Skip to main content

Adventure and sport

From world-class tournaments to quirky contests, Britain adores its sports. Rugby, football, bog-snorkelling, cheese rolling — we embrace it all, hosting epic events year-round. But don’t just watch from the sidelines, get stuck in! Take your pick from water sports, outdoor adventures and active things to do. How will you discover Britain’s sporty side?

An adventure and sport showcase

Why Britain's best for adventure and sport

Britain’s sporting calendar is the envy of the world. From Premier League football matches in cutting-edge stadiums and mighty tennis on Wimbledon’s hallowed courts, to the Royal Ascot horse races, Six Nations rugby and Championship golf — there’s always an epic match or contest to enjoy. For legendary boating, head to Henley’s famous Regatta; for top-notch cricket, look to London’s Lord’s.

While catching a match or tournament is always a thrill, why not venture behind the scenes on a guided stadium tour? They’re full of surprises — from fine dining at Emirates Stadium’s Woolwich restaurant, to Tottenham Hotspur’s white-knuckle ‘Dare Skywalk’, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the capital.

Some of our most hotly contested trophies are unique to Britain. Maybe you’ll head to Gloucestershire for Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling, or brave the murky waters of Wales’ World Bog Snorkelling Championships? Meanwhile, our coastlines, countryside and waterways are catnip for adventurous souls, with options for every ability. Wild swimming in the Lake District, moonlit kayaking through London, coasteering in Pembrokeshire, surfing at The Wave in Bristol. It’s all here for the taking.

Whether you’re cheering from the crowds or embracing a new challenge, here’s how to explore Britain like a champion.

Where to find the best sports and adventure experiences

Whizz along Brighton’s beach on this 300m (984ft) zipline – the longest one on the South Coast.

Take a trip on Brighton Zip

Photo by: Lauren Mabbett Brighton Zip

People at Brighton Zip
Brighton Zip

Visit Old Trafford and follow in the footsteps of legendary players.

Manchester United stadium tour

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

A man and boy in stadium tunnel looking out to pitch
Manchester United stadium tour

From the city sights to riding out into the rolling Lincolnshire Wolds, there are plenty of adventures to uncover on two wheels.

Hop on a bike in Lincolnshire

Photo by: Visit Lincoln

Two cyclists walking uphill with bikes in Lincoln, with Lincoln Castle in the background
Cycle Lincoln and Lincolnshire

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced pro, there are surfing experiences for every ability on England's finest waves.

Take surf lessons in Cornwall

Photo by: Cornish Wave, Cornwall

Location: Cornwall

A man holding a surfboard on a beach in Cornwall
Cornwall surf lessons

This is a treat for adventurous cyclists, with spectacular views of Venachar’s woodlands and waters.

Hit the Loch Venachar Circuit

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Loch Lomond

The Sun Sets Behind Ben Venue at the Western End of Loch Venachar
Loch Venachar Circuit

Watch England’s oldest and most-loved tennis championship.

The Championships, Wimbledon

Photo by: rakshet

Wimbledon Tennis championships
The Championships, Wimbledon

High-octane F1 motor racing at the home of British motorsport.

Get into the F1 action at Silverstone

Photo by: drewgibsonphotography

Celebrating a victory at Silverstone Circuit
British Grand Prix

An airborne view at record speeds, soar over Welsh quarry lakes on the world’s fastest zip-line.

Pick up the speed at Zip World

Photo by: @zip_world

Zip World, zip lining at Penrhyn Slate Quarry
Zip World Velocity 2

Calling all sports lovers! Head to the ‘home of Welsh rugby’ to watch sporting spectacles, live concerts and more.

Catch a match at Principality Stadium

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales
Principality Stadium

Feel the adrenaline rush as you take flight and freefall through the air at this indoor skydiving experience.

Reach new heights at iFLY

Photo by: iFLY London

A person riding the iFLY Indoor Skydiving experience with a crowd of people watching behind
iFLY at The O2

Even if Liverpool FC isn’t your team, the club’s mighty stadium is super impressive – and yours to discover on a behind-the-scenes tour.

