Activity holidays for 2020
Now is the time to put to one side thoughts of cold dark winter nights and think instead about booking your next adventure holiday for 2020. Britain has a wealth of activity holiday opportunities, with hundreds of miles of coastline, cycle paths and walking routes to choose from. Here are some of our favourite active escapes to help you enjoy an amazing New Year.
Kayaking on the River Fowey, Cornwall
Fowey stands overlooking an estuary towards the stunning South Cornish coast. A haven for wildlife, this is a great location for learner and experienced kayaker alike. Routes extend upstream towards the countryside or follow the estuary along the coast towards the sea.
You should be able to spot herons, cormorants and kingfishers as you glide across the water. There aren’t many better ways to immerse yourself in the beauty of Cornwall. Kayaking is great for the whole family and there are various organisations that offer guided tours on the River Fowey.
Coasteering in Pembrokeshire, South Wales
The Pembrokeshire coast is simply spectacular. Much like its Cornish cousin, this stretch of coastline has been carved out by the wild Atlantic to create an amazingly dramatic seascape.
Britain’s only coastal national park boasts 180 miles of coastal path where you will find delightful coves and many golden sandy bays. This really is coasteering country, where you will come face to face with the raw power of the Atlantic with rock hopping, wild swimming, climbing and jumping from cliffs!
Experienced guides will help you relax and enjoy this adrenaline-filled sport. And as you stay toasty warm in your wet suit, this is one holiday activity that the rain cannot spoil.
Cycling in the Lake District, Cumbria
The Lake District is a cyclist’s paradise with a range of challenging mountainous paths and gentle wooded trails set amongst some of England’s most stunning scenery.
Some of the best family trails are to be found at Grizedale Forest, where you will find miles of well-maintained paths amongst ancient oak and conifer trees along with strategically placed cafés for weary riders to recuperate. This is also one of the best places for wild off-road routes with a real sense of wilderness.
These bridleways are really a serious challenge for the hardy cyclist but the rewards are rich with unforgettable scenes across some of Britain’s most picturesque countryside.
Kiting in East Sussex
Kiting on Camber Sands isn’t just about standing still and watching your kite soar high above in the air; it’s a dynamic and hugely entertaining activity that makes the most of your Sussex shoreline setting.
You can kitesurf on the sea or kite buggy, land board and enjoy an introduction to power kiting on the sand. All activities are fully supervised by experts from the onsite Kitesurf Centre, with taster sessions and multiple-day courses available, so if you get the taste for it, you can enjoy it for as long as you like.
The sands themselves are perfect for relaxing on afterwards. Rich in wildlife and packed with scenery, there’s plenty to enjoy even if you choose to just sit back and enjoy the sun.
Skiing in Aviemore, Scottish Highlands
Many skiers and snowboarders have swapped the Alps for the beautiful Cairngorms to make the most of great skiing opportunities right here in Britain. Needless to say, the region is one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in Britain with beautiful lochs, rivers and glens.
Set against this stunning Highland backdrop there are over 30km of well-maintained ski runs with a variety of options to suit beginner, intermediate and experienced skiers (including off-piste and country routes). If you are completely new to skiing the local ski school runs great courses for children and adults to allow you to get to grips to the sport closer to home.
Surfing in Devon
One of Britain’s best surf spots, Devon is filled with beautiful beaches and brilliant waves. With so much coastline, there are all kinds of places to take a board out, but for reliably good waves most time of the year, we would have to recommend Croyde Bay.
Known to offer waves as good as anywhere in the world on a good day, Croyde Bay in North Devon offers all-year-round waves. There are surf schools and hire shops lining the sand, so if you don’t know your A-frames from your wedges, you will still be able to take to the water under expert tuition.
With reliable conditions all year round, you can head to Croyde for a surfing holiday at any time of year. So you can get your sea legs in summer, then head back for a bracing surf break in the wintertime.
