For those who see a holiday as a chance to get the heart pumping, these six UK destinations offer a fantastic array of outdoor activities, from wild swimming and hiking to cycling and kayaking. And the best part? You can leave the bike racks and roof boxes at home, as they are all easily accessible by train, with adventure waiting right on your doorstep.
The Lake District is a natural playground for adventurers, and the new hotel in Windermere is the perfect launchpad. Just a two-minute walk from the station, you can drop your bags and be on your way up Orrest Head—Wainwright’s first Lakeland hike—in no time. For longer excursions, Total Adventure Bike Hire is just a couple of doors down, and the 555 bus provides easy access to the trailheads of Ambleside and Keswick.
On the Northumberland coast, the adventure is all about pedal power and salty air. From your cottage in Alnmouth, have standard or e-bikes delivered directly to you. You can then explore the traffic-free Aln Valley cycleway to Alnwick or join the famous Coast and Castles route, pedalling south to Warkworth. The vast, sandy beaches are also perfect for long, bracing runs or even a bit of kite-surfing.
In Essex, the adventure is centered on the water. The lakeside cabin features its own natural swimming pond, offering a unique opportunity for a daily cold-water plunge, a practice lauded for its health benefits. The surrounding quiet country lanes are also perfect for a peaceful morning run or a gentle cycle.
A Scottish estate near Stirling provides a 400-hectare wilderness to explore. With gravel tracks perfect for cycling, endless paths for walking and trail running through Devilla Forest, and opportunities for outdoor yoga, there’s no shortage of ways to get active. In Cornwall, you can pick up a Beryl bike to whizz between Newlyn and Penzance or take to the water for some sea swimming at the Jubilee Pool. Even the Berkshire spa hotel offers a tennis court and acres of grounds for rambling.