Book your tour of Anfield

Photo by: officialsyviaajayi

Location: Liverpool

A woman posing while on a stadium tour of Anfield, Liverpool.
Anfield, Liverpool

See the Jurassic Coast up close, by scrambling across it, climbing up it and jumping off it, with a spot of coasteering.

Try out coasteering in Swanage

Photo by: Jurassic Watersports

Location: Jurassic Coast

A man diving into the sea on the Jurassic Coast
Coasteering in Dorset

Ascot famously hosts some of Britain’s top horse races, but look out for live music, festivals and Christmas parties too.

Live the high life at Ascot Racecourse

Photo by: VisitBritain

Big group of spectators watching race. Racehorses galloping
Ascot Racecourse

Welcome to the highest mountain in Scotland. A bucket list destination for hikers, the summit has spectacular views of the Grampian range.

Find your Ben Nevis adventure

Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Two mountain bikers cycling downhill down a mountain
Ben Nevis

Competitors chase a giant cheese downhill in Gloucestershire in a tradition that’s every bit as bonkers as it sounds.

Find out more about Cheese Rolling

Photo by: iconicheroshq/abby_lampe

Cheese rolling in Gloucestershire
Cheese Rolling

Enter the forest of family fun – with treehouses, wobbly wires, storytelling, boat rides, marsh walks and more.

Go wild for BeWILDerwood

Photo by: journeyof_maisonmorgan

Person in raincoat pushing buggy along trail in woodland
BeWILDerwood

On a paddleboard, you’ll witness the nature, beauty and relaxed pace of life on Bristol’s waterways.

More about SUP Bristol

Photo by: SUP Bristol

A person paddleboarding in the middle of Bristol's harbourside
SUP Bristol

Did you know that Birmingham has more canals than Venice? Take a closer look on this adventure…

Discover this Bustling Birmingham Kayak Tour

Photo by: VisitBritain/Storyman

Location: Birmingham

Two men kayaking on canal through central Birmingham
Bustling Birmingham Kayak Tour – Roundhouse

Conquer the three hills of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside – a 24-mile (38.6km) circular challenge for walkers.

Find out more about the routes

Photo by: VisitBritain/MattCant

Location: Malham Cove

People walking on the limestone pavement above the cliffs
Yorkshire Three Peaks

A race meeting featuring Europe’s most exhilarating and challenging equine steeplechase.

The Grand National

Photo by: @picturemerollinng

Crowd watching Grand National at Aintree Racecourse
The Grand National

Swim alongside incredible marine life or a fleet of wrecked wartime ships; diving at Scapa Flow in Orkney should be on every diver’s bucket list.

Find out more about diving at Scapa Flow

Photo by: @krakendivingorkney

Scuba diving at the WW1 wreck at Churchill Barrier no.3
Scapa Flow Scuba Diving

Head to football-obsessed Manchester for an immersive tour of City’s Etihad stadium.

Book your Manchester City stadium tour

Photo by: VisitBritain/Storyman

Woman standing in front of the pitch at the Manchester City Academy Stadium
Manchester City stadium tour

Come for the golf, stay for the party – a riotous mash-up of crazy golf, drinks and music.

Tee off at Junkyard Golf Club

Photo by: Junkyard Golf Oxford

Two people posing with golf clubs at Junkyard Golf in Oxford
Junkyard Golf Club

Whether you’re a skiing beginner or a total pro, hit the slopes at Cairngorm Mountain Resort.

More about skiing in the Cairngorms

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Cairngorms

Skiing at Cairngorm Mountain
Ski Cairngorms

Epic mountain biking, hiking, wildlife watching and more: this UNESCO Geopark is full of adventures.

Go green at Fforest Fawr

Photo by: Neil Mansfield

Location: Brecon Beacon

Mynydd Illtyd, near Libanus, Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark
Fforest Fawr

Discover the striking Scottish coast and its wildlife on a peaceful and intimate sea kayaking tour.

