11 Thrilling Teens Adventure Activities in the UK

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If you are looking for an adventure, the United Kingdom is a great place. Plenty of activities will give you an adrenaline rush on teenage family adventure holidays in the UK.

Try Zip lining, Quad biking or Coasteering if you want something fast-paced. If you’re going to see some beautiful sights while getting your heart rate up, mountain biking or hiking might be more for your teen adventure activities in the UK.

Teen’s adventure activities in the UK

If you want something extreme, bungee jumping might be right up your alley. The top adrenaline activities in the UK include bungee jumping, skydiving, whitewater rafting, and zip-lining.

The UK has something to offer no matter what family adventure you want. You will find plenty to do on adventure holidays in the UK for teenagers.

Coasteering in Newquay

If you’re looking for adventurous activities in Cornwall for teenagers, we have everything for you. A fantastic outdoor family adventure for visiting teens in the United Kingdom is coasteering.

There are some great beaches in the United Kingdom for family holidays, and water sports are always popular. Coasteering is a fun, adventurous sport combining cliff jumping, swimming, and hiking elements. It can be done in an ocean, sea, or bay area.

individuals navigating rocky cliffs and dynamic coastal terrain at the thrilling coasteering adventure in England
Coasteering is one of the more unique teen adventure activities in the UK

Coasteering is perfect for those who love the thrill of adventure and want to explore the coastline in a new way. The Cornish south coast’s unique environment is the perfect location in England to try coasteering.

The family adventure will have you navigating caves and spotting shipwrecks. It is a great activity and holiday adventure.

Ziplining in Adrenalin Quarry – Liskeard, Cornwall

Zip lining, also known as zip trekking or simply zipping, is a recreational and extreme sport where participants use a harness to attach themselves to a cable mounted on a pair of trolley wheels.

They then glide along the cable, typically from tree to tree, to travel from one point to another. Ziplining is a thrilling, extreme adventure that takes you through nature and the outdoors.

It’s a fun way to explore the world around you and get an adrenaline rush simultaneously. Ziplines can be found as part of ropes courses, too.

At Adrenalin Quarry, you will start by jumping off a 50-metre cliff and flying 490 metres over the flooded quarry at speeds of over 40mph (ca. 64 km/h). Outdoor teens on family holidays will love this fast-paced, thrilling Zipline adventure in Cornwall.

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London adventure activities – Jet boating on the Thames

Jet boating is the perfect activity if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush and a unique sightseeing experience. These boats reach up to 80 km/h, giving you an extreme thrill ride down the river.

Teens adventure activities in the UK include a jetboat down the River Thames
Holiday activities in London with teens

Whether you’re a first-time adventurer or an experienced thrill-seeker, jet boating will surely give you an experience you’ll never forget.

This thrilling heart-pumping experience in London will have you whizzing past Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, MI5, MI6, The London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Monument, the Shard, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

This is one of the best adventure activities for teenagers in London. Book your London Jet Boat experience today.

Related post: 38 extraordinary things to do in London with teenagers

Teenage family adventure holidays in the UK – Canoeing in The Peak District

Canoeing is a great way for the whole family to explore nature and get outdoors. It’s a fun, adventurous activity that can be enjoyed on lakes, rivers, and rapids. You can go at your own pace or with a group of friends. Canoeing is a great way to see wildlife and enjoy the environment.

This awesome activity can be done in a single-person or double canoe with parents or siblings. This experience allows you to explore the scenery of Errwood Reservoir from the water while learning new skills and having fun.

Teens adventure activities in the UK – tandem skydiving in Hull

There are several adventurous things to do in England. Tandem skydiving is the perfect way to experience the thrill of skydiving for the first time. With an instructor, you’ll be up in the air in no time, speeding through the skies and taking in beautiful views of your surroundings.

A tandem skydiving moment over England
Some of the best adventure activities in Europe for teens are in the U.K.

The adrenaline rush of free-falling is an experience, and tandem skydiving is a great way to get a taste of this extreme sport. If you’re looking for an unforgettable sightseeing experience for older kids, tandem skydiving is it.

After signing in and going through a thorough briefing, you will be suited up and ready to hop on a plane with your instructor. You’ll experience skydiving from 15,000 ft (4.57 km) at an old WWII airfield!

This is one of the more challenging activities for older teenagers in Yorkshire. Is Skydiving on your list of adventure days out for teenagers in England? For more information, reviews, and booking, search here today.

