UK outdoor adventure days
This summer holidays may be nearly over (for some of us!) but there's still time to go on another day trip. Why not give the amusement parks a miss and take them on a nature-based adventure instead? We've found five high-adrenaline days out from across the UK to inspire you.
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1. Compete in a Hunger Games Survival Camp
There are many courses teaching bushcraft skills but none quite like the Hunger Games Survival Camp. Fans of the film, based on the books by Suzanne Collins, can now train for the games and test their skills in district challenges. Learn how to hunt with a bow using specially made targets, track animals, use camouflage, create a shelter and defend yourself with martial arts. Once your training is complete, hunt for items from sponsors and compete in challenges. Located near Crowborough, East Sussex, events take place every weekend throughout the year - plus selected days during the school holidays. Children must be aged 10 or over.
%VIRTUAL-AFCSponserAds%2. Go Ape with the little monkeys
Encourage the kids to connect with their inner Tarzan at Go Ape. Segway around the forest, traverse the tree canopy, whizz down a zip-wire or jump off a rope swing. Monkeys aged 10 and above can take part in the forest Segway safari and full tree-top adventure, which takes two to three hours, while those aged 6-12 (or over 1m) can enjoy a special Go Ape Junior adventure, which takes around an hour to do. Go Ape Junior is available at locations across the UK, including Moors Valley, near Bournemouth, Thetford Forest in Suffolk and Leeds Castle, near Maidstone in Kent.
3. Ride a Hovercraft
Few days out are more thrilling than riding a hovercraft at speeds of 40mph. Located on the shores of Lough Foyle on the North-West coast of Ireland, Foylehov offers a purpose-built hovercraft track, complete with water hazards and tricky hairpin bends. The crafts are easy to operate with minimal tuition but do require some nerve to master. Children are welcome but under-14s must be accompanied by one of the site's instructors.
4. Enjoy a canoe safari
There are nine Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust centres across the UK, each one running canoe safaris – perfect for those who aren't so keen on high-speed adventures. Board a traditional Canadian canoe and discover otherwise inaccessible watery expanses and get close to wildlife – including some of the 600-plus birds. Suitable for children aged five and above.
5. Get a head for heights at TreeZone
For a fun family adventure, head to Rothiemurchus Estate, situated just outside Aviemore in the heart of Cairngorms National Park, in the Scottish Highlands. Explore the land on a Range Rover safari, take the kids quad biking or try your hand at archery, clay shooting, gorge walking or pony trekking. If you prefer to mess about on the water, there's canoeing, fishing and rafting to try. If you have a head for heights, explore the TreeZone – a high rise adventure complete with hanging platforms, tight-ropes, zip wires and balance beams. Children must be at least seven years old and 1.1m tall.
Have you taken the kids somewhere great this year? Leave a comment below...
