A hotel in Hampshire has been named the most eco-friendly in Europe, according to a travel website.

Heckfield Place, which is located a short journey away from Basingstoke, topped the list of 30 hotels from Big 7 Travel.

Discussing the creation of the list, the publication wrote: "Everyone has a part to play in environmental sustainability, and making eco-conscious travel choices is a step towards preserving the beautiful destinations we visit and supporting local communities.

"We’ve grown increasingly aware of the tourism industry’s impact on the environment, resulting in depleting natural resources, soil erosion, habitat loss, overuse of water, and more.

"However, eco-tourism offers a sustainable alternative, and it starts with prioritising hotels that are taking the necessary steps towards a greener future."

The hotels were judged on criteria which included food, community, conservation, energy, waste, water and materials.

The full list of the best eco-friendly hotels can be found on the Big 7 Travel website here.

What was said about Heckfield Place?

Heckfield Place was praised for its self-sufficiency in growing its own food across several greenhouses, reuse of rainwater and its sustainable bio-mass boilers among other things.

Big 7 Travel wrote: "Heckfield Place is two steps ahead. The beautiful Victorian residence is self-sufficient in terms of growing organic foods across seven greenhouses, opening its own dairy, fruit-picking from its orchard, and so much more.

"This is already impressive, but Heckfield Place has leapfrogged regular organic produce by utilising seeds, herbal remedies, and biodynamic growth data to regenerate the soil.

"Not only is the team protecting the soil for generations to come, but they’re restoring what they’ve lost.

"They’re also preserving the ancient woodlands surrounding the hotel, protecting the 150-year-old Redwoods, Douglas Firs, Monterey Pines, English Oaks, and various other trees, and planting seeds for new ones. 

With so many eco-credentials under its belt, it almost goes without saying that the hotel is free from single-use plastic, heat comes from sustainable bio-mass boilers, rainwater is harvested for irrigation, and energy is generated from renewable sources.

"To better understand Heckfield Place’s incredible work, the team offers walks and talks through the gorgeous gardens, woodlands, and farms."

Heckfield Place is also considered to be a great hotel all around, with it earning a 4.5/5 score on Tripadvisor from 505 reviews.

One person wrote: "Stunning hotel with beautiful grounds. We stayed here for a special birthday. Staff were lovely and very friendly. Our room was first class with a huge bathroom and little terrace. Little touches made it very special."

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Another shared: "Incredible! You need time at this property to let the excellence soak in. The attention to detail, the cleanliness, everything is perfection!

"Beautiful grounds, sophisticated design in the hotel and the food is off the scale. Only ate dinner and breakfast in Marle and hats off to the chefs, great waiters too."

Meanwhile, another posted: "Incredible on every single level. Raises the bar of country escapes. The spa, the room and the restaurant was all exceptional."