We are absolutely thrilled to share some wonderful news. The Headland has been named the winner of the Best Sustainable Coastal Stay at the Country & Town House Sustainable Hotel Awards 2026.

As an independent, family-run hotel, we always have to work that bit harder towards our sustainability goals. Our hotel is 126 years-old, so as you can imagine, making big operational changes has been hard work for Bethany Branigan (our Sustainability Lead) and the rest of the team.

As The Headland sits directly on the Cornish coastline, we feel a strong responsibility to protect the landscape that makes this part of the world so special. To have our commitment recognised by such a prestigious panel of judges is a moment of immense pride for our entire team and has only inspired us to keep moving forward in our sustainability journey.

Sustainability at The Headland isn’t just about our policy, it’s woven into everything we do. From sourcing locally to active marine conservation and much more. We have proven that you don’t need to sacrifice luxury to be more sustainable.

There are many things we do at The Headland that have helped us achieve our sustainability accreditations such as working with local partners to support our marine ecosystems. One example of this is our work with The Cornish Lobster Hatchery to help release baby lobsters into the wild.

We have also developed strong local partnerships with Cornish producers and business, such as Rescued Bee and Aral Farm. It is so important for us to source local, not only does this decrease our carbon footprint but it allows us to support local business and see first-hand how things are produced, ensuring its quality is the best it can be for our guests.

The judges noted our "committed operational rigour," specifically pointing to our food waste reduction initiatives and rigorous environmental monitoring. Whether it’s how we measure water usage or how we manage our kitchen, we are constantly striving to reduce our footprint while maintaining the five-star excellence that our guests expect from us.

As Lucy Cleland put it: “I love all the good works that go on at this Victorian coastal hotel.” This award is a true testament to the dedication of our entire team - from our hardworking housekeepers and talented chefs to, of course, Bethany Branigan, who ensures The Headland remains a pioneer in sustainable hospitality.

To our guests, by choosing to stay with us, you are doing more than just booking a holiday. You are supporting a family-run business that puts the future of the Cornish coast at the heart of everything we do. We invite you to come and experience our award-winning hospitality for yourself, knowing that you’re staying in the UK’s best sustainable coastal retreat.