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The North of England is home to the longest high wire bridge in Europe, over 1,000ft above the Honister Pass in Keswick, and one of the UK’s largest outdoor inflatable water assault courses near Sheffield. This part of the world, then, has no shortage of incredible adventure activities.
This guide highlights a selection of the very best, each one showcasing a spectacular aspect of the landscape of the North. From white-knuckle Krazy Karting through woodland in the Lake District to learning to surf the swell in Saltburn, our top picks are all about injecting some adrenaline-filled days into your routine; they say that new experiences mean we perceive time as passing more slowly, and there are few better ways to truly feel alive than to pit your body against a physical challenge in stunning surroundings.
Ascend up to 18 metres into the canopy of trees at Manchester’s Heaton Park for a network of aerial challenges and zip wires, try caving or gorge walking with Yorkshire Dales Guides, or experience the unique thrill of having a bird of prey land on your arm at the Turbay Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary. Abseil down to camp on a Portaledge 500ft up on the cliff face at the last working slate mine in Europe, or learn how to waterski at one of the North’s biggest cable water parks. Alternatively, gain an in-depth appreciation of the heritage, hidden features and challenges of the Yorkshire Dales on a walk with the Barefoot Shepherdess, or pass safely across the treacherous sands of Morecambe Bay with guides who’ve been required to lead travellers on the crossing from the coast of Lancashire to the hills of Cumbria since the time of Henry VIII.
There are adventures included for little people too: the imaginary world of BeWILDerwood in Cheshire is filled with giant swings, ‘sooopa’ slippery slides, a sky maze and more, while the £31m real snow centre Chill Factore offers an introductory snow school for children. There are orienteering courses to equip young people for their own expeditions, archery lessons for anyone over seven and a family-friendly Treetop Adventure in Delamere Forest. Whatever your age, these exhilarating activities promise an unforgettable experience – and a new appreciation of the great outdoors.
Here are our picks
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1. Treetop Trek Heaton Park
Treetop Trek Treetop Trek Heaton Park, Heaton Park St Margaret's Road, Manchester, M25 2GT - Visit now
An award-winning family-friendly adventure high in the canopies of Heaton Park. Unleash your inner Indiana Jones on the 14 zip lines and 20 aerial challenges set above the beautiful parkland.
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2. Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park
Courtesy of Poole's Cavern & Country Park Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park, Poole's Cavern Visitor Centre, Green Lane, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 9DH - Visit now
Just a ten-minute walk from Buxton, an extraordinary underground world is waiting to be explored. You’ll find expert guided tours, a visitor centre, adventure activities and a nature-inspired sculpture trail.
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3. Honister Slate Mine
Courtesy of Honister Slate Mine -
4. BeWILDerwood
Courtesy of BeWILDerwood -
5. Bay Cycle Way
Bay Cycle Way -
6. Sheffield Cable Waterski
Courtesy of Sheffield Cable Waterski and Aqua Park -
7. Yorkshire Dales Guides
Courtesy of Yorkshire Dales Guides Yorkshire Dales Guides, Hornby Laithe, Stainforth, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 9PB - Visit now
Did you know that one of the longest cave systems in the world runs between Kirkby Lonsdale and Ingleton in the Yorkshire Dales? The self-described ‘adventure specialists’ at Yorkshire Dales Guides are dedicated to delivering unforgettable experiences in this spectacular part of the world.
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8. Hazlewood Castle Activity Centre
Courtesy of Live For Today Adventures Hazlewood Castle Activity Centre, Live For Today, Hazlewood Castle, Paradise Lane, Tadcaster, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS24 9NJ - Visit now
Only a 20-25 minute drive from Leeds, York and Harrogate, Hazlewood Castle Activity Centre hosts a range of adventure activities across 70 acres of off-road terrain.
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9. CBK Adventures
Courtesy of CBK Adventures CBK Adventures, 1A Norma Crescent, Whitley Bay, NE26 2PD - Visit now
Based on the seafront between Tynemouth and Whitley Bay, CBK Adventures deliver award-winning coastal activities including guided tours and lessons in kayaking and paddle boarding. Expert instructors are on hand to teach everyone from beginners to improvers.
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10. Brockhole on Windermere
Courtesy of Brockhole on Windermere -
11. Barefoot Shepherdess Walks
Courtesy of The Shepherdess -
12. Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary
Courtesy of Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary, Turbary Woods, 92 Chain House Lane, Whitestake, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 4LB - Visit now
There are few more thrilling things than having a bird of prey swoop in to land on your arm. With over 90 birds of prey resident here, Turbay Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary offers the chance to do just this.
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13. Delamere Forest
Courtesy of Delamere Forest Delamere Forest, Linmere, Delamere,, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 2HZ - Visit now
With walking, horse riding, mountain biking, tree top adventures and self-led trails, there’s an impressive array of activities to be found in Cheshire’s Delamere Forest, all within a stunning woodland landscape.
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14. Guide over Sands
Courtesy of Guide over Sands Trust Guide over Sands, The Lookout, 2 Morecambe Bank, Grange-over-Sands, LA11 6DX - Visit now
At low tide, the exposed bed of the Irish Sea connects the Lancashire coast with the Cumrian hills across Morecambe Bay, allowing safe crossings over the sands. Expect utterly unique views of Morecambe Bay, the Lancashire coast and the Cumbrian hills.
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15. Anderton Centre
Courtesy of Anderton Centre -
16. Chill Factore
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17. Whistle Punks Axe Throwing
Whistle Punks Axe Throwing, Unit 20, Atrium level, Great Northern Warehouse, 235 Deansgate, , Manchester , Lancashire, M3 4EN - Visit now
Based at the Great Northern Warehouse, this one is pretty much as it sounds: axe throwing sessions, designed for first timers but also perfect for anyone more experienced in the sport.
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18. Saltburn Surf School
Courtesy of Saltburn Surf School -
19. Cycle Heaven
Courtesy of Cycle Heaven. -
20. Grizedale Forest
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