If your new year’s resolution is to travel more, the month of January is full of wanderlust. The long dark days are great for sitting in and making exciting plans over a hot chocolate. However, with the excesses of Christmas and the January sales only just behind us, most people are pinching the pennies and can’t think about travelling too far yet. There’s loads of adrenaline packed adventures to have here in the UK.
Rock Climbing in Wales
This is definitely one to avoid if you have a fear of heights, but rock climbing definitely gets the heart racing. Wales is world famous for its gorgeous country scenery, so Snowdonia National Park in the North is a great place to get started. The park has seven different types of rock to scale, and classes are on offer to show beginners the ropes as well as guide advanced climbers in new challenges. You’ll get to scramble up some incredible cliffs and enjoy wonderful seaside views as a reward for your efforts once you reach the top, which makes it all worth it.
Cycling in the Lake District
If you’ve never been to the Lake District, be sure to add it to your 2016 bucket list. While it was recently hit by a new wave of floods in December, Cumbria is slowly recovering and fortunately lost none of its natural beauty. The huge array of cycling routes cater to all ability and stamina levels, whether you love mountain biking through lush forested valleys and admire the lakes from a hilltop. Alternatively, take shorter visits between quaint villages and admire the stunning period cottages – bookworms will love a quick detour to Beatrix Potter’s cottage, or a day at the Spa next to Wordsworth’s favourite lake. Most cycling holidays will offer the chance to rent a bike, but you can also grab your helmet and bring your own wheels.
Water Sports in Devon
Since it’s a long wait until surf season – and much too nippy to practice – sailing offers water babies an alternative thrill. Devon, on the south west coast of England, is home to the English Riviera. There are plenty of options for aspiring sailors, from a quick jetski tour of the coast and English Channel to sea kayaking to chartering a boat. Unusually for the UK, Torquay is home to scuba diving schools, where you can take a short course and enjoy diving amongst the fish and plant life in the English Channel and Celtic Sea for a different sightseeing experience.
**This is a collaborative post**
Janine BakeGlueandTrend says
Some great ideas. I love visiting different places across the uk,
Miranda says
I know right, it’s always nice to explore the UK when you get a chance
Adrienne says
All of those sound like awesome adventures. I’ll definitely keep them in mind when planning my travels!
Miranda says
They are awesome adventures
Ana says
I have only been to London, I definitely need to take some time and give a good visit to the UK
Miranda says
You should, I am planning on doing the same
vidya sudarsan says
Cycling, rock climbing and water sports all sounds like fun! We have similar activities here too.. BTW, loved my last visit to Devon 🙂
Miranda says
They are absolute fun, good for you I am yet to venture to Devon (been there but in passing)
Bites for Babies says
I lived in England for two years and one of the trips on my bucket list was going to the Lake District. A friend of mine went and I am still jealous of her to this day!!!
Miranda says
I live in England and I am still yet to go lol I have it on my list though
Ashley says
These all sound like great adventures! I’ve never visited the UK, but I hope to some day and I’ll be saving this list for when I do!
Miranda says
I hope you do one day even if not to do these things but visit the uk in general
Kiwi says
Last time I did rock climbing I swear I almost died! But I would love to go to the UK and try water sporting!
Miranda says
Hahaha when I went hiking for the first time I felt the same way
XmasDolly says
Well, this looks like a whole lotta fun. I wish I could do that once again myself. Too cold here though I’m afraid. Thanks for sharing the fun times. Woo Hoo
Miranda says
Hahaha, you welcome
Jaime Nicole says
So many great options for holiday activities. I love the notion of rock climbing in Wales even though I won’t be in Wales in the near future, I am keeping this info in my back pocket for use when I do get there.
Miranda says
Hahaha yes I love the idea of it too but not sure when I can actually do it
Chantal says
I would love to be able to visit the UK as both sides of my family descend from Scotland. All of these activities would be so much fun.
Miranda says
I am sure that would be an awesome adventure
Angelic Sinova says
I would LOVE to go rock climbing! It seems like such a fun activity. I can’t wait to visit the UK (for the first time ever) this year. I’m visiting London (which is where my older sister was born) this Spring and I’m so excited <3
Miranda says
Oh wow that will be awesome I am sure
Amanda says
Wow, these sounds like such awesome adventures. As an American mom of two little ones I”m not sure when I’ll be over to the UK but it is great to read about suggestions like this.
Miranda says
I hope one day you come over I would like to explore the USA a bit more
Helena says
It’s not unusual to have scuba schools around and about! Almost every town will have a dive club – even in the middle of the Midlands!! Diving up here in the north east is phenomenal – with seals, cormorants and the plant life is spectacular.
Miranda says
It’s unusual for places not close to the sea etc but I see your point
Michele D says
Sounds like a great list of new adventures to look forward to. I just said to my husband that we need a vacation soon. lol
Miranda says
Thanks, I need a long vacation soon too
Heather S-G says
I love what I’ve seen of the UK so far, but Wales is still on my must-visit list – I’d love to do this! Great ideas for those who live in the area to save money and still get out there.
Miranda says
Thanks Heather, Wales is an amazing country a must visit
Liz Mays says
These sound like awesome ideas. It would be really nice exploring Lake District on a bike. I’d definitely want to do some kayaking too.
Miranda says
I want to do one kayaking
Jelli says
I’d love to cycle through the lakes district! My husband and I are hoping to backpack through Europe in a couple of years for our 10th anniversary, something we did right before we got married. Will have to add this to our “musts” list for the trip. Thanks for the insight!
Miranda says
You welcome and I would love to backpack one day but for now I will stick to weekend getaways
Travel Blogger says
I have never been to the UK but it is on my bucket list. I would love to try rock climbing in Wales. That sounds incredible!
Miranda says
I hope you get a chance to come visit, it’s beautiful
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
I visited England when I was in my early teens. I have wanted to go back there ever since., and would love to bring my family
Miranda says
I hope you do one day