Tregenna Castle Resort's

Tregenna Castle Resort - Sustainable Tourism Policy

 At Tregenna Castle Resort, we understand the significance of sustainable tourism and are committed to responsible practices that benefit our guests, the environment, and our local community. As an award winning family-owned hotel, holiday accommodation resort and award winning wedding venue, we are privileged to be nestled within 72 acres of sub-tropical gardens and woodlands, overlooking the historic town of St Ives. For over 250 years, we have been a part of this vibrant community, and we strive to ensure that our presence here continues to contribute positively for many generations to come.

Our Approach to Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism refers to practices that acknowledge both the positive and negative impacts of tourism on a destination. At Tregenna Castle Resort, we aim to minimise the negative impacts, such as environmental damage and overcrowding, while maximising the positive impacts, including job creation, cultural heritage preservation, wildlife conservation, and landscape restoration. Guided by the principles of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, our policy ensures that we remain accountable for our economic, social, and environmental impacts on both present and future generations and as such been awarded with the Gold recognition in Green Tourism and the Quality in Tourism Safe Clean & Legal™ accreditation for hotel and self-catering and a commendation in the 2024/25 Cornwall Tourism Awards in the Ethical, Responsible, and Sustainable Tourism category.

Environmental Stewardship

In recent years, we have significantly expanded our TreGREENer culture by implementing a range of environmentally sustainable initiatives. We recognise that our energy systems needed to adapt for a greener future. In May 2023, we inaugurated a 250-kilowatt solar farm within our grounds, demonstrating our commitment to renewable energy. Complementing this, we introduced a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) turbine in March 2024 to produce both electricity and heat more efficiently, especially during periods of solar energy shortfall. Together, these investments have reduced our emissions and operational costs by approximately two-thirds, ensuring a sustainable future for our resort and community.

To further optimise energy consumption, we have implemented smart heating systems across our self-catering properties. These systems activate heating and hot water only when properties are occupied, conserving energy while maintaining comfort. We are also proud to integrate sustainable materials and local craftsmanship into our development projects, such as the energy-efficient homes in our Castle Village development, which feature solar panels and air source heat pumps.

Supporting Our Local Community and Economy

 At Tregenna Castle Resort, we believe in making a positive contribution to our community beyond providing a great guest experience. In 2024/25 we became finalists in the Large Hotel of the Year category at The Cornwall Tourism Awards (with the results being held in November).  We are proud to be a significant local employer, with many generations of families having worked with us. We currently employ up to 150 staff seasonally, with the majority being local. Our team is an integral part of our identity, and we invest in their development through initiatives such as our apprenticeship program in partnership with HIT Training and we employ and support apprentices year-round. The program equips our team members with skills, knowledge, and recognised qualifications in the hospitality sector, enabling them to grow their careers.

As part of our commitment to our team, we offer exclusive perks such as discounts on stays and dining at Tregenna. In 2024, we were excited to introduce our 'Pay it Forward' initiative, giving staff the opportunity to extend a 20% discount to their friends and family too.

We are committed to supporting the local economy by sourcing food, drink, and other supplies from local businesses whenever possible and pay these suppliers on time and within their payment terms. We are also home to beehives that house thousands of Cornish Black Bees courtesy of Sam Cairns, a local beekeeper.

We have formed strong partnerships with local attractions like Tate St Ives, Polgoon Vineyard, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Paradise Park, and St Ives Surf School. One of our directors at Tregenna also coaches young local surfers in his free time, providing guests with the opportunity to experience Cornwall while supporting vital local businesses. Additionally, we proudly support community initiatives such as the Edward Hain Hospital and have donated a defibrillator to Hayle Cricket Club. We sponsor Kids R Us in St Ives (a young person theatre group) and are members of the Jumbo Association; a charity that aims to preserve the maritime heritage of St. Ives, Cornwall and regenerate the harbour and waterfront community. Our contributions extend to sponsoring the St Ives September Festival, St Ives Food Festival, and supporting numerous charities, including Cornwall Air Ambulance, Charlie’s Star, Surf England Para Team, as well as the St Ives Archives, a non-profit organisation that collect artefacts and information to preserve our towns history. Collectively, we have helped raise thousands of pounds for hundreds of local causes.

