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Top 10 adventure holidays in the UK

The UK might not be top of your list if you’re planning an adventure holiday, but there are plenty of options that deliver both impressive natural beauty and intrepid activities, whether you’re coasteering in Wales or winter walking in the Scottish Highlands. You’ll have the chance to arrive by rail, boat or public transport where possible, and nights are spent in small-scale, locally run properties. Read on for our top eight adventure holidays in the UK.

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Top 10 adventure holidays 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 10 adventure holidays in the UK.

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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 holiday in England
See all our trips: England cycling holidays
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 holidays
See all our trips: Walking holidays in Scotland
Read more: Scotland travel guide and Flight free travel guide

3. Bike packing in Snowdonia

Saddle up for adventure with a bike packing tour of Snowdonia, some of the UK’s most striking mountain scenery providing a thrilling backdrop. All your kit is provided, as you travel with just the essentials: tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment. If you’d prefer, you can also stay in locally owned B&Bs. But it’s not about where you lay your head that stands out on this trip; it’s the immense feeling of freedom, as your legs power you up some challenging climbs, with plenty of exhilarating downhills to enjoy too.

When to go: May to July
Our top selling trip: Snowdonia bikepacking holiday in Wales
See all our trips: Bike packing holidays
Read more: Bike packing 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 holiday in Scotland
See all our trips: Holidays 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 holiday in the UK
See all our trips: Horse riding holidays
Read more: UK travel guide and Horse riding holidays 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 holidays
Read more: Fitness holidays 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 holiday, Northern Ireland
See all our trips: Northern Ireland holidays
Read more: Northern Ireland travel guide and Adventure holidays 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 holiday, 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 holidays
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 holiday 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 holiday
See all our trips: Adventurous cycling holidays
Read more: Cycling holidays 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 holiday
See all our trips: Wildlife holidays in Scotland
Read more: Scotland wildlife travel guide