The UK has many destinations perfect for an adventure-filled staycation, offering activities like hiking, water sports, cycling, and more. With so many adventure holidays UK destinations, knowing where to go can be a minefield. So, to help you find the perfect destination for you and your family, here are some of the best spots for an adventurous getaway right here in the UK, complete with a list of activities you could get stuck into whilst in the area.
Stock ID: 92110064
Snowdonia National Park
- Key activities: Mountain climbing, hiking, zip-lining, and water sports.
- Highlights:
- Mount Snowdon: Climb Wales’ highest peak or take the scenic Snowdon Mountain Railway.
- Zip World: Experience Europe’s longest and fastest zip line at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry.
- Canyoning and paddle-boarding: Explore the rivers and lakes, or try canyoning and paddle-boarding at local spots like Llyn Gwynant.
Lake District
- Key activities: Hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and cycling.
- Highlights:
- Scafell Pike: Hike England’s highest mountain.
- Water adventures: Try kayaking or paddle-boarding on lakes like Windermere or Derwentwater.
- Ghyll scrambling: Popular in rivers and streams across the region, including Langdale.
Isle of Skye
- Key activities: Wild swimming, rock climbing, hiking, and kayaking.
- Highlights:
- The Cuillin Ridge: Tackle challenging climbs or hikes across these dramatic peaks.
- Fairy pools: A beautiful spot for wild swimming in crystal-clear waters.
- Coastal kayaking: Explore Skye’s rugged coastline and sea caves by kayak.
Brecon Beacons National Park
- Key activities: Hiking, caving, mountain biking, and stargazing.
- Highlights:
- Pen y Fan: Hike up the highest peak in South Wales.
- Dan-yr-Ogof caves: Explore one of the UK’s most impressive cave systems.
- Mountain biking: Try the trails around BikePark Wales or the scenic Taff Trail.
Cornwall
- Key activities: Surfing, coasteering, sea kayaking, and cliff hiking.
- Highlights:
- Newquay: Known for its fantastic surfing conditions, with surf schools offering lessons for all levels.
- South West Coast Path: Hike sections of this iconic coastal trail for stunning sea views.
- Coasteering: Experience this thrilling water activity along rugged Cornish cliffs in places like St. Ives or Penzance.
Peak District
- Key activities: Caving, rock climbing, hiking, and cycling.
- Highlights:
- Kinder Scout: A classic and challenging hike offering beautiful views.
- Stanage Edge: A world-renowned rock-climbing destination with routes for all abilities.
- Caving: Explore underground wonders like Castleton’s Blue John Cavern or Speedwell Cavern.
The Scottish Highlands
- Key activities: Munro bagging (mountain hiking), kayaking, white-water rafting, and mountain biking.
- Highlights:
- Ben Nevis: Climb the UK’s tallest mountain or tackle the famous Five Sisters of Kintail ridge walk.
- Fort William: A hub for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities like kayaking on Loch Linnhe or rafting on the River Garry.
- Mountain biking: Test your skills on trails like the Nevis Range.
Pembrokeshire Coast
- Key activities: Coasteering, surfing, sea kayaking, and hiking.
- Highlights:
- Pembrokeshire Coast Path: Walk stunning coastal paths with dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches.
- Blue Lagoon: A top spot for coasteering adventures.
- Sea kayaking: Explore the coast and its marine life, including dolphins and seals.
Northumberland
- Key activities: Hiking, dark sky stargazing, and wildlife spotting.
- Highlights:
- Cheviot Hills: Great for rugged, off-the-beaten-path hikes.
- Kielder Water & Forest Park: Perfect for mountain biking, hiking, and water sports on the largest man-made lake in Northern Europe.
- Farne Islands: Take a boat trip to see puffins, seals, and other wildlife.
The Cairngorms National Park
- Key activities: Skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife safaris.
- Highlights:
- Cairngorm Mountain: Ski in winter, or take a funicular railway ride and hike in summer.
- Wildlife safaris: Go on guided tours to spot rare wildlife like reindeer, ospreys, and golden eagles.
-
River Spey: Perfect for canoeing or river rafting.
Dorset and the Jurassic Coast
- Key Activities: Fossil hunting, coasteering, hiking, and rock climbing.
- Highlights:
- Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove: Famous for coastal walks, rock climbing, and the chance to spot fossils along the beaches.
- South West Coast Path: Hike along stunning cliffs with views of the UNESCO World Heritage coastline.
- Fossil hunting: Visit Charmouth Beach or Lyme Regis to find ancient fossils.
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
