Guest blog - Cofton Holidays named UK’s greenest holiday park

Cofton Holidays, a family-run holiday park just 10 miles from Exeter, has added three major accolades to its growing list of achievements. 

The award winning holiday park was recently named Green SME Of The Year at the Green Awards UK 2025 in addition to also taking home Gold for the Sustainability Pioneer Award and Hospitality Award for Amelia’s Café at the Food Drink Devon Awards.

Being named Green SME of the Year is an accolade the team at Cofton Holidays is incredibly proud of – both for what it represents and for the collective effort behind it.

Judges at the Green Awards UK recognised Cofton Holidays’ outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability and exemplary green initiatives. The prestigious national programme celebrates organisations that demonstrate strong environmental responsibility, sustainable innovation and lead the way in reducing environmental impact. Judged by experts from government, academia and the private sector, the awards highlight those making a real difference in protecting nature and creating greener futures.

Over the years, Cofton has pushed the boundaries of sustainable leisure, setting a benchmark for other holiday parks across the UK. Their comprehensive green programme includes;

Biomass heating

The indoor leisure and dining complex (pool, toilets, shower blocks etc.) is heated by a biomass boiler using locally sourced woodchip, feeding into a 5,000-litre buffer vessel of hot water. This system cuts carbon emissions by around 750 tonnes compared to fossil fuel alternatives.

Solar power

With over 220 kW of renewable solar power across its pool hall, lodges, and multiple toilet blocks, Cofton is significantly reducing reliance on conventional power.

Zero‐to‐landfill waste and sustainable procurement

Kitchen waste is separated at source, recyclable materials compacted on site, food waste is converted into renewable energy via a partner facility, and single‐use plastics are replaced with compostable alternatives.

Conservation and biodiversity

Cofton holds a Gold Award from the David Bellamy Conservation Scheme, is honey‐bee friendly, runs a Bug & Bee Hotel, rewilds areas of the park, and actively manages habitats to support wildlife.

Support for local

The park sources food and services from Devon-based suppliers wherever possible, cutting transport emissions and strengthening the local economy.

In addition to its national sustainability success, Cofton Holidays also shone at this year’s Food Drink Devon Awards, winning Gold for the Sustainability Pioneer Award and Gold for the Hospitality Award for its on-site eatery, Amelia’s Café. The café, named after a member of the Jeffery family’s Devon heritage, champions fresh, locally sourced ingredients and low-waste practices while serving up warm, authentic hospitality.

Chris Jeffery, Director at Cofton Holidays, said:

"We’re over the moon to have our sustainability efforts recognised nationally and locally. Winning Green SME of the Year, alongside Gold Awards for both sustainability and hospitality, means so much to our whole team. Every decision we make - from the grassroots to the big-picture strategy - is guided by our commitment to care for the environment while creating amazing holiday experiences. These awards are a true celebration of teamwork, community, and doing what’s right for the planet.”

Receiving these awards marks an important milestone in Cofton Holidays’ journey to becoming a leader in sustainable tourism. The team plans to build on this success by continuing to innovate, inspire guests, and champion green initiatives across the hospitality sector, leading the way in sustainable holidays.

Cofton offers the perfect destination for those looking to explore nature and visitors who want to help protect it. You can learn more about their green initiatives here.