capture the imagination quite like Cornwall. Here, ancient history meets untamed landscapes; rugged cliffs give way to golden beaches and turquoise waters. From exhilarating watersports along the Atlantic coast to peaceful estuary walks, Cornwall invites both adventure and stillness.
Its culture is rich with heritage and creativity, while its food and drink scene celebrates the bounty of land and sea, from freshly landed seafood to artisan produce crafted with care. Travelling within the UK allows you to experience this remarkable diversity without crossing continents. In Cornwall, every season brings its own beauty, and out-of-season visits offer a quieter, more intimate connection with the landscape.
How else can you reduce your impact on holiday?
Travelling consciously doesn’t end with choosing the right property.
Consider arriving by train to reduce emissions and begin your journey at a gentler pace. If driving, explore electric vehicle options and make use of EV chargers at select properties.
Stay in an eco-conscious Gem, designed with efficiency and sustainability in mind.
Support local businesses by visiting nearby farm shops, bakeries, cafes and restaurants, and seek out Cornish makers for meaningful souvenirs.
Leave the car behind where possible – walk coastal paths, cycle quiet lanes and immerse yourself slowly in your surroundings. Small, mindful choices collectively create a lighter footprint and a deeper travel experience.
B Corp Month reminds us that travel can be transformative – not only for those who journey, but for the places that welcome them. Choosing to holiday in the UK supports local economies, reduces travel emissions and fosters a more sustainable tourism model.
At Cornish Gems, our B Corp certification is both a celebration and a commitment: to care for Cornwall’s landscapes, champion its communities and offer exceptional stays grounded in responsibility. This March, and beyond, we invite you to travel thoughtfully – to discover that the greatest luxury lies not only in where you stay, but in how you choose to explore.
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