Top 10 adventure vacations in the UK
Getting out and about in the UK needn’t be about stately homes and countryside strolls – there’s wild beauty here, and mountains to conquer and all manner of pulse-raising activities to get stuck into. What’s more, the UK’s compact size and good public transport links mean that there’s no need for damaging short haul internal flights; and in many cases you can leave the car behind, too. Choose instead to board a train to the Scottish Highlands, hop on board a sailing boat and cruise the English Channel or explore the Welsh countryside on horseback. More exciting for you, and better for the environment, too.
Read on for our top 8 adventure vacations in the UK.
Read on for our top 8 adventure vacations in the UK.
1. Coast to coast cycling in England
The C2C (or sea to sea) is 230 kilometres of northern English majesty, as you ride from Whitehaven on the west coast of England to Tynemouth on the east, via Cumbrian lakes and fells, Dales villages, welcoming pubs and tea shops, and the occasional challenging hill climb. Follow a fully supported, self guided route developed by cycling charity Sustrans, that ends with a paddle in the sea and a well-deserved ice cream on the beach.
When to go: All year-round
Our top selling trip: Coast to coast cycling vacation in England
See all our trips: England cycling vacations
Read more: England cycling travel guide
Our top selling trip: Coast to coast cycling vacation in England
See all our trips: England cycling vacations
Read more: England cycling travel guide
2. Winter walking in Scotland
Forget flying to the Alps for an unsustainable downhill skiing break. Instead take the train up to the Scottish Highlands for a week of challenging winter walking in the company of an experienced mountain guide. You’ll need to be fit, but the thrill of experiencing the snowy mountain landscape with few other people in sight makes it well worth it.When to go: January to March
Our top selling trip: Scotland winter walking vacations
See all our trips: Walking vacations in Scotland
Read more: Scotland travel guide and Flight free travel guide
3. Sailing in Scotland
All hands on deck for adventure as you join skipper Jock aboard his comfortable sailing yacht that sleeps six passengers for a week of relaxing fun in the Firth of Clyde. Precise routes and activities are dictated by your interests, and the weather, but can range from cycling and swimming to kayaking, touring whisky distilleries, or hiking on islands such as Arran and Bute.When to go: June to September
Our top selling trip: Sailing vacation in Scotland – Greater Clyde
See all our trips: Scotland sailing vacations
Read more: Scotland travel guide
4. Sea kayaking in Scotland
Scotland’s dramatic Atlantic Coast is one of the finest destinations for sea kayaking in Europe, if not the world. Paddle across wild sea lochs, past ruined castles, marine wildlife reserves, and stunning sandy beaches, in the company of a small group led by an expert kayaking guide. Taking in the central section of the Scotland Sea Kayak Trail, this exhilarating six-day trip involves staying in a series of delightful Highland inns, the perfect way to relax after a day on the water.
When to go: May to August
Our top selling trip: Atlantic Coast sea kayaking vacation in Scotland
See all our trips: Vacations in Scotland
Read more: Sea kayaking travel guide
Our top selling trip: Atlantic Coast sea kayaking vacation in Scotland
See all our trips: Vacations in Scotland
Read more: Sea kayaking travel guide
5. Horse riding in the UK
Follow the Border to Coast trail from Wales’ Wye Valley to sands of the Dovey Estuary, a thrilling trail ride through wild countryside that covers 100 miles over six days. You’ll have the company of an experienced local guide as well as a small group of riders, and nights will be spent in small inns and guest houses along the way.When to go: April to October
Our top selling trip: Border to coast horse riding vacation in the UK
See all our trips: Horse riding vacations
Read more: UK travel guide and Horse riding vacations travel guide
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6. Fell running
Join a professional orienteering champion for an exhilarating weekend of trail running in Wales’ magnificent Snowdonia National Park. Improve your flexibility, and technique, with top level coaching combined with a couple of fantastic long runs. Training camps take place either in autumn or spring, bookending the trail running season.
When to go: March or September
Our top selling trip: Fell running weekend in Wales
See all our trips: Trail running vacations
Read more: Fitness vacations travel guide and Wales travel guide
Our top selling trip: Fell running weekend in Wales
See all our trips: Trail running vacations
Read more: Fitness vacations travel guide and Wales travel guide
7. Exploring the Causeway Coast
Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast is perfect for a low-key adventure, from hiking the quiet trails of the Causeway Coast Way, to visiting UNESCO World Heritage listed Giant’s Causeway. Week-long self-guided trips make use of public transport and traveling to Ireland flight-free is easy thanks to numerous ferry services from the UK.When to go: April to October
Our top selling trip: Causeway Coast vacation, Northern Ireland
See all our trips: Northern Ireland vacations
Read more: Northern Ireland travel guide and Adventure vacations travel guide
8. Mountain biking in the Cairngorms
Scotland’s majestic Cairngorms National Park is a paradise for the adventurous mountain biker, with several classic routes taking in diverse scenery, big climbs, twisty-turny downhills, and outstanding views. Hearty meals every night from Scotland’s ‘natural larder’ fuel your daytime exertions, and if you wanted to make it an entirely car-free vacation, you can easily get there by train from London.
When to go: April to December
Our top trip: Cairngorms mountain biking short break
See all our trips: Scotland cycling vacations
Read more: Scotland travel guide and Scotland cycling travel guide
Our top trip: Cairngorms mountain biking short break
See all our trips: Scotland cycling vacations
Read more: Scotland travel guide and Scotland cycling travel guide
9. Mountain biking in Wales
Aimed at experienced riders, this week-long adventurous mountain biking vacation sees you exploring the epic Traws Eryri (Trans Snowdonia) Mountain Biking route as part of a fully guided small group. Tackle 225km of off road trails, spending around six hours a day in the saddle with plenty of fun, challenge and thrills in the mix. This is some of the best single track riding in the country.When to go: June and September
Our top selling trip: North Wales guided mountain biking vacation
See all our trips: Adventurous cycling vacations
Read more: Cycling vacations travel guide and Wales travel guide
10. Wildlife watching in Scotland
Tracking Scotland’s wildlife in the company of an expert guide takes you to a variety of destinations, each with its own distinctive landscapes. The Isle of Mull, Cairngorms National Park, and the coast of Moray, make stunning backdrops for red squirrels, capercaillies, deer, seals, and dolphins. Roam on foot, by boat, and even by kayak, in one of Europe’s finest destinations for adventurous wildlife watching.When to go: April to June
Our top selling trip: Scottish highlands wildlife vacation
See all our trips: Wildlife vacations in Scotland
Read more: Scotland wildlife travel guide
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