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- Written by: Sophie Nicholson
If you’re looking for an adrenaline hit without leaving the country, an adventure holiday in the UK ticks all the boxes.
From walking holidays in Scotland and van life escapes to remote bothies and wild beach saunas, the UK crams a surprising amount of adventure potential into its varied landscape.
Whether you’re planning a family break, a solo challenge, or a getaway with your mates, there’s no shortage of adventure right on your doorstep.
Here’s our guide to the best destinations for activity and adventure holidays in the UK - and what to do when you get there!
Scotland – The UK’s Wildest Playground
With dramatic mountains, vast lochs, and endless coastline, Scotland offers something for every kind of adventurer. From the committing ridgelines of the Cuillin to cycling in East Lothian and climbing iconic sea stacks on the north coast, this is where big landscapes meet bigger adventures.
Looking for Highland-specific inspo? World record endurance cyclist and Inverness local, Jenny Graham's guide to the Highlands is packed full of epic adventure ideas.
Trail Running
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Where: The Ring of Steall in Glen Nevis, runnable ridges in Torridon, or sections of the West Highland Way.
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When: May–September for long daylight hours and dry(ish) trails.
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Stay: The Clachaig Inn, Glencoe – a climbers’ and runners’ classic.
Hiking and Mountaineering
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Where: Multi-day bothy-linked trips in the Cairngorms, Ben Nevis via the CMD Arete, or the big one - The Cuillin Ridge on Skye (the hardest multi-day mountaineering challenge in the UK)
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When: Spring to autumn for hiking; winter for mountaineering days. Beware the infamous midge if you go in peak summer months!
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Stay: Wild camp legally under Scotland’s Outdoor Access Code, stay in a remote Scottish bothy or hole up in classic pub like the Sligachan Inn on Skye. Looking for something a little more upmarket? Why not live like royalty and sleep in one of our favourite Scottish castle hotels?
Biking
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MTB: Glentress and Innerleithen for trail centres, Torridon for wild mountain missions.
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Gravel: Royal Deeside loops and Cairngorm estate tracks, ie Glen Feshie.
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Road: The Bealach na Bà – Scotland’s alpine-style pass.
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When: Spring to autumn for best trail conditions.
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Stay: Bike-friendly B&Bs, or posh digs like the Fife Arms in Braemar.
Watersports
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Sea kayaking: Around Skye, Mull, or the Summer Isles – sea cliffs, caves, and wildlife galore.
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Surfing: Tiree and Thurso East for world class breaks; Belhaven Bay for learners.
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When: Kayaking in summer, surfing best in autumn/winter.
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Stay: The Reef Inn on Tiree, Port a Bhaigh campsite near Ullapool for easy access to the Summer Isles
Winter Sports
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Ski touring: Cairngorm plateau, Ben Lawers, or Ben Nevis gullies.
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Resorts: Glencoe, Glenshee, The Lecht, Nevis Range and Cairngorm Mountain all have lifts when the snow’s good.
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When: Dec–April (conditions depending).
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Stay: Aviemore is the best base if you're planning a ski road trip hitting up all the resorts.
Wales – Peaks and Parks
Compact but packed with adventure, Wales is home to stunning mountains, wild coast, and some of the UK’s best biking.
Snowdonia alone gives you rocky summits, forest singletrack and zip-lines over quarries, all within a day’s reach - our in-depth guide to adventuring in Snowdonia should give you a ton more ideas for a wicked Welsh adventure holiday.
Trail Running
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Where: Snowdon Horseshoe, the Preseli Hills, or Cadair Idris.
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When: Spring and summer for long days; winter for true fell-running grit.
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Stay: The Rocks at Plas Curig Hostel in Snowdonia – runner-friendly and right on the trails.
Hiking
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Where: Snowdon via the quieter Rhyd Ddu Path, Pen y Fan Horseshoe, or the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
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When: Year-round, but spring and autumn mean fewer crowds.
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Stay: Brecon Beacons’ quirky yurts, a Pembrokeshire cottage with sea views or park up in one of our favourite campervan sites in Wales.
Biking
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Where: Coed y Brenin’s flowing singletrack, Dyfi Bike Park for big hits, or the Black Mountain Pass for road riders.
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When: April–October for MTB; hardy roadies ride year-round.
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Stay: Ty Mawr Hotel in Snowdonia – bike storage, hearty food, and quick trail access.
Watersports
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Where: Surf Rhossili Bay or Whitesands, sea kayak Pembrokeshire’s caves and cliffs.
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When: Summer for surf schools and kayak trips; autumn for bigger waves.
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Stay: Gupton Bunkhouse in Pembrokeshire or Arwen near Llangollen, one of our favourite off-grid cabins for a digital detox.
