If you’re dreaming of low‑impact lifestyles, community living, or simply want to see how people are building alternative futures in England and Wales, visiting land-based projects and intentional communities is one of the best ways to learn.

These places aren’t meant to be utopias—they’re real, messy, inspiring experiments in living differently. And many of them welcome visitors, volunteers, and prospective members.

We’ve come up with a select list of places that are hosting at least two events this summer, whether that be open days, tours, courses, volunteer days, or gatherings.

Do check out the latest information on their websites, and make sure to register or contact them before visiting.

(1) SHIFT Bristol – Why visit: Training on sustainable practices and regenerative design. What’s on: Open days, Permaculture design courses.

(2) Tinkers Bubble (Somerset) – Why visit: A well‑known low‑impact woodland community living without fossil fuels, with small‑scale food production. What’s on: Cider night, Summer gardening weekend, Woodland working weekends.

(3) The Sustainability Centre (Hampshire) – Why visit: Rural skills and learning centre set in 55 acres of woodland and natural chalk downland. What’s on: Foraging, Spoon carving, Kitchen gardening, Woodland management, Medicinal herbs.

(4) Braziers Park (Oxfordshire) – Why visit: One of the oldest secular intentional communities in Europe, based at a Gothic mansion and estate. What’s on: Kid’s go wild!, UK communities conference, Other retreats and gatherings.

(5) The Fold (Worcestershire) – Why visit: A community-supported organic farm and artisan village with nature reserve. What’s on: Farm volunteer weeks, Fermentation class, Soap making, Natural health.

(6) Hockerton Housing Project (Nottinghamshire) – Why visit: A sustainable community of earth‑sheltered homes, with residents managing shared land, lakes, and food‑growing areas. What’s on: Sustainable living tours, Seasonal abundance workshops

(7) LILAC Cohousing Community (Leeds) – Why visit: Low Impact Affordable Living Community with 20 ecobuild homes and growing and nature spaces. What’s on: Learning days including tour and workshop.

(8) Lammas Ecovillage (Pembrokeshire) – Why visit: A ground-breaking collective of smallholdings and eco-dwellings in the Preseli Hills. What’s on: Regular guided tours, Off-grid homesteading (NB: also see Brithmir Mawr Community nearby)

(9) Centre for Alternative Technology (Machynlleth) – Why visit: Longstanding eco-centre and educational charity in southern Eryri (Snowdonia). What’s on: Short courses on beekeeping, natural buildings, renewables, woodland management, etc.

(10) Henbant Permaculture Farm (Gwynedd) – Why visit: A thriving 80‑acre coastal farm with organic farm shop and a focus on regenerative agriculture. What’s on: Regenerative farm design, Permaculture design, Forest gardening, Forest school.

The above list is only a snapshot. For more places with events this summer, check out… Courses & connections

And finally a mention for “the original off-grid festival” taking place at the end of July… The Green Gathering

FEATURED IMAGE: Camping at Green Gathering (source: Green Gathering Facebook page)

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