The UK adventure tourism market is growing rapidly. Boasting a compound annual growth rate of around 15%, more and more people are jumping on the bandwagon and exploring the wild beauty of its national parks, rugged coastlines, sparkling lakes, verdant forests and imposing mountain ranges. Intrepid travellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a destination. If you’re ready to discover new places, here are some locations to add to your list.
The Lake District
It would be remiss to compile a guide to adventure holidays in the UK and not mention the Lake District. An expansive wonderland dotted with rolling hills, blanket-like meadows, craggy mountain peaks, and, of course, glimmering lakes, this gem in the northwest of England is a spectacular base for action-packed adventures.
The Lakes is a popular spot for climbing, hiking, mountain biking and abseiling, but it’s also a great choice for anyone wishing to try rafting, watersports, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, and open-water swimming.
Experienced hikers won’t want to miss Helvellyn and Langdale Pikes. For those looking for a slightly gentler pace, a meander around Tarn Hows comes highly recommended. If you’re staying in Grasmere, the Easedale Tarn trail offers spectacular views.
Cornwall
Cornwall may be synonymous with beaches and summer holidays, but it’s also a brilliant base for adventure activities, most notably water sports. Boasting swathes of golden sands and vivid blue waters, you can try everything from sea kayaking, swimming and surfing to paddleboarding, sailing and diving.
Hordes of visitors head to the Cornish coast in the summer, but it’s a serene sanctuary for intrepid explorers during the low season. If you’re keen to enjoy the views and awe-inspiring scenery without the crowds, you’ll find deserted beaches and quiet coves between November and March.
Snowdonia
If climbing and hiking are your top activities, it’s hard to beat Snowdonia. Located in northwest Wales, this national park is home to the nation’s highest mountain, Snowdon. For those keen to test their stamina, the peak stands at over 1000 metres.
Snowdonia is known for its walking and hiking trails, but you can participate in all kinds of activities. Within easy reach of the heart of this sprawling national park, you can try everything from mountain biking and caving to ziplining and rafting. The best way to see everything is to book a Snowdon hotel, find a local campsite or stay in a nearby lodge or cabin. You can spend your days roaming and then retreat to your accommodation or a cosy local pub to refuel, recover and recharge your batteries for the next adventure.
If you’re planning to climb Snowdon, the ascent is challenging, particularly when the weather conditions are unpredictable. In this part of the world, a bright blue sky can quickly turn into a moody grey landscape, which threatens high winds and heavy rain. It’s always wise to check weather reports, pack snacks and water, charge your phone and listen out for advice and updates from local authorities and emergency services.
Cairngorms
The Cairngorms are the jewel in Scotland’s crown for travellers looking to enjoy winter sports, rock climbing and hiking, but they offer much more. A hive of activity throughout the year, you can try a wide range of outdoor pursuits, including canoeing, gorge walking, stand-up paddleboarding, archery and golf.
The Cairngorms National Park is a giant natural playground, which is best explored over the course of a few days or longer if possible. One of the main reasons visitors flock here is to enjoy some of the best walking and hiking trails in the UK. Suitable for all ages and abilities, there are trails for everyone. From gentle inclines and short routes to quad-busting treks high up in the clouds, this location caters to all. Highlights for seasoned hikers and climbers include Ben Macdui and Cairn Toul-Braeriach.
Causeway Coast and Glens
Known to many as the home of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast and Glens cover the north of the island. A mesmerising mix of rugged coastlines, unspoiled beaches, crashing waves, ancient castles, picturesque villages and craggy outcrops, this is a destination any adventurer will love.
Walking and hiking are the main activities on offer here, but you can also try water sports, wildlife spotting and climbing. It’s also a fabulous location to indulge an interest in history, with several castles in the area.
The Giant’s Causeway is best explored on foot. There’s a choice of short walking trails for all abilities. The Causeway Coast Trail, which connects Ballycastle and Portstewart Strand, stretches approximately 32 miles. This is a truly magical hike, which will take you from pristine beaches and domineering cliffs to medieval castles and the iconic hexagonal rock formations of the Giant’s Causeway. It usually takes a couple of days, depending on how long you want to spend soaking up the sights.
Peak District
The Peak District lies in the heart of England and is characterised by stretches of stark moorland and peaks rising from the mist. An area of wild natural beauty, it offers endless opportunities for walkers, ramblers and explorers looking to embrace tranquillity, capture awe-inspiring scenery, or test their physical mettle. There are walking and hiking trails to suit everyone, from beginners and those seeking a gentle scenic stroll to experienced hikers ready to set their pulses racing. Popular routes can be found around Mam Tor and Dovedale. For tougher trails and smaller crowds, why not take on the Edale Skyline Challenge, which is a 20-mile route with a 4,000-metre ascent?
Away from the hiking trails, you can enjoy a wealth of other activities in the Peaks, including rafting, kayaking, climbing and cycling.
The UK is one of the best places in the world to visit for an adventure holiday. From mountains and lakes to rugged beaches and wild expanses of moorland, intrepid explorers can take advantage of stunning natural wonderlands that offer all kinds of adrenaline-boosting activities. Locations you may want to add to your list include the Lake District, Snowdonia, the Cairngorms, Cornwall, the Causeway Coast and Glens and the Peak District.
