The UK is a great holiday destination, albeit not always ideal if you are looking for a sunshine break. The UK offers something very different to the beach holiday – it offers picturesque countryside and multiple opportunities for healthy, outdoor adventures. Whether you fancy hiking up a mountain, zip-wiring down a mountain or just spending time in the beautiful rural pastures, there is plenty to see and do around the UK.
You could even split your trip between sightseeing in a large city like London or Edinburgh, then heading out into the countryside for the second part of your holiday. Whatever you fancy, it is worth checking out some adventure holiday advice if you’re new to it all, or you could watch the video below to give you a taste.
We have rounded up some adventure-filled destinations for you to include on your trip:
Whitewater rafting in Llangollen
Head to the stunning area of Llangollen in Wales where there are water sports such as white water rafting to do on the River Dee. If you like water based adventures then this is an awesome location to find fun activities and explore the surrounding areas. There are numerous tour operators that offer white water rafting along the River Dee, so take a look at the different options before you book. When you are looking for accommodation, you will find lovely, quaint B&Bs and caravan holiday parks to choose from.
Windsurfing in the Lake District
The Lake District is a vast area containing numerous lakes that offer an array of water sports activities. Lake Windermere is probably your best option in terms of the biggest activity selection, where you can choose windsurfing, canoeing, water skiing and sailing amongst other water-based activities. The Lake District is also a great location for those who enjoy hiking or mountain biking in nice scenery.
Hiking in the Highlands
Mountainous Scotland is filled with adventure and it is a top destination for hikers looking for trails of all levels. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Highlands have plenty of tough trails to choose from. Ben Alligin in Torridon takes you to the highest point of 986 metres and some amazing views when you reach the peak. Also, The Fisherfields offers a serious mountaineering adventure, including five Munros and a Corbett to conquer.
Narrowboat, Warwickshire
For a slower paced type of adventure, taking to the water by narrowboat is a wonderful experience. The UK’s canal network offers many exploration opportunities, regardless of where you start from but Warwickshire is particularly nice. You can rent a boat for a few days and set off along your way, meeting fellow narrowboat habitants throughout your journey. You will come across a wealth of historic buildings and landmarks, as well as the stunning landscape of Warwickshire. Stratford-upon-Avon, or Shakespeare country, is not only a fascinating place for literature enthusiasts to visit it is also one of the most beautiful areas in England.
Rowing in Cambridge
The River Cam is where the Cambridge entrants of the famous Cambridge University v Oxford University boat race train. The long stretch of water is a hotspot for rowers and even attracts swimmers on a nice day. The city of Cambridge is a lovely place to visit, with amazing historical architecture and plenty of additional attractions. Just an hour’s train journey to London, you could very easily combine a day out in the capital to maybe take in a West End show or visit the famous sightseeing spots like Buckingham Palace. Better yet, if you are looking for suitable gifts to take home as a souvenir, or just something to say “I love you, mum”, there are shops aplenty. Combining Cambridge and London is a great way to experience both sides to the south section of England – the famous landmarks and city life plus the historical buildings and water activities that Cambridge offers.
Have you ever done any of these before? It would be great to hear what you think.
It’s amazing how many great holidays you can have in your own country. These sound like super ideas. We went punting in Cambridge and that was fun.
Absolutely, and there are great transport links depending where you’re going!
I’ve been rowing in Cambridge before and absolutely loved it – but it’s amazing how many great adventure holidays you can have here in the UK x
Definitely, the UK is full of hidden treasures!
Looks like there is a lot in terms of fun and adventure in the UK. Nice breath taking photo by the way
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There certainly is!
I’ve been to Cambridge and rowing on the cam is something I wished I had done. I would love to hike in the highlands. It would be the most amazing way to take in the views.
Yes definitely, a long drive away for some of us but worth it!
Oh we love UK adventures, there is nothing better than loading up the car and setting off on a road trip. My husband would love to hike in the highlands it looks amazing.
So true, there’s something so adventurous and fun about it!
We had a UK based holiday but not as adventurous as those mentioned they may be for when the children get older. I love a British holiday though so many choices, in fact the last holiday abroad was when I was 14.
You can do so much in the UK now and with the weather we’re having it’s not surprising people are looking to holiday at home rather than abroad!
Oh! These are fun holidays. I would want to try Whitewater rafting in Llangollen !
I have to say I do love a good active adventure holiday!! I’ve bee narrowboating but would love to go again and would also love to try windsurfing – great list!!
Laura x
Thank you, hope you get a chance to try some new ones on this list! So many hidden gems to have a go at x
I have literally done none of these – I haven’t even heard of half of them, which is shameful considering I’m a travel blogger LOL! I’d love to go white water rafting one day, I didn’t even know it was possible in the UK x
We hope you get a chance to try some of these!
Great list… it’s so nice to see some UK adventure activities. There’s so much more to do there then just city fun. As much fun as a good pub can be, there’s just something exhilarating about getting outside into nature.
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