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.
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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.
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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.