White water rafting near Edinburgh, Scotland

Adventure holidays in Scotland with teenagers will throw up many options for your family. White water rafting is the perfect adventure sport if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush.

Navigating a river filled with rapids can be both thrilling and extreme, but it’s also a fantastic experience that everyone should try at least once.

Many companies offer a thrilling whitewater rafting experience for your teen’s adventure activities in the UK.

Your tour guides will familiarise you with the basics of paddle strokes and safety procedures before you hit the river on this adrenaline rush experience. Once you’re on the river, trust your guide and enjoy the ride!

The River Tay is an attraction near Edinburgh, and a 6-hour white water rafting tour is one of the best and most fun outdoor activities for young adults in the UK.

You will hit rapids with cool names like the Zoom Flume and The Washing Machine. See photos, reviews, and booking options for this fantastic outdoor teenage activity.


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Stand-up paddleboarding near Swansea, Wales

There are numerous things to do in Wales with teenagers, such as exploring national parks and visiting historical sites. If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy the water and get some exercise, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) might be just the thing for outdoor adventures for teens.

SUP is a relatively new sport that involves standing on a large, surfboard-like paddleboard and using a long paddle to move through the water.

2 teens trying out stand up paddleboarding in Wales
Fun things to do with teens in Wales

It can be done in lakes, rivers, and oceans and is excellent for all ages and abilities. It’s also a great way to explore new areas and see things differently.

For this exciting teen adventure activity in the UK, you can participate in a 2-hour lesson and learn session or hire a paddleboard and go it alone. Learn more about this paddleboard experience today.

Wales adventure activities – sunrise hike to the summit of Snowden

Hiking is a thrilling, extreme adventure that takes trekkers through the world’s most beautiful and pristine nature. It can be enjoyed outdoors in various climates, making it a perfect pastime for any season.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there’s a trail out there that will offer an unforgettable experience. Mt Snowden is the highest mountain in Wales and a popular destination for hikers.

A teenager hiker enjoying a walk amidst the natural beauty of Snowdon
Climbing Snowdon is an unforgettable Teen adventure activity in the UK

Your teenager will start the climb in the darkness of North Wales, with the only light coming from your head torch and the moon. Safely accompanied by your mountain guide, you’ll arrive at the summit just in time to watch the sunrise in the distance.

Hiking the summit of Snowden is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many visitors to the United Kingdom. For more information and bookings, search here.

Related post: All the very best things to do in North Wales with teenagers

Mountain biking in North Wales with teens

Mountain biking is one of the most thrilling and extreme sports around. Those who love nature’s adventure and wildness find mountain biking the perfect outdoor activity.

Trails that wind through forests, over hills, and across mountains present challenges that keep even the most experienced riders returning for more.

For those new to the sport, mountain bike tracks provide a safe place to learn and practice skills before venturing onto more challenging terrain.

As far as teen adventure activities in the UK go, there is nothing quite like flying down a hill on two wheels with nothing but nature around you.

North Wales is a hot spot for mountain biking and outdoor activities; on this half-day mountain bike adventure, your instructor will help you develop your technical skills as you take on challenges such as drop-offs, technical climbing, single track, and bunny hops. Get your teens on a mountain bike in North Wales today.

Learn to surf at Donegal in Northern Ireland.

When it comes to surfing, there are a lot of common misconceptions. Many people think you must be born with a natural talent to surf well.

Others believe the only way to learn how to surf is by going out and hitting the waves. However, both of these beliefs are wrong.

Waves rolling in at Donegal Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland’s adventure activities include surfing.

In reality, anyone can learn how to surf – you need some basic instruction and a bit of practice. If you’re a beginner, your best bet is to take a lesson from an experienced instructor.

They’ll teach you the basics of surfing techniques, how to read the waves, and how to stay safe while in the water. Bundoran near Donegal makes the adventure the perfect setting for surfing lessons with its sandy bottom beach and constant easy-to-surf waves. Hit the waves today and book your surfing adventure.

Read more: 10 of the best cities in Europe for the best vacations for families with teenagers.

Surf lesson at Dunnet Beach, Scotland

Outdoor activities for teenagers are a popular choice for promoting physical fitness and overall well-being. Discover the thrill of water sports, such as surfing with teens and young adults in Scotland at Dunnet Beach, near John o’ Groats. Scotland is a great location and is known for its pristine beaches.

an instructor on a beach in Scotland teaching teenagers how to surf
Outdoor activities for teens include Surfing.

This outdoor adventure activity offers surf lessons with experienced instructors, catering to all skill levels amidst the beautiful Scottish coastline.

