Outdoor activities to do this spring

Spring is when the outdoors comes back to life. The evenings stretch out, venues are quieter than in the summer rush and there's a fresh energy on the water and in the woods. Here are our favourite outdoor activities to do this spring with family or friends, and where to book them.

Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding is easy to learn, gentle on the body and a lovely way to see a river or lake from a new angle. In London, Paddle Richmond runs two-hour group SUP sessions near Richmond Bridge, with a second base at Teddington Lock. Up in the Lake District, Ullswater Paddleboarding offers beginner paddleboard lessons on one of England's most beautiful lakes.

Canoeing and kayaking

A canoe is one of the easiest ways to get a whole family on the water together, with room for younger children and a picnic. Whoosh Explore on the River Stort in Hertfordshire runs relaxed family paddling sessions in easy-to-paddle canoes and kayaks, and its pub paddles are a fun spring outing with friends. On the Thames, Paddle Richmond's group kayak sessions are a good first taste for beginners.

White water rafting

Spring rain often leaves rivers full and lively, which makes it a great time for a rafting trip with a group. Adventures Wales in Porthcawl runs full-day white water rafting on a nearby river, kitting you out at its centre first. For guaranteed rapids whatever the weather, Cardiff International White Water has white water rafting on its artificial course in Cardiff Bay.

Archery

Archery is calm, focused and surprisingly competitive once the family gets going. UKAO @ Avon Valley, between Bath and Bristol, runs beginner target archery with ArcheryGB instructors and adapted kit for all abilities. You can also try an archery experience at Ullswater in the Lake District, or archery at Llys y Frân lake in Pembrokeshire.

Rock climbing and gorge scrambling

Dry spring days are ideal for getting on real rock. Anglesey Adventures offers rock climbing and family gorge scrambling up the Afon Ddu in North Wales for ages eight and up. In South Wales, RIPNROCK near Swansea runs rock climbing and gorge walking with waterfall jumps, ideal for families with younger children thanks to a riverside path for most of the route.

Coasteering

Coasteering mixes scrambling, swimming and jumping along a rocky coastline, and spring is a good time to try it before the summer crowds. Big Green Adventures runs coasteering at Crantock Beach in Cornwall, and Adventure 4 All offers wild swimming, cave exploration and jumps on the rugged Isle of Portland in Dorset, for ages 10 and up in open sessions. In North Wales, Anglesey Adventures offers group coasteering for friends and families.

Raft building

Raft building is a brilliant team challenge for a big family get-together or a group of friends. With Anglesey Adventures, teams design and build their rafts from limited materials, then race them against each other on the water. Expect plenty of laughs and at least one wobbly launch.

Kitesurfing and wing foiling

Spring often brings steady breezes, perfect for learning a wind sport. Easyriders in Poole Harbour runs Wingtro group beginner lessons and a kitesurfing day for complete beginners from its base facing the bay at Sandbanks. From its summer base at Calshot on the Solent, Nomadic Kitesurf teaches in a large, crowd-free lagoon, with kitesurf tasters for first-timers.

Bike rides

Spring is the season for a long, easy bike ride. Paddle Richmond's Richmond Park and river bike tour passes Richmond Hill and the herds of deer in the park before following the Thames towpath. In mid Wales, Elan Valley Visitor Centre hires out e-bikes and kids' bikes for the Elan Valley Trail.

Forest school and bushcraft

Woodlands burst into life in spring, and forest school is a great way for children to make the most of it. Branching Out Forest School in Knighton, on the Welsh border, runs a woodland holiday club for ages 6 to 13, with tool use, green woodworking, fire skills, campfire cooking and den building in a semi-ancient woodland.

Tips before you go

Water is still cold in spring, so wetsuits matter for anything where you might get wet. Ask the centre what's provided and bring warm layers and a change of clothes.

Weekdays and early mornings are usually quieter, and the weather can change quickly, so check the forecast and the centre's weather policy before you set off.

Need more ideas? Read our guides to fun outdoor family activities to do this Easter, what coasteering is and how to try it, and where to learn bushcraft in the UK, or browse all activities on eola.

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