Strap in: 12 of the Best Adventure Weekends in the UK

Posted on 24th Sep 2023. In , , , ,

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Good ol’ Blighty is filled with outdoor thrills and spills if you like your Saturdays and Sundays with an adrenaline shot. Rugged coastlines, rocky valleys, wild rivers and national parks boasting mighty mountains, peaks and ridges – the UK has is alive with natural wonder and full of must-try experiences, which means you don’t have to travel far for an adventure holiday in the UK outdoors. To help you plan an activity holiday you won’t forget, we’ve scooped up 12 of the best UK adventure weekends. Buckle up, it’s about to get wild.

 

The Best Adventure Weekends in the UK 

Cornish Adventure Weekends 

1. Run, swim, hike or surf wild Cornwall staying aboard a vintage double-decker

Adventure holidays in Cornwall don’t come much more thrilling than a trip with Scarangar. Scarangar is a low-impact group activity and tour experience for 10 of you. At the heart of this epic trip is the ‘adventure bus’ – a stunningly converted vintage double-decker which is your unique and boutique accommodation for the trip.

During the day, the bus and its chauffeur (an experienced and professional local driver) takes you from beautiful spot to beautiful spot, stopping at Cornwall’s most stunning places where you’ll meet your outdoor activity provider. Maybe you want to learn to surf or go wild swimming. Perhaps you’re keen to run or hike the South West Coast Path.

Scarangar has two ways you can indulge your wild passions: A) join one of their pre-planned adventure holidays (such as Wellness Cornwall, Hike Cornwall or Run Cornwall) with all activities included or B) hire the bus and driver for a tour of North or South Cornwall or both, with meals included – and add your own activities to create a bespoke experience.

Whatever you decide, your days will be filled with unforgettable thrills with your friends or family. Come night, you’ll dine aboard the adventure bus – all your meals are provided for you – and then bed down sleeping in specially-created Scandi-style sleep pods, whilst camped at a pre-arranged campsite. Next morning, breakfast is served and off you go again to wake up your wild side.

Suitable For: Explorers and adventurers who love the outdoors
Cost: From £500pn
Book now: Scarangar
Pic Credit: Scarangar


 

The Best Adventure Weekends in the UK 

Yorkshire Adventure Weekends 

2. Wild camp on top of a Land Rover Defender on the North Yorkshire Moors

TRIED & TESTED

Few things will leave you feeling as connected to the North Yorkshire Moors than wild camping amongst its beautiful landscape, bedded alongside the heather and gorse. On this unique dog-friendly weekend adventure with Defender Camping Yorkshire, your stead is a sought-after Land Rover Defender and your home or camp is a brilliant (and we mean brilliant) 2-person RoofBunk tent – sat proudly rooftop, eyeing the clouds.

Choose from one of the four Landys for your trip: Sidney, Bruce, Shelia (5-seater Defenders 110 XS ) or Milly (a 2-seater Defender 90). And forget battling with irritating ground tent paraphernalia. Pop the RoofBunk tent up in less than a minute (thanks to the clever gas strut system), throw in some sleeping bags and pillows – and voilà: your bed for the night is set.

Trust us, it’s gob-smackingly comfortable thanks to the memory-foam mattress to sleep on and the insulated lining keeping the cold, wind and rain at bay. There’s a telescopic ladder so you can climb up to bed and a zippable doorway hatch to flip open and gaze out of as the sun sets each night and the moon rises over the moors.

Come morning, simply slot the tent back into its hard shell roofcase, pick a spot on the map and go with the wind at your heels and the open road in sight. Half the fun is driving the Land Rover Defender up moor and down dale, exploring North Yorkshire’s uber-pretty villages, towns and hidden-away hamlets.

If you’re a camping first-timer this unique adventure is ideal: everything you need to experience the great outdoors safe and securely is provided by Tom, the owner of Yorkshire Vehicle Hire, including a gas stove (with gas bottle), bbq grill, cutlery, tea & coffee, kitchen table, table and chairs.

