If you and your family crave adventure but don’t want to go far, you’re in luck – just about every kind of adrenaline-inducing activity you can dream of is available right here in the UK. Many are suitable for children. Rather than drag them through another museum or monument, why not catch a wave or climb a mountain with them?
With so many different exhilarating activities, it’s tough to pick just one, so the travel experts at Voyage Privé have recommended the best outdoor adventure holidays you can have in the UK. Lace up your hiking boots or put on your wetsuit, and get ready for an amazing outdoors adventure.
Surfing in Cornwall
Cornwall has some of the UK’s most satisfying waves for surfing. At certain beaches, you would be forgiven for thinking you’re on the Californian coast, thanks to the beautiful sand, perfect tides, and welcoming surf culture. We recommend heading down to Harlyn Bay where beginners and enthusiasts of any age can hit the waves together.
For younger kids, paddleboarding is a great option – calmer and safer, but still fun. Older children or teens with a head for heights can go coasteering and view the waves from a completely different angle. Once you’re exhausted, head to the Oystercatcher Bar in Polzeath for one of Cornwall’s best post-surf pints and a top notch plate of fish and chips for the whole family.
Waterskiing in the Lake District
Live life in the fast lane as you’re towed behind a speedy boat across some of the largest stretches of fresh water in England. Stick to waterskiing or try your hand at wakeboarding or kneeboarding as well; there are a number of outlets in the area that will help you find your inner speed demon on the open water. Most of them will cater to adrenaline junkies of all ages; just check with them when you book.
For those who want to enjoy the water at a slightly slower pace, walking around the lakes can be a great way to experience the beautiful countryside. Buttermere Lake is a popular family route and only takes two to three hours with children.
Rock Climbing in Yorkshire
The Yorkshire Dales combines excellent rock climbing with spectacular countryside views. Challenging and exciting climbs will be within easy reach wherever you decide to stay, but Brimham Rocks has some particularly strong options. Every level of climbing is available in this almost otherworldly rock formation.
You needn’t limit yourself to roped climbing; try bouldering and weaseling as well. Children will love scrambling around the rocks without ropes and trying to clamber through smaller openings. We just hope parents will be able to keep up!
Mountain Biking in the Cotswolds
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, the Cotswolds has the perfect mountain biking experience for you. Choose easily accessible beginner rides along well-marked trails for younger children. Challenge teens with a more technical route including steep ascents, rocky descents, rooty trails, and fast open farm tracks. Stop off at any of the many pretty villages for a gastropub meal or an afternoon cream tea to rest tired little legs.
Paragliding in Norfolk
Get a new perspective on the beauty of Norfolk’s countryside by paragliding. You can see farms and fields for miles across Norfolk’s flat landscape. This isn’t an activity for the faint hearted; paragliders can cover hundreds of kilometres at heights of up to a few thousand meters. The rewards are well worth the risk, however, with stunning views and an incredible sense of achievement.
Paragliding is best suited for teens, but younger children can enjoy Norfolk too. Canoeing in the Norfolk Broads is safe and fun. It lets kids see some truly wonderful wildlife, like otters, water voles, eels, frogs, and birds.
Hiking in North Wales
North Wales offers some fantastic walking opportunities for all ages. More advanced hikers will relish the challenge of Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. For those who are younger or less confident, more relaxed walking opportunities abound. Take a long walk across the beach, or a hilly scramble along the coastal paths that border the Welsh coast.
Caernarfon is a particularly scenic seaside area with a wonderful castle where you can discover a little slice of Welsh history. Further inland there are plenty more opportunities to discover the beauty of the Welsh countryside. Lots of routes available are well signposted on even paths, punctuated by cafés and pubs that make excellent pit stops.
For more information visit Voyage Prive.
