Kayaking, Scottish Highlands
The Stables, part of the Torridon Hotel in spectacular Wester Ross, is the ideal base for a water adventure break with Wilderness Scotland. Starting with the beautifully clear Loch Shieldaig, the first part of the adventure includes the golden-sand beaches of the Applecross peninsula. Mixing tuition with exploration, the final part of the journey is spent at beautiful Plockton village in the Highlands.
• A five-night trip starts at £1,395pp, wildernessscotland.com
Cycling, Sussex
No need to bring your own wheels as the Beachcroft Hotel in Bognor Regis has plenty of bikes. There are toddler add-ons as well as helmets, locks and puncture repair kits. Explore the coastline or, if you’re feeling more energetic, an hour in the saddle will take you to the Tinwood vineyard near Chichester, with its tasting room and cellar door sales. Don’t get too tipsy for the ride back. Beachcroft lives up to its name with a seafront setting. It has 37 rooms, plus four beach hut-inspired cabins, three restaurants and an indoor pool.
• Double rooms from £126 B&B, beachcroft-hotel.co.uk
Surfing, North Yorkshire
Forget Cornwall, Yorkshire’s burgeoning surf scene is the new contender. Saltburn and Scarborough are the biggest centres, but just above Whitby is Sandsend. Vast and empty, it has great waves for both beginners and experienced surfers. A path from the beach leads to Raithwaite estate, with its hotel, spa and surf school. Book a lesson here and discover a secret surf spot known only to locals where you can make the most of the swells.
• Doubles from £175 room-only, raithwaitesandsend.co.uk
Football, Staffordshire
St George’s Park Hotel in Burton-on-Trent is a perfect stay for any footie fan since it doubles up as the England football training ground. The hotel is tastefully tailored for all things soccer-related, including the memorabilia-filled Cross Bar. Guests can book warm-up sessions on the National Football Centre pitches, games and post-game hydrotherapy sessions. This year, there’s availability until July, then again in August, after the Euros.
• Doubles from £84 room-only, hilton.com
Sailing and fishing, Isle of Raasay, near Skye
Between Skye and the Scottish mainland you’ll find Raasay, a tiny island with a population of 161. Where better to sail and fish? The 18th-century Raasay House is a not-for-profit hotel with a strong outdoors ethos, including sailing sessions in traditional Sgoth boats. A trip out is a team effort with tuition offered alongside fishing, including mackerel and lobster creels. Catch anything big enough and you can barbecue it on the beach later.
• Doubles from £180 B&B, raasay-house.co.uk
Yoga, Cornwall
This idyllic hideaway by Gylly beach in Falmouth is yoga heaven with classes to suit all levels. From yoga at dawn on the beach, or on the water on an SUP paddleboard, St Michael’s Resort runs a series of wellness breaks and retreats. Housed in a stucco hotel surrounded by beautiful gardens, there’s a spa for hydrotherapy sessions as well as nutrition advice and vegan-friendly afternoon tea.
• Three-night breaks from £645pp, including accommodation, some meals and tuition, stmichaelsresort.com
Horse riding, Perthshire
Nestled in 900 acres of countryside, Crieff Hydro hotel has its own riding centre. There’s an indoor arena for beginners and Shetland pony rides for children. More experienced riders can enjoy the epic scenery and remote landscape on horseback. The Hydro, originally designed as a Victorian nature cure, has a variety of bars and restaurants.
• Doubles from £125 B&B, crieffhydro.com
Wild swimming, Northamptonshire
A classic Georgian coaching inn built in 1594, the Falcon, which opened last year, is set within the 10,500-acre Castle Ashby estate, complete with lakes and formal Italian gardens. There are 22 rooms in the main building and adjacent cottages. Best of all, if you stay, you automatically become a member of the local wild swimming club, which makes use of the Capability Brown-designed lake in Castle Ashby’s grounds. Guided nature walks and yoga, in a dedicated barn, are also on offer.
•Double rooms from £160 room-only, thefalcon-castleashby.com
Paddlesports, Herefordshire
The 15th-century Ye Old Ferrie Inn enjoys a stellar position on the River Wye, with easy access to the Forest of Dean. Its owner is a keen paddleboarder and has lined up qualified leaders to take guests through the river and inlets nearby on individual or group SUP sessions and guided canoe trips. Canoe and rowing boat hire is also available via the hotel. The inn, with its traditional features and cosy log fires, has six bedrooms and an apartment, all with charming riverside views in this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
• Double rooms from £110 B&B, yeoldferrieinn.com
Climbing, Lake District
With breathtaking views of the Borrowdale Fells, Glaramara Hotel has been helping its guests gear up for outdoor activities for more than 70 years. There’s fell-walking from the hotel’s doorstep, abseiling nearby, and for the more adventurous it’s also possible to arrange trips to England’s only “via ferrata” or protected climbing route. There are 33 rooms, low-key and simple, all with scenic fell views.
• Doubles from £134 B&B, glaramara.co.uk