There’s even the collapsible kitchen sink, potable shower and fully-charged power banks to keep your devices topped up. Should you need recommendations of where to camp, Tom can help with that too. The only thing you need to pack, other than good sleeping bags, is your sense of adventure. Highly recommended.

Suitable For: Dog-loving adventurers; Couples, Friends and Solo Weekenders.
Cost: From £155pn (10% off using code skycamping10)
Book now: Defender Camping Yorkshire
You might also like:
Defender camping in Northumberland with Overland Adventures
Pic Credit: Weekend Candy/Defender Camping Yorkshire


 

 

The Best Adventure Weekends in the UK 

Cornish Adventure Weekends 

3. Splash into Newquay’s coastal blues on an camp, coasteering and surf weekend 

For a sea-splashed adrenaline hit on the stunning North Cornwall Coast, check out Cornish Wave’s Watersports Adventure Weekend. Expect a full Friday – Sunday weekend of surfing, coasteering, wild camping, fun, games and new friends, with every moment professionally and expertly organised and hosted by the Cornish Wave team.

The adventure kicks-off on Friday night at Cornish Wave’s Newquay HQ for introductions and itineraries; then it’s time to check-in to your wild camp in the woods for an evening around the fire pit or axe-throwing in the hand-built games zone.

Saturday is all about getting in the sea: surfing in the morning and coasteering in the afternoon exploring rugged cliffs and hidden coves of a special section of the coast, known locally as the ‘Gazzle’. (Naturally, if weather, tide and conditions make things tricky, the team may swap activities around). If you’re a complete watersports novice, you’ve nothing to worry about; most of the people on this adult adventure holiday are so the team are used to working with beginners and encourage you to take it at your own pace.

Saturday night you can reward your bravery with a BBQ and some bevvies, before settling into your comfy bell tent for two to restore your energy for Sunday’s activities. Sunday starts with a simple breakfast and hot brew, before off you head to Newquay to jump into a wetsuit and take to the waves once more for surf ‘n’ frolics.

Once there, you’ll recap on the fundamentals of surfing and learn about the best conditions to catch the perfect wave with plenty of time for briney fun afterwards. As always, your expert coaches are on hand to help you master the board and barrels so you’ll leave Cornwall surf happier and wiser than when you arrived.

We love this adventure weekend because it’s as simple as turning up and pressing ‘go’: all your watersports kit is provided (just bring personal items, warm clothes and sleeping bag for your wild camp) and your enjoyment is always paramount, which is why there are always two guides for a group of 12 people so you get safe, personal and attentive instruction.

Best of all, the weekend is great for solo travellers, couples or a group friends who want to expand their horizons, break out of their comfort zones and take home plenty of stories to share.

Suitable for: All ages; Solo Weekenders; Couples; Groups of Friends
Includes: two surf lessons and a coasteering session (all 2 hours long) and an overnight camp at a private wild campsite.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Cost: From £289pp
Discover more: Cornish Wave
Pic Credit: Cornish Wave


 

The Best Adventure Weekends in the UK 

Yorkshire Adventure Weekends 

4. Hike the awesome landscape of the Yorkshire Dales

Hit the rugged Yorkshire Dales with an experienced guide on hand to make your hiking trip exceptional. Walking specialists HF Holidays offer a range of Yorkshire Dales walking holidays for whatever level of hiker you are, whether you’re flying solo or walking as a group.

Hikes include three-, four- and seven-night guided and self-guided walking breaks where you can choose from three different walks each day, ranging from easy six-mile stretches to more challenging 13-milers. Highlights include Malham Tarn, the huge rock amphitheatre of Malham Cove – once a waterfall to rival Niagara Falls – and the scenic cascades of Gordale Scar.

Suitable for: All ages; Solo Weekenders; Groups of Friends
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Cost: From £349pp
Discover more: HF Holidays
Pic Credit: HF Holidays


 

The Best Adventure Weekends in the UK | Tried & Tested

The Wye Valley Adventure Weekends 

5. Paddle the mighty River Wye

For watery adventure, the beautiful Wye River has the goods. This meaty river snakes its way through three counties: Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire in the South. Head to Monmouth and join Inspire2Adventure (a family-run, outdoor adventure company) for kayaking or canoeing on the River Wye.

