10 of the most popular experiences of 2020

Looking to try a new adventure in the new year? 2020 has been a year to make the most of the great outdoors, and the extraordinary experiences the UK has to offer. With staycations being ever more popular, people have taken the opportunity to rediscover the world of amazing activities right on their doorstep. From the thrill of jumping off cliffs to experiencing the serenity of paddling along tranquil canals, there is certainly a lot to choose from.

If you are looking for inspiration for new amazing adventures, we have listed 10 of the most popular activities on our marketplace in 2020.

1. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)

SUP is incredibly fun and very popular among all ages. It is no surprise that it is currently the world’s fastest-growing watersport. The UK is the perfect place to go on a SUP adventure. From stunning, beautifully winding rivers to pristine lakes and tranquil coastal bays, there is much to explore. It is an easy activity to pick up for beginners and you'll be standing up on the board in no time. When paddling through secluded waterways, you will feel truly immersed in nature and feel the excitement of discovering hard-to-reach hidden gems. Want some more inspiration? We have listed some great places to SUP in the South West and London.

2. Surfing

Surfing is one of UK's most popular sports and perfect if you are looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure. It is an amazingly fun activity and there are loads of beautiful places with good surfing conditions along the stunning British coast year-around. Patience is important when waiting for the perfect wave, but this is all part of the huge thrill and excitement. Once in the zone, you have to paddle vigorously, racing to catch the wave in time. Nothing compares to the satisfaction of when you manage to stand up on the board and ride your first wave. Surfing is also an ever growing community where you get the chance to meet many likeminded and amazing people.

3. Kayaking

Kayaking is a lot of fun and very versatile. It is easy to pick up the technique and you can kayak on almost any body of water: lakes, rivers, ocean or streams. You can yourself choose if you want an extremely exhilarating or wonderfully serene adventure. If you are looking for a relaxing experience, paddle along calm canals and enjoy the nature and wildlife around you. For the adrenaline seeker there's nothing quite like the thrill of battling against rapids and plunging down waterfalls on a wild water kayak. There are many places to go and it is definitely not hard to understand why this has been one of the most booked activities in 2020.

4. Skiing and snowboarding

Are you dreaming of getting out on the slopes? Luckily, there are lots of great dry ski slopes in the UK. Experience the joy of skiing and snowboarding during any season and in any weather. It is the perfect opportunity for beginners to gain confidence, and for the more experienced to perfect their technique and freestyle tricks. If you are the competitive type, there are many possibilities for slalom racing. Get the chance to practice carving and feel the ultimate buzz of racing through the gates! Snowboarding is great for people looking to try some freestyle and practising a range of incredibly cool tricks and flips.

5. Canoeing

Canoeing is a wonderful experience, whatever age you are. Canoes can fit several people, making it a very fun and popular social activity. It is perfect for a day trip, and amazing for getting up close to nature and discovering extraordinary wildlife. You will have access to explore hidden gems in places that larger boats cannot reach. You can even pack a picnic for an amazing day out! If you are up for a more high energy activity, why not try a white water canoeing adventure?

6. Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is very popular among the ultimate adrenaline seekers. The fact that you literally fly across the water seems out of this world. There is a wonderful feeling of freedom as soon as you are able to ride the first few meters. It takes some practise to master the technique, but once you have, the reward is pretty amazing. You can cruise on flat water lagoons, jump and do tricks or kitesurf on the waves with a waveboard. If you are looking for a challenge for next year, kitesurfing is for you! There are many amazing places to learn how to kitesurf in the UK, we have listed a few places to try along the South coast and near London.

7. Coasteering

We are not surprised that coasteering has been incredibly popular, being one of the most action-packed experiences out there. Combining hiking, scrambling, cliff jumping and swimming, it is certainly an epic adventure activity. If you are a thrill-seeker that likes to explore, this is an ideal opportunity. You will experience the coastline in a new and unique way, discovering some of the most stunning views of dramatic cliffs, hidden bays and crystal clear waters.

8. Fishing 

Fishing is a wonderful experience for all ages, and a great way to come close to nature. It provides the perfect opportunity to bond with friends and family, or the chance for some much-needed solitude. If you are looking to relax, it is an excellent chance to unwind. Imagine the peacefulness of listening to the ripples of the water, paired with the excitement of feeling the resistance in the rod when you have caught something. The sense of accomplishment when catching a fish is sure to give you a great rush of adrenaline. Quite quickly you will be hooked and waiting for your next big catch. 

9. Mountaineering

There is nothing quite like the sense of achievement of mountaineering. It combines hiking, walking and climbing into one epic adventure. You will have to work as a team while being put to the test both mentally and physically. It is a fantastic bonding experience, no matter if you go with friends, family or colleagues, you will definitely feel closer afterwards. When trekking over magical landscapes and into the clouds, you will feel a sense of connection to nature like never before. The incomparable feeling of achievement when reaching the top and the reward of seeing a once in a lifetime view, are just a couple of the reasons this has been one of the most popular activities of 2020. 

10. Assault course

An assault course is a popular activity for ambitious and determined individuals. You will exercise a range of both mental and physical skills. Get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping while testing your ability to run, jump, crawl, climb and problem solve. There is nothing quite like the thrill of swinging across monkey bars, climbing across walls and cautiously stepping across narrow wooden beams. Once you have completed a challenge, the sense of achievement is truly amazing. This is the perfect team-building activity and will provide much laughter and long-lasting memories.

2020 has been a unique year in many ways. One positive thing is that it has brought a lot of people outdoors, exploring new adventures, and trying wonderful activities. If you are looking for a challenge for the new year, these are just a few of many adventures you can get excited about. Check out our marketplace for the full range of activities we offer. 

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Looking for more inspiration for 2021?

Read More:

5 places to go skiing in the UK this season 

10 places to go kayaking and canoeing in the UK