9 of the best Adrenaline-Filled Outdoor Activities in the UK

Looking for an adrenaline-filled outdoor activity near you? Use our guide to find your inner adventurer and discover the best outdoor activities in the UK.

Littered with natural craggy mountains, winding rivers and sinuous caves, the UK is full of outdoor activities. From the renowned adventure capital of North Wales to the mythical landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, connect with nature as you tackle one of these outdoor activities in the UK!

Discover the best outdoor activities in the UK below…

1.  How Stean 

If you are seeking outdoor activities in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, How Stean may be perfect for you!

Their selection of outdoor activities is impressive, all of which take place within the local area of How Stean Gorge. This means, that you can sample a variety of outdoor attractions in just one day!

Explore their gorge and caves visitor attraction, which is ideal for families. Be sure to keep a lookout for deer and otters, as well as bats hanging from the caves and trout swimming in the water.

The Big 5 is an adrenaline-fuelled multi-outdoor activity, which tackles five activities in a single day! The activities include, the High Ropes Course, abseiling, gorge walking/ghyll scrambling, caving and canoeing. Lunch is included to ensure that you are fuelled for a full day of fun!

Book this attraction via their website!

2. Lost Earth Adventures 

Next on our guide to outdoor activities in the UK is Lost Earth Adventures. You can find them high on summit tops and craggy cliffs, in wild waters and tranquil lakes, and exploring secret subterranean passages.

For over a decade they’ve been sharing their passion for adventure across the Yorkshire Dales, Peak District and mountains across the breadth of the UK.

Perfect for people of all ages and abilities, you’ll get to experience the very best of the great outdoors. Try canyoning, caving, climbing, abseiling, paddle boarding, canoeing and more on your outdoor activity day!

Looking for more Peak District activities? Use our free travel guide for further inspiration! Our Yorkshire Dales travel guide also offers lots of insights into things to do, too.

3. Crags Adventures 

If you are seeking the best outdoor activities in the Lake District, look no further than Crags Adventures!

With Crags Adventures, you can experience the best canyoning and ghyll scrambling experiences. They are one of the few companies that hold a specific guiding qualification and a specific rescue qualification. This ensures that you can enjoy your next outdoor adventure with peace of mind!

Choose the 2-3 hour adrenaline-filled activity of Coppermines Canyon, which involves sliding, jumping and being lowered on a rope down waterfalls! Alternatively, book onto The Great BIG Ghyll Scrambling Experience, which takes up to 6 hours and involves cliff jumping, swimming and scrambling.

A few of the many superb Lake District activities!

4. Nae Limits

Nae Limits is a family business, established over 20 years ago and based in Perthshire, Scotland.

If you’re looking for outdoor activities in Scotland, Nae Limits offers 16 incredible water and land adventure activities to try! Try your hand at white water rafting, canyoning, tubing or gorge walking. Alternatively, stay on land and tackle quad biking, bungee jumping or paintballing!

If you are feeling brave, why not take on the Scottish Survival Experience? Here, you can test your communication, cooperation and delegating skills. This outdoor activity will also see you use your scavenging, building, crafting, and creating knowledge. This is the ultimate experience to bond as a group!

5. The Kite Surf Centre

If you are looking for a plethora of outdoor activities in East Sussex, The Kite Surf Centre is ideal!

Located on Camber Sands Beach, the team offer a variety of thrill-seeking activities, including kitesurfing lessons, kite buggying, kite landboarding, stand-up paddleboarding and wingsurfing.

With so many activities available for groups and individuals of all ages and abilities, they can help you find a new passion! Most importantly, enjoy learning something new and exciting!

6. Vertical Descents 

If you are local to the Scottish Highlands and are seeking an outdoor activity near you, try Vertical Descents.

As the leading adventure company in the Scottish Highlands, Vertical Descents offers you the ultimate outdoor activity! They are located in one of the most beautiful parts of the country and have so many outdoor activities to offer.

Bring the entire family along for a fun-filled day and try your hand at canyoning and gorge walking. This outdoor activity can be done in Fort William, where you can explore the Inchree Falls, Nathrach Canyon, Grey Mare’s Tail and Ben Nevis Gorge.

Alternatively, choose a location within the Perthshire area, which includes the incredible Bruar Falls, Dollar Falls, Alva Falls, Calvine Gorge and Berwick Falls.

Perhaps funyakking is more to your taste? With Vertical Descents, you and a partner can enjoy this adventurous white water activity, where you are in the driving seat!

7. Wild Swimming Cornwall 

If you’re looking for UK wild swimming opportunities and are local to Cornwall, then this outdoor activity community is perfect!

Discover the wild swimming community, whose aim is to encourage more people to take part and experience its benefits. They believe wild swimming enables us to achieve a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life. You can do this by finding your community, practising self-care and having an affinity with nature through cold water.

They have also published A Guide to Wild Swimming in Cornwall to help others access the incredible physical and mental health benefits of cold water swimming, whilst exploring 54 unique spots within the UK’s most southerly county.

Looking for more activities in Cornwall? Find our Cornwall things to do guide for more inspiration!

8. Alfresco Adventures

Next on our guide to outdoor activities is Alfresco Adventures, located in North Yorkshire and the Lake District. They offer a great opportunity to experience the outdoors in a new and exciting way!

What is more, they offer experiences suitable for all, from those who have never experienced outdoor activities to regular enthusiasts.

Outdoor activities include canoeing, caving, kayaking, rock climbing and gorge walking. Alternatively, stay on land and try your hand at raft building, bushcraft and mountain biking!

If you’re looking to explore a little further, try one of their guided walks and navigation courses. These opportunities offer a fun, safe, educational and rewarding day out. Choose from an array of challenging walks, including Yorkshire Three Peaks and the Lakes 3000s for a digital detox among like-minded people.

9. Outer Reef Surf School

Located on the Pembrokeshire coastline is Outer Reef Surf School, Wales’ premier surf, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking centre.

Based in Saundersfoot Harbour, Tenby North Beach Harbour, Stackpole Quay and Gupton Farm in Freshwater West, find a location near you for outdoor adventure!

If you are new to surfing, beginner surf lessons are a great way to learn the basics. During this course, develop an understanding of how to catch waves, stand up and be safe in the sea. However, if you are an advanced surfer hoping to catch bigger waves, try the advanced surf coaching program.

Alternatively, explore Pembrokeshire’s unspoiled coastline on a stand-up paddle board. Paddle board into hidden caves, play alongside magnificent cliffs and jump into crystal clear waters with Outer Reef Surf School!

Find more inspiration for your next adventure break with our activity guide before finding your perfect place to stay from this selection of UK holiday cottages.