From River Swimming to Paragliding: Glorious Adventures Holidays in the UK

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Holidays always conceal a treasure chest of excitement and emotions. Whether to unplug from the reality of everyday life or simply enjoy some precious ‘me time’, true travellers visit new destinations to be amazed and create lasting memories. In the words of French poet Charles Baudelaire, travellers are like balloons – they surrender to the wind, follow their hearts, and take in the glorious landscapes that surround them.

It is fair to say that, here in the UK, we are spoilt for choice. When it comes to natural beauties and iconic landmarks, our country has endless, wonderful locations to treat and satisfy the eyes of its visitors. Ultimately, if you are looking for an adventure, Britain is the ideal place for an unforgettable getaway.

This article offers some tips to plan, prepare, and book a perfect British adventure holiday, detailing what you need to pack and where you may want to put your exploring skills to the test.

What to do and where to go

Quo vadis?” a Roman soldier would have asked you roughly 2,000 years ago as he marched along the newly built Hadrian Wall. Where are you going?

As a traveller, trekking along the ruins of this stunning historical site in the north of England, immersed in the beautiful Northumberland countryside, is one of the many adventure holidays you can choose from. After a long day of walking and exploring, you can even lodge in a splendid castle hotel and crown your vacation with fantastic memories.    

What other activities can you enjoy in the UK? Where else can you experience some truly special moments? Here are a few suggestions:

  • Surfing in Cornwall or North Yorkshire – Who says you need to fly to Portugal or Bali to ride the waves? Surfing is a brilliant way to connect with nature and embrace a fun challenge. With strong currents and great beaches scattered across the country, the UK has an array of excellent spots for adventurous surfing holidays.

Looking for a holiday atmosphere? The golden coasts and mild temperatures in Cornwall will delight you. If you do not mind chillier conditions, North Yorkshire offers great surfing locations too, including the picturesque seaside town of Saltburn-on-Sea.

  • Navigation lessons in the Peak District – Hill walks and woodland strolls are freeing, liberating experiences. But there is no hiding that, after a few miles, you can easily get lost. Why not join navigation classes to learn how to read maps, plan routes, and decipher compasses? The enchanting Peak District is the ideal place for courses on how to find your way through spring orchids and limestone locations.
  • Via ferrata in Cumbria – Seeking a one-of-a-kind adventure? Cumbria is home to one of the best and unique experiences you could wish for. With bridges and ladders drilled into mountains and rockfaces, the Cumbrian via ferrata allows you to admire stunning, bird’s-eye views of the Lake District.

Suspended around 2,000-feet above the valleys of Borrowdale and Buttermere, this is an adventure that is bound to stay in your heart for a very long time.

  • River swimming in Oxfordshire – If you are an avid swimmer and enjoy practising lengths at your local pool on a regular basis, a trip to Oxfordshire should definitely be on your agenda. Why not indulge in a swimming holiday with a twist?

Surrounded by calm countryside, Oxfordshire is the ideal location for an open-water swimming vacation along the Thames. There is no hiding that it will be a challenging experience, but one you will certainly never forget!

  • Hiking the Causeway coast – If you are dreaming of a quieter, low-key adventure that isn’t too physically demanding, hiking the Causeway coast would be a fantastic choice. Including UNESCO sites such as the mesmerising Giant’s Causeway, this Northern Irish spot is an authentic corner of paradise. Not only will you be working your legs and toning your muscles, but you will also be treating your eyes to some truly spectacular views.
  • Sea kayaking in Scotland or Devon – One of the best ways to take in British natural wonders is to have a go at sea kayaking. Book yourself an adventure trip to Scotland and spend a few days rowing past remote bays and spotting the area’s rich wildlife.

Alternatively, opt for a staycation in Devon, where you can paddle through caves and discover inlets, headlands, and pristine beaches.

The good news is that you do not need to be an expert in kayaking to enjoy it – join a small group of like-minded people and simply get exploring!

  • Paragliding in Surrey – Do you have a passion for flying? The Surrey countryside is rich in glorious open, green spaces. Here, you can take off like a bird and float 500-feet above its beautiful landscapes, all while hanging from a material canopy. If this sounds like your cup of tea, a paragliding holiday should be at the top of your travelling wish list.

This will allow you to have a relaxing vacation mixed with a dose of pure adrenaline – take a run-up, swoop through the air, and fly silently above this splendid region.

Time to pack your bags

Once you have decided on your destination and arranged your activities, you can start packing your bags. Picking clothes from your wardrobe, especially in view of an adventurous holiday, can be a tricky task. What should you take on vacation?

  • Play it safe – It is only natural to be tempted to buy new gear and immediately pack your purchases for your imminent holiday. But the truth is that you don’t know whether your new hiking boots will hurt your feet or whether your swimming suit will rub your skin.

If you have planned a staycation that is full of adventures and challenging sports, you will want to be comfortable at all times. Therefore, make sure you fill your trolley with clothing and equipment that you have tested and used before. Adventure holidays are not the moment to try out kit for the first time.

  • Check the weather forecast – Google your destination’s weather forecast for the upcoming days and pack accordingly. If there is a chance of rain, or if the temperatures are set to be chilly, you may want to take a few extra layers along with you.

With waterproof and windproof jackets, you will be able to enjoy your exciting adventures regardless of the unpredictable British weather conditions.

  • GoPro and camera – What better way to eternalise such special memories than with a camera? Take as many pictures as you like and keep them as a souvenir from your unforgettable trip!

However, if you are hiking, paragliding, or even swimming, a GoPro is a far less fragile option that will allow you to capture incredible moments with ease and confidence. It is safe to say, moreover, that the filming and photo quality is superb. By the end of the holiday, you will have a splendid documentary to take home with you.

  • Headtorch – A real adventurer should always have a handy headtorch on them. Whether journeying through hills or woodlands, a headtorch is crucial to ensure that you can see where you are going at all times.

During evening hikes or kayak trips inside dark caves, it will provide you with some much-needed light and pave the way to some true exploring.

Looking for an adrenaline-filled experience? Wanting to spend a few days trying something completely new? You don’t have to travel far. Britain’s amazing landscape is the perfect backdrop for exciting, unforgettable adventure holidays.

Sources

https://adventuretoursuk.com/how-to-create-the-perfect-adventure/

https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/uk/travel-guide/top-10

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2018/apr/21/20-best-wild-adventure-breaks-outdoor-activitiesuk-walking-climbing-kayaking

https://www.healthandfitnesstravel.com/blog/8-reasons-to-choose-an-adventure-holiday

https://www.macsadventure.com/walking-holidays/top-tips-to-prepare-for-an-adventure-holiday/#:~:text=Top%20tips%20to%20prepare%20for%20an%20adventure%20holiday,…%2010%20…And%20other%20things%20that%20matter.%20

https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/adventure-packing-list/

https://www.visitbritain.com/gb/en/best-places-action-adventure-sports-britain

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