Hit the waves with Sea Kayak Scotland

Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Kayaker, in a red kayak, going over raging rapids
Sea Kayak Scotland

Discover the thrills of riding the waves along the beautiful North Yorkshire coast.

Learn to surf with Flow Surf School

Photo by: Visit Tees Valley/Michael Lazenby

Two women hold onto surf boards waiting for waves in the sea
Flow Surf School

Escape into the calm of more than 100 miles of British moorlands on this coast-to-coast walkers’ trail.

Find out more about the Two Moors Way

Photo by: VisitBritain

People walking on stone bridge across river in Dartmoor National Park
Two Moors Way

A fun way to try white water rafting, whether you’re dipping in for the first time or are a seasoned rafter.

Visit the National White Water Rafting Centre

Photo by: Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales, all rights reserved

People wearing wetsuits and helmets paddling down a rapid
National White Water Rafting Centre

For an action-packed day out, have a go at wakeboarding on a lake in the beautiful North Devon countryside.

Waves of fun at North Devon Wake Park

Photo by: Maddie Meddings/Devon North-Devon Wake Park

Location: Devon

North Devon Wake Park
North Devon Wake Park

One of the best ways to see the South Downs is on the water, as you paddle the Ouse, Cuckmere or Arun with The Kayak Coach.

Paddle your way into the South Downs with The Kayak Coach

Photo by: The Kayak Coach

Location: South Downs

The Kayak Coach
Paddle the South Downs with The Kayak Coach

From sailing and kayaking to rock climbing and paddleboarding – this activity centre has adventures for all ages.

Explore Grafham Water Centre

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge, England

Grafham Water Centre
Grafham Water Centre

Pit your wits against the wall at this bouldering centre filled with over 150 climbs to attempt.

Rock on at Colchester Climbing Project

Photo by: Colchester Climbing Project

Climbers on the walls
Colchester Climbing Project

This Peak District town has a wealth of traffic-free trails and thrilling hill climbs.

More about Matlock Cycle Routes

Photo by: Visit Peak District

Location: Peak District

Matlock Cycle Routes
Matlock Cycle Routes

Take a spin on an Olympic-sized ice rink, at the home of the Nottingham Panthers ice hockey team.

Discover the National Ice Centre

Photo by: National Ice Centre, Nottingham

Location: Northumberland

 National Ice Centre, Nottingham
National Ice Centre

Take the plunge on white-water rafting, gorge walking, paddleboarding and mountain biking trips.

More about Endless Adventure NE

Photo by: Endless Adventure North East

A woman rafting down some rapids at Endless Adventure North East in Newcastle
Endless Adventure North East

Tracing the route of an old railway line, this 7.4-mile (12km) trail makes for spectacular hiking and cycling.

Follow the Tweed Valley Railway Path

Photo by: Ian Linton Photography/Go Tweed Valley

Location: Lowlands

Tweed Valley Railway Path
Tweed Valley Railway Path

From ziplines and via ferratas, to camping on the edge of a cliff – this outdoor activity centre is a thrill-seeker’s paradise.

Delve deeper into Honister Slate Mine

Photo by: honister_slate_mine

Honister Slate Mine
Honister Slate Mine

Maybe you’ll try a full-moon wild swimming session, learn to sail solo, or catch a fish for your supper?

Visit Whiteadder Watersports Centre

Photo by: Whiteadder Watersports Centre

Location: Birmingham

Whiteadder Watersports Centre
Whiteadder Watersports Centre

Limber up those wrists and hurl some axes – all within the safety of this Scottish sports centre, of course.

Take aim at A.C.E Target Sports

Photo by: @a.c.e_target_sports_isleofskye/@lynnekennedyphotography

Jack's Axe throwing at A.C.E Target Sports
A.C.E Target Sports

The waters of Thurso East are a surfer’s dream, attracting thrillseekers from all over the world.

