As a mom from the US who loves weaving adventure into our family travels, I wasn’t sure what to expect when we packed our bags for the UK. Castles? Definitely. Cream teas? Of course. But what really surprised me was how many outdoor adventures are waiting here—on the coasts, in the mountains, and even along peaceful rivers.
From the Cornish coast to the rugged Lake District, we found experiences that thrilled the kids, challenged the grown-ups, and created memories we’ll be laughing about for years. Here are some of the very best adventures I’d recommend if you’re planning a trip to the UK.
Snorkelling in Newquay
One of the highlights of our trip was joining a snorkelling tour in Newquay. I’d never thought of the UK as a snorkelling destination, but the Cornish coast is full of life. We spotted crabs, starfish, and schools of silvery fish, and the kids were convinced they saw a seal (the guide confirmed it!). The guides made sure everyone was comfortable, even those who were a little nervous, and the wetsuits kept us warm enough to enjoy it fully.
Canoeing the River Avon
On a quieter day, we traded the salt spray for calm waters by renting canoes and kayaks on the River Avon. Drifting past historic stone bridges and sleepy villages was such a peaceful change of pace. The kids loved paddling in calm stretches, while my husband and I soaked up the countryside views. It felt like a slice of classic England, experienced in the best way possible—on the water.
Exploring Puffin Island by RIB
In North Wales, we hopped onto a high-speed RIB tour to explore Puffin Island. The boat ride itself was exhilarating—spray flying, everyone laughing—but the real magic was the wildlife. We saw puffins swooping around the cliffs and a colony of seals lazing on the rocks. The kids were glued to the edge of the boat, pointing and squealing every time something moved.
Kayaking the Caves of Torquay
The English Riviera was another surprise. We joined a 2.5-hour kayak tour in Torquay and explored sea caves I would never have dared venture into on my own. The guide was full of fascinating stories about the geology and wildlife, which gave the trip an educational twist. For families like ours, it struck the perfect balance between adventure and learning.
Ghyll Scrambling in the Lake District
If you’ve never heard of ghyll scrambling, think of it as climbing, sliding, and splashing your way up a mountain stream. Our half-day ghyll scrambling adventure in the Lake District was messy, wet, and absolutely unforgettable. The kids thought it was better than any water park, and I have to admit, scrambling up waterfalls and leaping into plunge pools made me feel like a kid again too.
Coasteering in Ilfracombe
Another heart-racing experience was coasteering at Hele Bay in Ilfracombe. We clambered over rocks, swam through sea caves, and jumped from cliffs into the waves. It was a real test of courage, but with guides encouraging us every step of the way, even the more hesitant among us ended up taking the plunge.
Sunset Canoeing in the Lake District
After all that adrenaline, the perfect antidote was a sunset canoe tour on Derwent Water. As the sun dipped behind the mountains, the lake turned golden and still. The kids’ energy finally quietened down, and we all just sat there, paddling gently, wrapped in one of those family travel moments you know you’ll remember forever.
Canoeing the Llangollen Aqueduct
In Wales, we tried something totally unique: a canoe aqueduct cruise in Llangollen. Imagine paddling across a narrow canal aqueduct 126 feet in the air, with sweeping valley views on either side. It was a little nerve-wracking at first, but safe and steady once we got going—and the photos we took will be family treasures.
Paddleboarding in Pembrokeshire
One of my personal highlights was a paddleboarding tour from Stackpole to Barafundle Bay. Barafundle has been called one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and approaching it by paddleboard felt like our own private discovery. It was a workout, yes, but one of the most rewarding of the trip.
Cycling in Llangollen
To give our arms a rest, we rented bikes and e-bikes for a day of exploring around Llangollen. The Welsh countryside is stunning, and the e-bikes made even the hills doable with kids. We stopped for a picnic overlooking the River Dee and agreed it was one of the most relaxed days of our trip.
White Water Rafting in the South Lakes
And finally, if you’re looking for something truly exhilarating, don’t miss white water rafting in the South Lakes. The rapids were bigger than I expected, and the guide kept us safe while also making it a total laugh. It was the perfect finale to our adventure-packed UK journey.
Final Thoughts
Travelling the UK as a family, I expected history, culture, and countryside—but I didn’t realise just how many outdoor adventures were on offer. From peaceful canoe trips to adrenaline-fuelled coasteering, there’s something for every mood and every member of the family.
As a mom, what I loved most was how well-organised everything was. The guides were knowledgeable and safety-focused, but also fun and welcoming. Every activity felt like it was designed to be memorable, and that’s exactly what they were.
If you’re planning a trip to the UK, don’t just see the sights. Get out there, get wet, get muddy, and discover the adventure side of Britain—you won’t regret it.
