Ok, Christmas Grinch, time to get your freak on. While the rest of the country decorates their trees, grabs their gifts, and stuffs their face with Celebrations (okay, maybe you’ll want to do that too, nothing beats an excuse for chocolate!) get yourself out and make some memories before the close of the year away from Christmas shenanigans.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery Tour in Winchester
Calling all gin lovers! Head down to Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire to enter the world of the bright blue gin. Enjoy a complimentary G&T before discovering the history behind the brand and the secrets of the production process that make this the best-selling spirit. Explore the mesmerising Botanical Glasshouse and its uniquely styled glass dome before ending your day with a bespoke gin cocktail at the Turbine Bar. This tour is the tonic for escaping the festive season.
Edinburgh Castle Tour
Edinburgh’s scenery is made for winter Take in a slice of history with this guided tour of Edinburgh Castle’s grounds. Grab an Insta pic of the winter wonderland scenery and well-preserved castle walls. Walk the Royal Mile, where your guide will fill you in on the history of Edinburgh and the many colourful characters who have called the castle their home over the centuries. Your tour includes entry to the castle, but you’ll have to explore this alone as no guides are allowed inside castle buildings.
Flying Experience in Northumberland
Looking for a new perspective? Take to the skies over Northumberland with a flying experience for a new way of sightseeing, giving you a chance to see Hadrian’s Wall, Bamburgh Castle, the Holy Island, and Alnwick Castle all in one day, plus so many more sights across the county. Make sure to bring your camera for unreal photo opportunities to make your socials pop. There’s something serene about seeing a snowy landscape under a crisp and clear winter’s sky, if you’re lucky!
Pasta Making Experience in Warwickshire
The Dough House is where you need to be to learn a new cooking or baking skill. Making pasta is hailed as one of the more difficult tasks in the kitchen but with experienced chefs on hand to help, you’ll be the envy of all your mates with spades of homemade pasta dishes when they drop by for tea. If pasta isn’t your thing, The Dough House offer experiences in pastry making, sourdough bread, and even afternoon tea, never mind the extra winter carbs.
Tractor Driving Experience in Blyth
Indulge your inner child and take a spin on the famous farmyard vehicle with tyres even bigger than you! Learn the basics of how to drive this piece of machinery and once you’ve got that down, try something more technical and learn how diverse and integral the role of the tractor is on the farm. Hitch up a tiller or cutter, make your mark on the field, and see if you’d have what it takes to become a farmer yourself.
Abseil off Millers Dale Bridge in Derbyshire
Walk down the Monsal Trail in the Monsal Dale Valley to find Millers Dale Bridge and the River Wye to try something a little different than just a walk in the woods. Get hooked up to the top of the bridge for a chance to look out over the Peak District before making your way down the side of the bridge with the sounds of the river rushing in your ears. Not one for the faint of heart!
Surfing Experience in Newquay
Nothing says ‘escaping Christmas’ like going surfing. Pretend it is still summer and endure the cold waters to learn how to surf in Cornwall this winter. Whether you have attempted surfing before or never even thought about it before, you’ll be in good hands. This half day crash course in surfing is a great adventure to set up your 2024 summer agenda.
Target Archery Session in Bedfordshire
Fancy yourself as Robin Hood? Or is Hawkeye your fave superhero? Take aim and let loose with an archery taster session. Learn how to load, draw, and shoot with precision and take part in challenges against your mates to see who comes out on top. Awaken your inner hunter and take a shot at the 3D animal targets or unique custom targets if you’re feeling confident.
Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure
Adrenaline junkies rejoice, it’s not too late to explore the gullies and rapids of the River Greta in the Lake District. Ghyll Scrambling is exactly what it says on the tin, climb, jump, slide, and of course, scramble your way through the natural assault course. Try going head-to-head with a friend to see who is quicker! There are extra wetsuit socks, gloves and hats to combat the cold.
Climb in the Mine in Cumbria
Honister slate mine in Cumbria is home to old mining tunnels and huge chambers repurposed into an immersive underground explorer's paradise. Scale the walls, walk across rickety bridges and ladders, and learn about the history of the mines.
Silver Ring Workshop in Kent
Learn a new skill this winter and turn your hand to silversmithing. Make yourself or a friend a personalised silver ring to wear, the perfect Christmas gift even if you’re a member of the Humbug Collective. Your expert silversmith will guide you through the process and encourage you to come up with a unique design using stamps, textures and patterns. A unique and memorable experience with a take home that will last forever.
Deer Park Tour and Day Out in Leek
Enjoy a day in nature with an opportunity to feed and photograph wild deer in the greenery of farmlands near Milton Keynes. Take adorable pics of Red and Fallow deer throughout the walk and relax into the calm and serene environment, a welcome breath of fresh air. Get to know the animals, with your guide’s expert deer knowledge to learn more about these wonderful creatures.
Express Chocolate Workshop in Windsor
A full circle back to chocolate. Get stuck in creating three chocolate bars, however you like them with your choice of toppings from nuts, sweets, fruits, and seeds. Add an essence of lemon, orange, or mint to really take your creation to another level. But of course, the best part is getting to enjoy them after the workshop!
Why not make it an overnight stay? Book your hotel here.
Please check with each event in advance of booking.
All the latest places to go and things to do in the UK – straight to your inbox!