The UK Summer is all about adventure and being outdoors! That’s why we’ve handpicked some of the best outdoor activity centres across the UK to give you the best ideas for your summer holiday experience!
The Lake District
Starting in the scenic lake district with Windermere Canoe and Kayak, they offer a range of experiences to meet you family’s needs: Unsure where to get started? Canoe and Kayak lessons available. Wanting a tour of the surroundings? Take a guided tour whilst you paddle, you can even take night tours for the truly daring!
If you’re an adept or even experienced paddler feel free to rent out equipment and take to the waters solo. When you’ve had your fill on the water you can visit again for bike hire and traverse the local terrain, taking in the many scenic views the Lakes have to offer along the way.
Recommended accommodation: Sedgewick, Fallbarrow in Browness on Windermere
A caravan home fit for 2 adults & 2 children with pets allowed. A gorgeous location set right on the edge of lake Windermere, just a short walk from the kayaking centre.
Dorset
Travelling way down South now for wilderness exploration! Moors Valley Country park and forest is the perfect location for a break with the whole family. The kids can run wild on the play trail, tackling the many obstacles from ‘snakes pit’ to ‘crocodile crossing’ or even hunt down the wild Gruffalo, finding the life-size sculptures around the park! Take a ride on the authentic steam train, depart from Kingsmere Station travelling along the banks of the Moors Lake, going over bridges and through tunnels. Take on the heights of the Go Ape aerial assault course, or if you’re looking for something the whole family to do together, you can rent bikes to tour the forest in its entirety.
Recommended accommodation: Rowan 2, Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat
Just a short drive from the Moors Valley, this stunning and open plan lodge is perfect for a family of 4, nestled into the picturesque treeline of Dorset, step out onto the patio decking for true immersion into nature. (2 pets allowed)
The Alps?!
Next up technically isn’t an outdoors experience but it’ll make you feel as though you’re on the snowy mountains of the Alps. The Chill Factore Manchester makes a UK ski holiday possible! Whether you’re new to skiing or looking for lessons or an experienced slope surfer, all skill levels are catered to for both skiing and snowboarding. When you’ve finished tearing up the snow you can grab a drink (warm or cool) and a bite to drink from a range of cafés and bars nearby.
Recommended accommodation: Crime Cottage in Daisy Nook, near Manchester
This luxuriously modern cottage is perfect for your faux-ski holiday, continue the illusion of being up in the alps by hopping into the hot tub upon arrival back from a long day of snow sports. Located right on Daisy Nook national park you have the woodlands and lakes to explore giving you the best of both worlds, located not far from the city centre.
Bristol
One for the high octane junky - Teamsport Go Karting in Bristol. Real petrol-powered karts on a multilevel 800m meter track, put your pedal to the metal in some family competition and make your racing fantasies a reality! Their lightweight karts are ultra-responsive, great for taking over and mastering corners but above all safe, meaning an enjoyable time for the whole family.
Once the victorious racer has been named, the family can explore the outer suburbs of Bristol found along the river Avon, slowly making your way back to the city centre.
Recommended accommodation: Pemberley Lodge, Bath Mill Lodge Retreat, Somerset
About a 30-minute drive from Bristol city centre, it’s not too out of the way from the action, yet tucked away into the peaceful countryside of Somerset. Pemberley lodge is a luxurious and spacious stay featuring a king size double with ensuite and a twin room. The contemporary lounge leads out onto the decking and into the great outdoors.
North Wales
Finally, we saved the most extravagant for last! Zip World Bounce Below, a subterranean playground set deep within underground caves of North Wales. Jump, run and slide through archaic slate caverns, that look otherworldly when brightly highlighted by the many coloured lights around. A unique adventure that the family won’t soon forget!
Recommended accommodation: Pen-Y-Mount East in Llan Ffestiniog
Situated in the Snowdonia National Park this property boasts breath taking scenery of the surrounding hills and mountains that can be seen from the back garden. A quiet stay in a cosy cottage surrounded by nature, 2 bedrooms fit for a family of 4.
Ready to plan your next adventure? Give Inspire a call on 0161 440 6735 to get started!