They offer family and group adventure days and half days with a professional instructor at the helm showing you the ropes so you can paddle the River’s most picturesque spots. Easily accessible from Cardiff, Bristol, Cheltenham, the Midlands and the Southwest.

Stay here: By The Wye safari tent glamping on the banks of the River Wye.

Suitable for: Ages 8+; Hen & Stag Weekends; Team Building Weekends; Youth Groups
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Cost: From £45pp
Discover more: Inspire2Adventure
You might also like: A paddle & camping UK adventures with Black Grouse Outdoors

Pic Credit: Inspire2Adventure

 


 

The Best Adventure Weekends in the UK 

The Wye Valley Adventure Weekends 

6. Adventure off road in the ancient Forest of Dean

Get set for an offroad driving adventure with Whitecliff 4×4 in Coleford in the Forest of Dean. Slip behind the wheel of a Land Rover 4×4 with a fully-qualified instructor at your elbow, learning the skills and techniques to help you cross flat slippery surfaces, plough through mud and water, and traverse moderate and steep inclines and declines. Full days and half day courses are available for novices or professionals looking to sharpen their skills. Come on your own or book for two; lunch included.

Stay here: The Roost 2 timber luxury cabins in The Forest of Dean.

Suitable for: Beginners and Professionals. Owner-Drivers. Juniors (14yrs+). Corporate Events.
Difficulty: Easy/Difficult
Cost: From £140pp
Discover more: Whitecliff 4X4
Pic Credit: Whitecliff 4X4


 

The Best Adventure Weekends in the UK | Tried & Tested

Dorset Adventure Weekends 

7. Blast across the Jurassic Coast on a RIB Ride

Hold on to your cockles for a blast ride along the Jurassic Coast. Climb aboard Sea Spirit RIB (rigid inflatable boat) and set off on an exhilarating 30-min trip that’s not for the faint hearted. This custom-built tour boat, with leather bench seats (seating up to 12), has two 250hp Honda engines so you’re going to go fast, have no doubt. You’ll zip past golden cliffs, bounce through the waves, and pull watery doughnuts in the sea.

If you want something more leisurely, take the 2-hour Platinum Cruise.  This premium round trip will take you to Beer Head and West Bay before returning to Lyme Regis. See the beautiful Jurassic Coast including the white cliffs of Beer Head, Golden Cap and the sandstone cliffs at West Bay, made famous by the TV series Broadchurch.

Stay here:  Dog-friendly Coombe Cottage sleeping 4, near the sea.

Suitable for: Children 5yrs+, Couples, Adults
Difficulty: Easy/Difficult
Cost: From £17pp
Discover more: Lyme Regis RIB Ride
Pic Credit: Lyme Regis RIB Ride


 

The Best Adventure Weekends in the UK 

Dorset Adventure Weekends 

8. Sail a 1930s’ tall ship to Durdle Door

For an unforgettable day at sea, join the crew of a 1930s’ tall ship. Moonfleet Adventure Sailing run trips from Weymouth Harbour sailing around Southern England’s stunning Jurassic Coastline including the fascinating chalk downlands of The Isle of Purbeck and stone cliffs on The Isle of Portland. Climb aboard and try your hand at weighing the anchor, hoisting the mainsail and even taking the helm of this magnificent steel-hulled Gaff Cutter.

Fancy hitting the waters? Then book on to the ‘Walk the Plank’ sailing and coasteering package where you jump ship and swim to land. Alternatively, just sit back and enjoy the ride. All boat trips depart from and return to Portland Marina and there are 2 – 6 hour sailing adventures available.

Stay here:  At Outbuildings in Bridport, Dorset. Luxury self-catering stays sleeping 2.