Experience surfing in Thurso East

Photo by: Nigel Mansfield / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: North Coast

A surfer riding waves off the coast of the UK
Surfing in Thurso East

Whizz along Brighton’s beach on this 300m (984ft) zipline – the longest one on the South Coast.

Take a trip on Brighton Zip

Photo by: Lauren Mabbett Brighton Zip

People at Brighton Zip
Brighton Zip

Visit Old Trafford and follow in the footsteps of legendary players.

Manchester United stadium tour

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

A man and boy in stadium tunnel looking out to pitch
Manchester United stadium tour

From the city sights to riding out into the rolling Lincolnshire Wolds, there are plenty of adventures to uncover on two wheels.

Hop on a bike in Lincolnshire

Photo by: Visit Lincoln

Two cyclists walking uphill with bikes in Lincoln, with Lincoln Castle in the background
Cycle Lincoln and Lincolnshire

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced pro, there are surfing experiences for every ability on England's finest waves.

Take surf lessons in Cornwall

Photo by: Cornish Wave, Cornwall

Location: Cornwall

A man holding a surfboard on a beach in Cornwall
Cornwall surf lessons

This is a treat for adventurous cyclists, with spectacular views of Venachar’s woodlands and waters.

Hit the Loch Venachar Circuit

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Loch Lomond

The Sun Sets Behind Ben Venue at the Western End of Loch Venachar
Loch Venachar Circuit

Watch England’s oldest and most-loved tennis championship.

The Championships, Wimbledon

Photo by: rakshet

Wimbledon Tennis championships
The Championships, Wimbledon

High-octane F1 motor racing at the home of British motorsport.

Get into the F1 action at Silverstone

Photo by: drewgibsonphotography

Celebrating a victory at Silverstone Circuit
British Grand Prix

An airborne view at record speeds, soar over Welsh quarry lakes on the world’s fastest zip-line.

Pick up the speed at Zip World

Photo by: @zip_world

Zip World, zip lining at Penrhyn Slate Quarry
Zip World Velocity 2

Calling all sports lovers! Head to the ‘home of Welsh rugby’ to watch sporting spectacles, live concerts and more.

Catch a match at Principality Stadium

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales
Principality Stadium

Feel the adrenaline rush as you take flight and freefall through the air at this indoor skydiving experience.

Reach new heights at iFLY

Photo by: iFLY London

A person riding the iFLY Indoor Skydiving experience with a crowd of people watching behind
iFLY at The O2

Even if Liverpool FC isn’t your team, the club’s mighty stadium is super impressive – and yours to discover on a behind-the-scenes tour.

Book your tour of Anfield

Photo by: officialsyviaajayi

Location: Liverpool

A woman posing while on a stadium tour of Anfield, Liverpool.
Anfield, Liverpool

See the Jurassic Coast up close, by scrambling across it, climbing up it and jumping off it, with a spot of coasteering.

Try out coasteering in Swanage

Photo by: Jurassic Watersports

Location: Jurassic Coast

A man diving into the sea on the Jurassic Coast
Coasteering in Dorset

Ascot famously hosts some of Britain’s top horse races, but look out for live music, festivals and Christmas parties too.

Live the high life at Ascot Racecourse

Photo by: VisitBritain

Big group of spectators watching race. Racehorses galloping
Ascot Racecourse

Welcome to the highest mountain in Scotland. A bucket list destination for hikers, the summit has spectacular views of the Grampian range.

Find your Ben Nevis adventure

Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Two mountain bikers cycling downhill down a mountain
Ben Nevis

Competitors chase a giant cheese downhill in Gloucestershire in a tradition that’s every bit as bonkers as it sounds.

Find out more about Cheese Rolling

Photo by: iconicheroshq/abby_lampe

Cheese rolling in Gloucestershire
Cheese Rolling

Enter the forest of family fun – with treehouses, wobbly wires, storytelling, boat rides, marsh walks and more.