Enjoy the safety-focused outdoor adventure experience and the chance to catch waves in a scenic and ideal location for surfing.

Surfing at Dunnet Beach is a fantastic opportunity for teens and young adults to embrace outdoor adventure and create lasting memories during their family trip to Scotland.

Book the surf lesson and confidently ride the waves; have so much fun and excitement!

How to get to the United Kingdom on holidays with teenagers

  • The United Kingdom has several International Airports, such as Heathrow and Gatwick in London, Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham in England. You can fly to Edinburgh in Scotland and Belfast in Northern Ireland for your U.K. trip.
    • If your flights have a long stopover or you want to relax before your trip, you should consider getting a lounge pass with a Priority Pass. Priority Pass has access to airport lounges all over the world. Search now for your lounge pass.
      • You can hire a car at any international airport in the UK! It is best to pre-book the car and have it waiting for you on arrival.
  • If you’re arriving in the UK from Europe, you may be able to cross the English Channel with your car and catch a high-speed train from popular destinations such as Paris and Amsterdam. You can book train tickets to the U.K. with Trainline for the best prices.

Where to stay in the U.K

When travelling in the UK for your teen’s adventure activities in the UK trip, accommodation is not a problem. There are many places to stay, from luxurious hotels to humble hostels.

If you are looking for a place to stay with your family, there are plenty of options, including family rooms, outdoor swimming pools, self-catering accommodation and a games room.

No matter your budget, there is likely an accommodation option that will fit your needs in London and other major cities. If you would prefer something more rural, there are plenty of motels and bed and breakfasts in smaller towns and villages.

One thing to remember when travelling in the UK on holidays with teenagers is that hotel room prices can vary significantly depending on the time of year: search locations and prices with companies like Expedia and Trip Advisor.

What currency do I need for my trip to the UK?

The official UK currency you need to use is the Great British Pound. We recommend getting a Revolut travel money card that can be loaded with multiple currencies and has nearly non-existent withdrawal fees to save you money.

Travel insurance for teen’s adventure activities in the UK

The UK has a high quality of healthcare, but in saying that, travel insurance is still recommended for all teenage family adventure holidays in the UK.

The last thing you want is a huge bill for medical expenses should you require care on your family holiday in the United Kingdom.

If you plan on doing fun adventure activities with teenagers, check that your insurance policy covers such activities.

We recommend using Travel Insurance Master. Their website will compare the best deals from several providers and present you with the best value-for-money policy on the market. Click through to Insurance Masters to get a free quote.

Using your phone in the UK

Relying on Wi-Fi when travelling and sightseeing in the U.K. with family can be hard. Making calls and staying in contact when you travel with teenagers is a top priority.

Plan your family trip to the UK and order your sim before you leave home to stop any stress about travelling, data and calls on your family vacation in the United Kingdom.

Pocket Wi-Fi for your UK with teenagers trip

You can access free Wi-Fi at certain spots in the UK. The best solution for teens to stay connected to the internet is to rent a 4G Pocket Wi-Fi hotspot. Before departure, these small devices can be ordered and delivered to your home or hotel in major cities.

Alternatively, you can purchase a mobile hotspot device to keep and use on all your travel with teens holidays. You can choose the time you want and the daily data you need. Order your pocket Wi-Fi today for your England trip.

We hope this article from Wyld Family Travel inspires you to have a family holiday with teenagers. Adventure days in the United Kingdom will entertain you and your family for your whole stay in the country. 

Activities on the best holidays can include a range of activities such as horse riding, mini golf, rock climbing, whale watching, seeing incredible wildlife and more on the holidays with teenagers in the UK.

Travelling with young adults, teens and tweens on a family holiday has just as many issues as travelling with young children. Choosing the proper adventure holidays, working out a budget, deciding what bags and suitcases to take, travelling essentials, and more can be time-consuming.

Planning family travel with teenagers and tweens can be stressful, and finding the best travel tips is essential. Our Travel with Teenagers Destination Guides have you covered! With insights from around the globe, these family adventure guides will spark inspiration for your next family vacation, making it an epic adventure with your teens.


More travel inspiration for your trip to the U.K

Author bio:

Father, husband, traveller, and chief destination manager here at Wyld Family Travel. When Mark is not discussing travel or planning travel, you will find him working in disability support. Mark is a family travel advocate, having travelled to over 45 countries with his kids from 10 months to their teenage years. You will find his work here and on other popular websites.

Having a beer in Pilsen Czech
Mark Wyld

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