Everybody knows that Britain is full of beautiful countryside, historic cities, enviable beaches and picturesque seaside towns. It’s a great place to sit back, relax and breathe in some crisp, fresh air. But what if you crave something a little more thrilling – a real adrenaline rush?
Well, you’re in luck. The UK is an unsung hotspot for adventure. So when you’ve had enough of museums and country walks and want something with a little more ‘oomph’, why not soar through the air on Europe’s longest zip-wire trampoline in deep, ancient caverns or even take a leap of faith and jump out of a plane? Here’s our pick of adventure activities which are sure to get your blood pumping!
Scuba diving in Stromness
Where: Scapa Scuba, Lifeboat House, Stromness KW16 3DA
Scuba diving in Scotland certainly isn’t tropical fish and clear blue seas. It’s all about exploring shipwrecks beneath the sea. It seems that the marine life has made a home for itself amongst the German High Seas Fleet which was scuttled in Orkney on 21st June 1919.
The accredited instructors at the Scapa Scuba dive centre, described as “one of the best dive sites in the world”, will take you deep down in the North Sea to explore what’s left of seven First World Warships. And it doesn’t matter if you’ve never dived before. Scapa Scuba’s one to one ‘try a dive’ package is available to everyone, from complete novices to experienced divers.
Zip World in Snowdonia
Where: Zip World Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda LL57 4YG or Zip World Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3NB
Zip World is a truly unique range of adventure activities located in the breathtaking Snowdonia National Park. Take the leap of faith and fly over a huge quarry lake on the fastest zip line in the world and the longest in Europe with Zip World Velocity. Family can watch from the viewing platform as you glide, head first, at 118mph. This isn’t one for the faint-hearted – but it’s sure to give you the adrenaline rush you crave!
If you’re looking for something a little more gentle, head down the road to Zip World Bounce Below. Thrill seekers of all ages can, literally, ‘bounce below’ in deep underground caverns, an ancient Welsh slate mine. Bounce on huge nets and drop down industrial slides which are the height of two double-decker buses – it’s a real subterranean playground.
Mountain Biking in the Lake District
Where: West Lake Adventures at Woolpack Farm, Boot CA19 1TH or River Deep Mountain High at Lowick Old School, Coniston, Cumbria LA12 8EB
Mountain Biking is full of big ups, big downs and rocky terrain – but it’s a fantastic way to combine the Lake District’s stunning views with some real adventure. The National Park is laced with bridleways, offering true cross-country mountain biking and some of the best trails in Europe.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to mountain biking in the Lake District – there are bike hire shops and adventure centres dotted around the whole park. If you’re a beginner, we’d recommend checking out West Lake Adventures or River Deep Mountain High and taking a guided mountain biking session. That way, you’ll be in the safe hands of an instructor who can guide you through the best biking spots.
River tubing in Perthshire
Where: Nae Limits, Ballinluig, Pitlochry PH9 0LG
Time to get wet! Adventure tubing down the River Garry with Nae Limits in Scotland is the perfect adventure day trip for the whole family. The tubes are built to withstand any bangs or bumps as they carry you along the fast-flowing river. Experience steep gorges, and class two rapids and try your hand at cliff jumping from the famous Soldier’s Leap on this adrenaline-fuelled, scenic trip.
Skydiving in Cambridgeshire
Where: North London Skydive Centre, Block Fen Drove, Wimblington, Chatteris, March PE15 0FB
Are you brave enough to jump out of a plane from 15,000 feet in the air? For an adrenaline rush like no other, head to the North London Skydiving Centre and soar through the sky over lush green landscapes.
North London Skydiving Centre captures your jump via photography and video capture as you conquer your fears and glide through the air. And don’t worry, this extremely reputable company has consistently excellent reviews and highly qualified instructors – so you’ll be in safe hands from the minute you step on the plane.
Surfing in Conwy
Where: Surf Snowdonia, Conway Rd, Dolgarrog, Conwy LL32 8QE
Another Snowdonia adventure gem, Surf Snowdonia is the world’s first inland surf lagoon and the UK’s only artificial surfing lake. The incredible technology creates various wavy profiles, while the centre’s expert surf crew deliver exceptional lessons and courses – all set in the lush Conwy Valley. The 300-metre surf lagoon, Crash & Splash lagoon, and fantastic bar and cafe make Surf Snowdonia a great place to spend the day.
The UK is packed with adventure – so come on over and combine a trip to the bustling capital on one of our tours with one of our many adrenaline-junkie-worthy activities. You can get a sneak peek of our London in One Day tour below.
