OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE GIFTS FOR SUMMER 2021

Jul 2, 2021

Alexandra Mullen

Despite the typical start to our very British summer – days of drizzle followed by a couple of fleetingly sunny afternoons – we’re optimistic about the weather perking up, and being able to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

With COVID-19 restrictions easing, a lot of people are understandably keen to get back to normality with indoor gatherings, drinks and food with friends. But if you’re a still a little wary about gathering indoors, don’t worry; we have you covered with a great range of outdoor experiences that will help you make the most of the (eventual) sunshine.

Read on to find out our top picks for outdoor activities and summer experience gifts!

Rock Climbing and Abseiling in the Peak District - £ 67.00

If you are looking for a thrilling outdoor activity to get stuck into, or a unique and unforgettable experience gift for an adventure-loving friend, then look no further than this superb Rock Climbing and Abseiling Experience in the Peak District!

This is an exceptional opportunity for beginners to get to grips with two exhilarating activities - rock climbing AND abseiling - and see just how far you can come in a day. At a superb outdoor location in the Peak District, you will be learning from experts and will be surprised at how quickly you can progress under the right tuition.

Your experience will begin with rock climbing, and you will meet your instructor and then get fitted with a safety helmet and climbing harness. You'll climb a variety of different routes, starting gently with beginners' routes and then progressing to more challenging routes.

You'll learn how to belay, control the ropes and ascend the routes in the best and safest ways. You'll then get stuck into abseiling; prepare yourself for an adrenaline buzz like no other as you scale down a sheer cliff edge! Abseiling is exciting, rewarding and huge amounts of fun, and you will enjoy pushing yourself to your limits as you lower yourself off the edge of a cliff!

Introduction to Navigation - South Downs - £ 95.00

If you want to learn navigation skills and be able to work your way around a map, or if you can't tell the difference between roads and paths, this full day navigation course will give you all the confidence you need to get the most out of your map.

When arriving at South Downs National Park in your comfy walking boots or trial shoes ready for your Full Day Navigation Course, you will be met by your instructor and the rest of the group. Firstly, you will learn the basic skills in order to read a map; you'll be able to work out where you are on the map, the route you're going to take and how to get to your end destination.

The main reason people end up in trouble whilst hiking is because they don't have the correct equipment or they are unable to use a map correctly. Fear not... on this course you will learn all these valuable skills from route planning to basic compass work, guaranteed to help you out if you ever get lost in the countryside!

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Experience in Sunderland - £ 40.00

Experience the countryside of Houghton le Spring like never before with this exciting stand up paddleboarding adventure! You’ll be taught all the basics of this fast-growing water sport from expert instructors, with all equipment provided.

Your experience begins when you meet the rest of your group and qualified instructors at Hetton Lyons Country Park, just outside Sunderland. Next, you’ll get kitted out in all the specialist equipment needed, including your wetsuit and premium Red Paddle Co board.

Your instructors will provide an introduction and safety briefing before you head out onto the water for your aquatic adventure. Throughout the lesson, your specialist guides will demonstrate how to paddle board, offering you helpful tips and tricks. They’ll be on-hand at all times to encourage and assist you during your paddleboarding experience, and by the end you’re sure to feel a lot more confident on the water.

Air Rifle Shooting in Macclesfield - £ 30.00

This one hour Air Rifle shooting experience will give you the chance to get your hands on some exciting weaponry whilst improving your ability to focus and improve coordination in order to master a bullseye.

This Shooting Experience takes place at one of the most established outdoor activity centres, within easy reach of Manchester, Liverpool and Stoke-on-Trent.

Upon arrival at the Macclesfield centre you will take your lane at the traditional shooting stable that is all undercover, so whatever the weather you will have a great experience! Once you have been shown around the rustic shooting stable, you will then be taught by the experts how to use your gun and load your ammunition.

Next, you'll put what you've learnt to practice, you will be bringing down those targets in no time at all with the perfect aim.

Half Day Adventure Canyoning - Stirlingshire - £ 119.00

This half day Adventure Canyoning Experience will involve being led down through white water flumes, rock pools and jumps. Your session will also include some rock climbing and abseiling down into the water. This experience will be jam packed with many obstacles to accomplish before the grand finale. Make sure you are full of energy arriving at the centre!