The Lake District – Peaks, Lakes, and Long Days
The Lakes blend rugged mountains with paddle-perfect waters and some of the best campsites in the UK - a true all-rounder. It’s England’s adventure capital, with trails, crags and lakes so close together you can hike, ride, and paddle in the same day.
Bonus adventure points if you take on the Via Ferrata at Honister Slate Mine in the Lakes - the UK's original via ferrata.
Trail Running
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Where: Fairfield Horseshoe, Borrowdale’s classic loops, or Helvellyn via Striding Edge. Looking for more ideas? Check out Elsey Whyman-Davis's guide to the Lake District - the ex-Bob Graham winter record-holder and super speedy trail runner.
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When: May–September for long evenings on the fells.
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Stay: The George Hotel in Keswick, a hub for runners.
Hiking
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Where: Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route, Buttermere valley loops, or Skiddaw for big views. Looking for more hiking ideas? Our guide to ten of the best walks in the Lake District has you covered.
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When: Year-round; crisp autumn days are magic.
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Stay: Lakeside B&Bs or classic inns in Ambleside and Keswick.
Biking
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Where: Whinlatter’s MTB trails, Nan Bield Pass for a natural epic, or the Fred Whitton road loop.
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When: May–October for dry-ish trails.
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Stay: Wheelwrights Cottages in Ambleside – perfect bike basecamps.
Watersports
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Where: SUP and canoe on Derwentwater, kayak Windermere, or sail Coniston.
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When: Summer for families; autumn for quieter lakes.
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Stay: Low Wood Bay on Windermere – spa luxury plus watersports centre.
Cornwall – Sun, Surf, and Coast Path
Surf central, amazing campsites and a hiker’s dream, Cornwall is made for adventure by the sea.
Think turquoise coves, rolling surf, and the longest continuous coastal path in the UK.
Trail Running
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Where: South West Coast Path from St Ives to Zennor or around the Lizard Peninsula.
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When: Spring and autumn for cooler temps.
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Stay: The Gurnard’s Head – a boutique pub right on the coast path.
Hiking
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Where: Tintagel to Boscastle, Bedruthan Steps, or the dramatic Lizard cliffs.
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When: April–October; wildflowers in spring are unbeatable.
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Stay: Beachside cottages or clifftop campsites like Beacon Cottage Farm.
Biking
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Where: The Camel Trail (family-friendly), Portreath to Devoran coast-to-coast, or Goss Moor singletrack.
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When: Year-round; trails are more forgiving than mountains.
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Stay: YHA Eden Project – unique domes and easy trail access.
Watersports
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Where: Surf Fistral, Perranporth, or Polzeath; SUP St Michael’s Mount or kayak the Fowey Estuary.
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When: Summer for beginners, autumn for serious surf.
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Stay: Surf lodges in Newquay, luxury spa hotels in St Ives or an epic Cornish campsite.
The Peak District – Accessible but Adventurous
At the heart of England, the Peak mixes gritstone edges, dales, and steep climbs.
It’s where wild moorland meets climbers’ crags, making it the perfect adventure escape just a couple of hours from major cities - and here are six great places to stay while you're there.
Trail Running
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Where: Kinder Scout Skyline, Mam Tor to Lose Hill ridge.
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When: Spring and summer for runnable trails; winter for bog-trot challenges.
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Stay: The Rambler Inn at Edale – right at the start of classic routes - or The Royal Oak in Hurdlow -a traditional Peak District pub with family-friendly campsite on-site so you can properly rehydrate and refuel after a long day of adventuring - no designated drivers required!
Hiking
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Where: Stanage Edge, Bleaklow, or Dovedale’s limestone valley.
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When: All year; autumn colours in Dovedale are stunning.
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Stay: Cosy pubs like The Old Nags Head, Edale.
Biking
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Where: Cut Gate bridleway, Jacob’s Ladder for MTB; Snake Pass or Winnats for roadies.
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When: April–October for MTB; roadies year-round.
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Stay: Bike-friendly B&Bs around Hathersage or Hope Valley.
Bonus
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Climbing: Stanage or The Roaches – year-round gritstone classics.
Ready to plan your next escape?
From wave-sculpted coastlines to high mountain ridges, the UK is packed with adventures hiding in plain sight. You don’t need to board a plane to find wild places, fresh challenges or that post-adventure glow - it’s all waiting right here.
Whether you’re hiking, paddling, pedalling or plunging into cold water, these UK adventures prove you don’t have to travel far to go big.
Read next: Looking for more bite-sized thrills? Our guide to the best Microadventures proves that big adventures don’t need plane tickets or weeks off work.