Go wild for BeWILDerwood

Photo by: journeyof_maisonmorgan

Person in raincoat pushing buggy along trail in woodland
BeWILDerwood

On a paddleboard, you’ll witness the nature, beauty and relaxed pace of life on Bristol’s waterways.

More about SUP Bristol

Photo by: SUP Bristol

A person paddleboarding in the middle of Bristol's harbourside
SUP Bristol

Did you know that Birmingham has more canals than Venice? Take a closer look on this adventure…

Discover this Bustling Birmingham Kayak Tour

Photo by: VisitBritain/Storyman

Location: Birmingham

Two men kayaking on canal through central Birmingham
Bustling Birmingham Kayak Tour – Roundhouse

Conquer the three hills of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside – a 24-mile (38.6km) circular challenge for walkers.

Find out more about the routes

Photo by: VisitBritain/MattCant

Location: Malham Cove

People walking on the limestone pavement above the cliffs
Yorkshire Three Peaks

A race meeting featuring Europe’s most exhilarating and challenging equine steeplechase.

The Grand National

Photo by: @picturemerollinng

Crowd watching Grand National at Aintree Racecourse
The Grand National

Swim alongside incredible marine life or a fleet of wrecked wartime ships; diving at Scapa Flow in Orkney should be on every diver’s bucket list.

Find out more about diving at Scapa Flow

Photo by: @krakendivingorkney

Scuba diving at the WW1 wreck at Churchill Barrier no.3
Scapa Flow Scuba Diving

Head to football-obsessed Manchester for an immersive tour of City’s Etihad stadium.

Book your Manchester City stadium tour

Photo by: VisitBritain/Storyman

Woman standing in front of the pitch at the Manchester City Academy Stadium
Manchester City stadium tour

Come for the golf, stay for the party – a riotous mash-up of crazy golf, drinks and music.

Tee off at Junkyard Golf Club

Photo by: Junkyard Golf Oxford

Two people posing with golf clubs at Junkyard Golf in Oxford
Junkyard Golf Club

Whether you’re a skiing beginner or a total pro, hit the slopes at Cairngorm Mountain Resort.

More about skiing in the Cairngorms

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Cairngorms

Skiing at Cairngorm Mountain
Ski Cairngorms

Epic mountain biking, hiking, wildlife watching and more: this UNESCO Geopark is full of adventures.

Go green at Fforest Fawr

Photo by: Neil Mansfield

Location: Brecon Beacon

Mynydd Illtyd, near Libanus, Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark
Fforest Fawr

Discover the striking Scottish coast and its wildlife on a peaceful and intimate sea kayaking tour.

Hit the waves with Sea Kayak Scotland

Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Kayaker, in a red kayak, going over raging rapids
Sea Kayak Scotland

Discover the thrills of riding the waves along the beautiful North Yorkshire coast.

Learn to surf with Flow Surf School

Photo by: Visit Tees Valley/Michael Lazenby

Two women hold onto surf boards waiting for waves in the sea
Flow Surf School

Escape into the calm of more than 100 miles of British moorlands on this coast-to-coast walkers’ trail.

Find out more about the Two Moors Way

Photo by: VisitBritain

People walking on stone bridge across river in Dartmoor National Park
Two Moors Way

A fun way to try white water rafting, whether you’re dipping in for the first time or are a seasoned rafter.

Visit the National White Water Rafting Centre

Photo by: Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales, all rights reserved

People wearing wetsuits and helmets paddling down a rapid
National White Water Rafting Centre

For an action-packed day out, have a go at wakeboarding on a lake in the beautiful North Devon countryside.

Waves of fun at North Devon Wake Park

Photo by: Maddie Meddings/Devon North-Devon Wake Park

Location: Devon

North Devon Wake Park
North Devon Wake Park

One of the best ways to see the South Downs is on the water, as you paddle the Ouse, Cuckmere or Arun with The Kayak Coach.

