Thrill-seekers assemble

Experiences to add to your bucket list fom Lonely Planet's local experts...

Switch up your weekend routine and have a real adventure this autumn… Whether you bring the kids, grab a mate or fly solo, these thrilling experiences are guaranteed to get your heart pumping and bring a smile to your face. 

Raft
Scotland’s River Findhorn offers the best year-round white water rafting in the UK, with grade 4-5 rapids to test your nerve. If you’re feeling really brave, you can also give cliff jumping a go. Anyone aged 13+ who can comfortably walk 2 miles can take part in the full day adventure.
Don’t forget: A towel, swimwear and a pair of old trainers.
 
Zip ahead
ZipWorld’s Velocity 2 is the world’s fastest zipline, allowing you to reach speeds of more than 100mph as you soar headfirst over Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales. Bring up to three friends or family members along for the ride to take in those spine-tingling views of Snowdonia.
Don’t forget: Any kids must be at least 1.2m tall to ride the zipline. 

Ride the Wave
Fancy learning to surf? The Wave Bristol serves up a slice of the ocean, inland. It’s suitable for anyone aged 6+ who can swim 25m unaided, with wave height and duration carefully controlled to challenge you as you progress. Sessions include free foamboards, wetsuits, boots, hats and gloves.
Don’t forget: A post-session snack. Wild West Jerky is packed with protein to help your muscles repair after all that hard work. 

Wild West Jerky is available to buy at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Co-op, Costco, BP and Waitrose. Discover the range at wild-westjerky.co.uk and connect on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Play
Want to do it all? Bruar Canyon offers cliff jumps, natural flumes, vertical rock slides and waterfall abseiling on the edge of the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. Shoes, socks, helmets, harnesses, wetsuits and snacks are all provided, and the experience is suitable for ages 12+.
Don’t forget: A towel, swimwear and sunscreen. 

Fly
Ready to go from 0-120mph in 10 seconds? Perranporth on the west coast of Cornwall is the UK’s only coastal drop zone for skydivers, with unbroken ocean views to make your first jump even more memorable. The Cornish Parachute Club offers tandem skydives for first-timers.
Don’t forget: Sensible shoe. Trainers are in; boots, heels and flip flops are out.