Tregenna Castle Resort: Building a Legacy for St. Ives’ Surfing Community

Tregenna Castle Resort is immensely proud to have both sponsored and constructed the  two-story SaintBoardRiders surf clubhouse at Porthmeor Beach, St. Ives. This facility stands as a testament to our deep-rooted commitment to the local community and the spirit of Cornwall.

The clubhouse, designed to meet the needs of the growing surfing culture, features a state-of-the-art board store, modern changing rooms, accessible facilities for all, and a popular food kiosk. These amenities not only improve the experience for surfers but also create a welcoming space for visitors and locals alike.

More than just a building, this clubhouse has become a vital hub for the St. Ives community, offering much-needed infrastructure while promoting inclusivity and outdoor activity. By supporting this project, Tregenna Castle Resort has ensured the creation of lasting benefits that will enhance the lives of residents and visitors for years to come.

Investing in Local Infrastructure and Sustainable Development

Our commitment to the community goes beyond hospitality; we actively support local infrastructure projects and contribute to affordable housing schemes, with over £400,000 invested in recent years. We understand the challenges faced by local residents due to the rise of amateur B&B rentals, which can disrupt the character and stability of the area. As an established tourism resort, we offer a responsible and competitive alternative, prioritising guest satisfaction while maintaining respect for our neighbours and the environment.

In recognition of our commitment to quality development, Tregenna Castle Resort's Castle Approach has been honoured as one of the top property development projects, winning the prestigious LABC (Local Authority Building Control) Regional Award. The project has also advanced to the national finals, ranking among the best developments in England and Wales.

The nine award-winning lodges, featuring four- and five-bedroom properties, are beautifully arranged in a crescent overlooking the breathtaking St Ives Bay on the Tregenna estate. These lodges combine luxury with respect for the natural landscape, adhering to the highest standards of construction. Each lodge boasts an impressive EPC ‘A’ rating for energy efficiency, with solar panels to reduce energy costs and advanced insulation built into the structure. 

Enhancing Guest Experiences through Sustainable Practices

At Tregenna Castle Resort, our goal is to provide outstanding guest experiences while minimising our impact on the environment and local community. We offer a variety of on-site activities and top-quality dining options, along with flexible check-in times to reduce congestion in the area. Our parking facilities allow guests to leave their cars at the resort, avoiding the need to drive into St Ives or use public car parks, and we encourage visitors to take advantage of our woodland walk into town for a more scenic and eco-friendly option.

A key part of our recent efforts to enhance guest experiences includes the transformation of our traditional Coach House self-catering properties into modern Courtyard rooms. These updated accommodations offer flexible, nightly rental options, catering to the evolving preferences of today’s travellers. This initiative has led to a threefold increase in revenue and supports year-round occupancy, significantly strengthening our commercial resilience.

In line with our commitment to sustainability, we are also investing in a new bike shelter equipped with electric bike charging stations, encouraging guests to choose greener, more sustainable modes of transport and further reducing our environmental impact.

A Commitment to a Sustainable Future

As we celebrate our 250th anniversary in 2024, we reaffirm our commitment to sustainability and innovation. From planting an additional 250 trees this year to reduce our carbon footprint to investing in energy-efficient technologies, our aim is to preserve the natural beauty of Cornwall and continue supporting our local community. Our goal is to remain a good neighbour, a responsible employer, and a proactive contributor to the local and national economy.

By aligning our operations with sustainable practices, we are dedicated to ensuring that Tregenna Castle Resort continues to be a cherished destination for visitors while protecting the environment and supporting the community we proudly call home.

Join us in our journey towards a greener, more sustainable future at Tregenna Castle Resort.