Paddle your way into the South Downs with The Kayak Coach

Photo by: The Kayak Coach

Location: South Downs

The Kayak Coach
Paddle the South Downs with The Kayak Coach

From sailing and kayaking to rock climbing and paddleboarding – this activity centre has adventures for all ages.

Explore Grafham Water Centre

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge, England

Grafham Water Centre
Grafham Water Centre

Pit your wits against the wall at this bouldering centre filled with over 150 climbs to attempt.

Rock on at Colchester Climbing Project

Photo by: Colchester Climbing Project

Climbers on the walls
Colchester Climbing Project

This Peak District town has a wealth of traffic-free trails and thrilling hill climbs.

More about Matlock Cycle Routes

Photo by: Visit Peak District

Location: Peak District

Matlock Cycle Routes
Matlock Cycle Routes

Take a spin on an Olympic-sized ice rink, at the home of the Nottingham Panthers ice hockey team.

Discover the National Ice Centre

Photo by: National Ice Centre, Nottingham

Location: Northumberland

 National Ice Centre, Nottingham
National Ice Centre

Take the plunge on white-water rafting, gorge walking, paddleboarding and mountain biking trips.

More about Endless Adventure NE

Photo by: Endless Adventure North East

A woman rafting down some rapids at Endless Adventure North East in Newcastle
Endless Adventure North East

Tracing the route of an old railway line, this 7.4-mile (12km) trail makes for spectacular hiking and cycling.

Follow the Tweed Valley Railway Path

Photo by: Ian Linton Photography/Go Tweed Valley

Location: Lowlands

Tweed Valley Railway Path
Tweed Valley Railway Path

From ziplines and via ferratas, to camping on the edge of a cliff – this outdoor activity centre is a thrill-seeker’s paradise.

Delve deeper into Honister Slate Mine

Photo by: honister_slate_mine

Honister Slate Mine
Honister Slate Mine

Maybe you’ll try a full-moon wild swimming session, learn to sail solo, or catch a fish for your supper?

Visit Whiteadder Watersports Centre

Photo by: Whiteadder Watersports Centre

Location: Birmingham

Whiteadder Watersports Centre
Whiteadder Watersports Centre

Limber up those wrists and hurl some axes – all within the safety of this Scottish sports centre, of course.

Take aim at A.C.E Target Sports

Photo by: @a.c.e_target_sports_isleofskye/@lynnekennedyphotography

Jack's Axe throwing at A.C.E Target Sports
A.C.E Target Sports

The waters of Thurso East are a surfer’s dream, attracting thrillseekers from all over the world.

Experience surfing in Thurso East

Photo by: Nigel Mansfield / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: North Coast

A surfer riding waves off the coast of the UK
Surfing in Thurso East

Top sporting experiences

Watch woolsack racing, gravy wrestling and other hilarious sporting spectacles of Britain.

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

A competitor neck deep in a water-filled trench.

Pump up the adrenaline for thrilling sporting spectacles in Britain this year.

Photo by: birchallimagery

Location: Liverpool, England

The Grand National

Where to find Britain's best adrenaline-fuelled activities, from surfing to sea kayaking and white water rafting.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Man and woman, in wetsuits, surfing a small wave

Catch a game or book a tour at some of the stunning stadia around Britain. As Welcome to Wrexham returns, we’re turning the spotlight onto Wrexham AFC.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

A man and boy in stadium tunnel looking out to pitch

Take a seat for Britain's unmissable sports season, from football to cricket, horse racing and Formula 1.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Big group of spectators watching race. Racehorses galloping

Taking place across the region, the Highland Games combine jaw-dropping landscapes with awe-inspiring displays of sport, strength and Scottish tradition.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Peter Beavis

Three kilted girls Scottish dancing on stage

Don your scarves, paint your faces and get ready to cheer until you’re hoarse: it’s Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC) time.

Photo by: RWC/Hagen Hopkins

Women's rugby match with players from two teams jumping to catch the ball on the field

Top sporting destinations

Not found what you were looking for?

Not found what you were looking for?