Enjoy the beautiful landscape of Stirlingshire and become at one with nature, surrounded by forest, waterfalls and streams. This experience is based at a centre on the edge of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park just 1 hour drive from Glasgow and Edinburgh.

You'll start your day by getting geared up with a helmet wetsuit & buoyancy aid, after which you'll be briefed on how to jump correctly and the signals used by instructors to ensure you're safe throughout your adventure canyoning experience. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings as you clamber over rocks, wade through rock pools and jump into fast moving water!

Treetop Adventure in Milton Keynes - £ 20.00

Get ready to swing through the trees Tarzan style... Choose from three treetop courses, Explorer, Adventure or Extreme. Situated on a picturesque lake, climb to new heights as you tackle your fears and capture breathtaking views. Each adventure begins by scaling a 10 metre climbing wall to get a birds eye view of the lake. Then, it's onto your choice of course...

The Explorer climb is perfect for a beginner level adventurer. Taking you to a maximum of 9 feet off the ground, this course ensures you focus on the fun side rather than a fear of heights! An entry level treetop trail, the course features easier obstacles than its seniors but is still guaranteed to be a great thrill!

If you're ready for more, the Adventure climb is ideal for those up for a challenge. Boasting 16 obstacles and 2 thrilling zip wires, you'll be elevated up to 15 feet off the ground. Ideal for an intermediate explorer, this course is perfect for testing your nerve and ability all whilst being exposed to the elements!

Finally, not for the faint-hearted is the Extreme course - towering a whopping 35 feet above the ground! Consisting of 16 challenging obstacles and 2 phenomenal zip wires, you're bound to be feeling the adrenaline in no time. The final element to your adventure includes jumping off a huge 13 feet from a free fall simulator! As you glide back down to the ground safely, its the perfect way to end a thrill seeking day in the forest.

Full Day Fat Ebike Hire in Camber Sands - £ 48.00

Would you like to explore Camber in a unique way, rather than walking? This full day Fat E-bike hire is the perfect way to travel around the many routes that Camber has to offer.

Arriving at the E-Bike hire base in Camber, you will be met by the friendly owner, who will give you an introduction and sign you in. Here, you will learn all about the controls, grab a helmet and a high visibility vest, and explore the beautiful routes Camber has to offer. Have no fear, if you don't know where to go, there will be a supply of paper maps with the perfect routes for you to travel around. If you are up for an adventure, you are free to ride around wherever you wish to go, it is completely up to you! The best part about this full day E-Bike hire is that you are fortunate enough to enjoy miles of cycle path in Camber.

Along the way you will pass beautiful lakes, castles, bird reserves and lighthouses, so keep an eye out. You can stop off at as many locations as you want in this 7 hour hire session, as you will be able to lock your bikes up and enjoy a snack and drink to keep you going!

Introduction to Full Face Mask Diving in Wales - £ 75.00

Located in the stunning Vivian quarry in North Wales, you and only one other participant will have the opportunity to experience Full Face Mask scuba diving under the direct supervision of a qualified instructor. Learning with an experienced instructor creates a safe and enjoyable experience for learners and professionals alike!

As you arrive you'll be welcomed into the five star development center to meet the team and your instructor. Initially you'll be given a short briefing within the top class training area, before taking to the water to have a go for yourself. During the in-water session you'll be shown how to use the equipment in the safety of the on-site training cages and then when you are ready, take a short dive into the quarry itself, and explore the underwater attractions - including a sunken boat!

As the on site quarry and training cage is only used for those at the centre, it is fantastic that all the training can be taken at a pace that suits you.

Bell Tent Glamping Experience in Yorkshire - £ 144.00

This bell tent glamping experience in Yorkshire is the perfect woodland escape for stressed-out city dwellers. Spend the night under canvas and reconnect with Mother Nature in the forest of Hazlewood Castle.

Bell tents can sleep up to four people. Inside, you’ll find a comfy double bed, two single futons and a log burning stove. The private decking area includes a barbecue, ice sink and outdoor seating, and you’ll receive a welcome pack on arrival with firewood, cutlery, barbecue utensil, teabags, coffee and milk.

Nestled away among the trees, it’s the perfect spot to switch off from your busy day-to-day and spend quality time with family or friends. Check out the rest of the on-site activities, or just light up the barbecue and crack open a beer—it’s up to you! After a cosy night’s sleep, you’ll wake up to the sounds of the forest, with time for an al fresco breakfast before returning to the real world.