TIPS

10 awesome outdoor activities to try this year

by eola

1 October, 2026

Whether you're after a new hobby, a fitness boost or just a good story, there's an outdoor activity for you. Here are 10 to try, from gentle paddles to proper adrenaline, each with one or two beginner-friendly places to book in different corners of the UK.

1. Stand-up paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is one of the easiest watersports to pick up, and a lesson helps you find your balance quickly. In the Lake District, Paddleboard The Lakes runs Master The Basics group lessons for three to eight paddlers. Further south, Paddle SUP Company teaches two-hour beginner group lessons on the Basingstoke Canal with Paddle UK instructors.

A group of paddleboarders on a river in front of waterside houses

2. Canoeing and kayaking

Canoes and kayaks open up stretches of river you'd never see from the bank. Whoosh Explore near Sawbridgeworth runs relaxed adult pub paddles in two-person open canoes on the River Stort, plus an introduction to canoeing workshop with Paddle UK coaches. In Bath, Channel Kayaks hires sit-on-top kayaks for a self-guided couple of hours on the River Avon.

A family paddling a yellow kayak on a river

3. Surfing

Catching your first wave is addictive, and a lesson takes care of the kit and the safety. Long Line Surf School in Limavady teaches two-hour lessons on one of Ireland's longest beaches, from age 6 (under-8s need an adult in the water). On the Northumberland coast, NE Surf School runs levelled beginner group lessons for adults, families and children aged 8 and up, with all equipment provided.

A surfer riding a breaking wave

4. Coasteering

Coasteering is the adventurous way to explore the coast: scrambling over rocks, swimming through gullies and jumping into deep water, all with a guide. Surf Sanctuary near Newquay kits you out in full safety gear and lets you choose your own route and pace around the headland. On Anglesey, Anglesey Adventures runs its most popular coasteering trips for ages 8 and up.

A coasteerer leaping from a rocky ledge into the sea

5. Climbing and abseiling

Rock climbing builds strength and confidence, and your instructor handles all the ropes. In the Peak District, DC Outdoors runs a half-day outdoor climbing course for first-timers (minimum age 10). On the Isle of Arran, the Lochranza Centre offers abseiling on the sea cliffs at Sannox, with a 15-metre rope ladder and drops of 10 and 22 metres.

A climber abseiling down a tall rock face

6. Kitesurfing and wing foiling

Harnessing the wind is a real buzz, though it takes a few sessions to get going. Easyriders in Poole starts complete beginners with a first day of kite flying, body dragging and self-rescue, and runs Wingtro group lessons for wing foiling. In north Wales, HYDRO Abersoch teaches two-hour wing surfing lessons on Abersoch main beach.

A kitesurfer carving through white water

7. Dry slope skiing and snowboarding

You don't need the Alps to learn. Dry slopes are open well beyond the winter, and a taster is a low-pressure way to see if you like it. The Hill, home of Ski Rossendale in Lancashire runs ski tasters for complete beginners aged 5 and up, plus snowboard tasters. Norfolk Snowsports Club in Norwich includes helmet, ski and boot hire in its ski tasters for ages 8 and up.

Skiers on a long dry ski slope

8. Open water swimming

Wild swimming is wonderful for body and mind, but it's best learned with someone who knows the water. Wild Swim Devon runs a Thursday beginners club near Kingsbridge covering tides, currents and where to swim. In Liverpool, Liverpool Watersports Centre hosts open water swims in Queens Dock, with changing rooms and showers, for competent swimmers when the water is warm enough.

A swimmer in open water at sunset

9. Canyoning and gorge walking

Canyoning means following a river down a gorge by jumping, sliding and swimming. In the Neath Valley, known as waterfall country, RIPNROCK runs canyoning on the River Mellte, with big jumps and white-water slides. Its gorge walking is a gentler option that suits families with younger children.

10. Archery

Archery is calm and focused, and it suits all ages. Llys-y-Frân Activity Centre in Pembrokeshire runs 45-minute instructor-led sessions that are ideal for families and groups of friends. In the Lake District, Ullswater Paddleboarding has a 60-minute instructed archery experience with scoring games and challenges.

Beginners drawing bows at an outdoor archery session

How to choose

Completely new to outdoor sport? Paddleboarding, archery and a ski taster are easy places to start.
After adrenaline? Coasteering, canyoning and kitesurfing will get your heart going, but check the minimum ages and swimming requirements.
Think about the season. Sea activities are at their best from late spring to early autumn, while dry slopes keep going through the colder months.
Book a lesson first. A qualified instructor will get you started safely, with all the kit you need.

Ready to give something a go? Browse all activities on eola. For more ideas, read our guides to the best activities to do this summer, coasteering for beginners and the best places to ski in the UK.

Run outdoor activities? eola's booking system helps instructors and activity centres share their passion with more people and spend less time on admin. Find out more about eola for business or request a demo.

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