Suitable for: Families; Couples; Hen & Stag Weekends; Team Building Weekends.
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: From £25pp
Discover more: Moonfleet Sailing
Pic Credit: Sofie Verstraete Photography


 

The Best Adventure Weekends in the UK | Tried & Tested

Devon Adventure Weekends 

9. Watch magnificent red stags rut on Exmoor

Adventure awaits with Red Stag Safari – a locally-run company based in Devon that takes small groups on Land Rover tours to see the eponymous red stag of Exmoor (autumn is stag rutting time and well worth booking to watch). Each tour is headed up by Andrew Turner, a local with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Moors, its history and all the best viewing spots.

You’ll head out onto the Moors in a Land Rover Discovery with Andrew in the driving seat and your binoculars in hand to get up-close and personal with Exmoor’s magnificent wildlife. The standard safari lasts around 3.5 hours; for those wanting to make a full day out of it book an all-day safari which is broken up with a spot of lunch at a local cosy pub.

Stay here: The Luttrell Arms – a cosy, homely pub in Dunster or Harta Retreats, gorgeous glamping tipis minutes from Exmoor.

Suitable for: All ages; Families; Solo Weekenders; Couples; Groups of Friends
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: From £40pp
Discover more: Red Stag Safari
Pic Credit: Red Stag Safari


 

The Best Adventure Weekends in the UK 

Devon Adventure Weekends 

10. Gallop across white sandy beaches in North Devon

Explore North Devon’s stunning landscape from the saddle! Join Equestrian Escapes on a 3-day trip hacking the beautiful coastal paths and clear beaches in North Devon that have led to this location being classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Beginners will get full tuition from to be able to enjoy Day 3’s final horseback adventure: a hack along the National Trust coastal route beside the sea. More experienced riders will enjoy a 2-hour beach ride with a chance to canter or gallop along 3 miles of clear white sandy beach. You can either stay in a lovely village hotel or a family-run B&B. Suitable for beginners and more advanced riders. Full horse-riding tuition given.

Suitable for: Children 7yrs+; Families; Solo Weekenders; Couples; Groups of Friends
Difficulty: Moderate
Cost: From £350pp
Discover more: Equestrian Escapes
Pic Credit: Equestrian Escapes


 

The Best Adventure Weekends in the UK | Tried & Tested

Cotswolds Adventure Weekends 

11. Forage wild habitats and fish for your lunch in Bibury  

Take a walk on the Cotswolds’ wild side with well-known professional forager, Rob Gould, around the beautiful village of Bibury. Bibury is home to Arlingham Row, probably one of the most photographed locations in the whole of the Cotswolds, and you’ll explore the habitats around the village with Rob on hand, hunting for some of the tastiest, most underrated wild and seasonal delights.

Afterwards, you’ll head to Bibury Trout Farm to join Sarah and Mel from Cotswold Cookery School, where you will then catch your own fish for lunch to feast on alongside some of the delicious wild foraged foods that you’ve foraged. Saturday, 7 May 2022, £100pp.

Stay here: The Swan Hotel – an ivy-clad hotel on the banks of the River Coln in Bibury.

Suitable for: All ages; Couples; Groups of Friends
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: From £100pp
Discover more: Cotswold Forager
Pic Credit: Cotswold Forager


 

The Best Adventure Weekends in the UK 

Welsh Adventure Weekends 

12. Set off on a night-time SUP adventure in North Wales

Night owls will love this beautiful stand-up paddle board adventure under the stars with SUP professionals, Psyched Paddleboarding. For 2 wonderful hours you’ll SUP across the moonlit waters of a sheltered lake in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park (one of only 11 Dark Skies Reserve in the world).

All equipment and instruction is provided – along with a hot chocolate and biscuit to warm you up post trip. Although you get expert tuition from a qualified SUP guide, this is not an adventure for beginners; some prior SUP experience is necessary. If conditions are good, Psyched Paddleboarding also run sessions in a sheltered bay in Anglesey, giving you the chance to experience magical phosphorescence in the sea.

Stay here: Trelan Farm luxury glamping cabin in Cilcain.

Suitable for: Adults with SUP experience; Couples; Groups of Friends
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Cost: From £35pp
Discover more: Psyched Paddleboarding
Pic Credit: Psyched Paddleboarding

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Claire Robinson Founder of Weekend Candy
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