ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY ADVENTURES ON HOME SOIL

If you’re anything like us, summer is all about adventure, and whether that means exploring or finding new experiences here on home turf, we’re here to help. With staycations on the rise, we’ve been thinking outside the box to find you epic activities that will ensure you have a summer to remember. So here’s our little home-grown inspiration from us to you. You’re welcome. 

Need something that gets your heart racing and your blood pumping? We can think of a few things to do here in the UK that’ll do the job. If you love clinging to crags, there are plenty of epic climbs up and down the UK, ranging from the well-chalked faces of Stanage Edge and Scafell to some of the lesser-known but more hair-raising crags of the Peaks, Lakes, Dales, Cairngorms and South Coast too. 

For a little extra adrenaline, give deep water solo a go? Climb without a harness or ropes over open water, dropping into the blue when reaching your limit. You can get your rocks and water fix out canyoning too, scrambling up and abseiling down waterfalls, cliff jumping, wild swimming and climbing watery crags to do it all over again. 

If via Ferrata is more your style, you don’t need to be in the Dolomites to experience the thrill; the UK has plenty to offer too. Head to Honister in the Lake District for one of the world’s best via Ferrata experiences. 

If you love heights, seek out high wire courses located at various locations around the UK, and if you’re by the sea and want a little more excitement, give coasteering a go. It’s a much more intense way to explore the UK coastline as you hop, scramble and jump along coastal cliffs. You’re attached to a rope, but it’ll certainly get your blood pumping, as long as you don’t mind getting wet! Finally, if you’re looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush, BASE jumping is about as thrilling as it gets, but you’ll need extensive training before you can master this one.

Some people just have a need for speed, whether that’s on their own two feet, two wheels, or something else entirely. There are plenty of ways to up the pace around the UK, from traditional trail running, road cycling and downhill mountain biking. But if you’re looking for something a little different, give kite buggying a try, tearing along the beach attached to a kite, or check out the world’s fastest zipline found in an impressive North Wales quarry. 

If two wheels are more your bag, the UK has so many on and off-road cycling routes to choose from, with some epic climbs, hair-raising descents and unforgettable views to boot. Move over Majorca: the UK has its fair share of rides that will make you the envy of all your Strava followers. And the best part? You can do the whole journey on your bike.

Since we live on an island, there’s no lack of sand, sea and watersports for those who seek it. Our humble coastline is vast and varied, and you can surf, swim, sail, ski and snorkel to your heart’s content. But there’s plenty more where that came from, and there’s never been a better time to try something new. 

If you love the snow in winter, why not check out kiteboarding or ski surfing? If you’re after a bit of zen, give SUP or beach yoga a go and test out your balance. For those looking for underwater adventures, the UK has some of the best wreck sites for traditional diving, and if you fancy taking things up a notch, drift diving will give you a buzz as you travel underwater at speed, carried by the current with no kicking required.

Not everyone’s idea of a break is travelling at high speed or reaching great heights, and sometimes you need to slow things down and reconnect. The UK has plenty to offer those looking for some space and solitude from their adventures, with plenty of beautiful and almost untouched places to visit. 

If you fancy treating yourself and have the cash to splash, book yourself an outdoor retreat in one of the UK’s many tranquil countryside locations. Activities range from forest yoga, wild swimming and foraging to outdoor circuit classes, kayaking and guided trail runs. 

However, if you’re not big on timetables, there’s nothing to stop you doing these wellness activities outdoors and discovering the hidden wonders of the UK for yourself. And if you fancy a little luxury on your escape to the wilderness, check out our UK's best luxury staycation spots.