HF Holidays' Monk Coniston hotel is awarded Gold Status by Green Tourism

In recognition of its sustainability efforts, HF Holidays' Monk Coniston country house has been granted Green Tourism's highest award possible, the Gold Status.

Monk Coniston is a recently refurbished National Trust property. The historic 32 bedroom home is full of romantic, gothic-style charm and is set against 14 acres of landscaped gardens and arboretum in the Lake District.

The property earned the award through its on-going sustainable practices for instance the locally sourced restaurant produce, resident beehives and many other factors. Green Tourism praised the commitment to sustainability shown by HF Holidays staff, as well as the continued investment in greener practices and products, like high-efficiency boilers. Monk Coniston achieved 82% percent with 246 points out of a possible 300. With 100% for nature and culture, 90% for transport and travel and 85% for management.

John Croxford, House Manager and Helen Croxford, Gardener commented: “We are delighted our commitment to sustainability has secured Gold Status. It's a huge achievement. We are absolutely committed to the best possible environmental and ethical practices at Monk Coniston and the whole team here has embraced the initiative with huge enthusiasm. Situated within the Lake District National Park, the world's first Fairtrade National Park Zone, our actions can have a really positive effect on our surroundings, helping to preserve and protect the area for future visitors to enjoy."

Not-for-profit organisation Green Tourism is considered one of the most rigorous certification programmes of its kind. Established in 1997, it is the only one independently validated by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) on behalf of Visit England, Visit Wales and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, and is endorsed by Visit Scotland and Failte Ireland.

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For media information, please contact Louise Iles, PR Account Director, Sara Gillespie Junior PR Account Manager or Michael Leonhardt, PR Account Executive at Gough Bailey Wright on 01527 579 555, lou@gough.co.uk / sara.g@gough.co.uk / michael@gough.co.uk

Notes to Editor:

• Founded in 1913, HF Holidays is a co-operative society that has been organising outdoor holidays for over 100 years.
• HF Holidays has 18 country houses in the UK's National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as independent hotels for overseas holidays. 
• HF Holidays has a host of accolades under its belt including: Feefo Gold Service Award in 2017, Which? Recommended Provider status for four successive years 2012 - 2015; voted Best Large Tour Operator by Guardian and Observer readers 2010-2014; and Best Large Short Break Operator 2011-2014.
• HF Holidays is committed to responsible tourism and is a member of ABTOT and ATOL protected. 
• HF Holidays is the only UK holiday provider to hold a Gluten-Free Accreditation from Coeliac UK with all 18 of its country houses officially holding this GF accreditation.
• Follow @hfholidays on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram