For adventurers and thrill-seekers, the UK has many exciting activities to get your heart and blood pumping.
Adrenaline junkies can find a range of options across England, Scotland, and Wales, from racing over a quarry at 100mph to facing great heights at the top of some of the most impressive structures in the country.
These top adrenaline activities in the UK are guaranteed to offer memorable experiences for anyone who dares try them out!
1. Velocity 2 at Zip World
Velocity 2 is a unique experience in the UK that’s perfect for anyone who likes to feel the need for speed, and all with the power of gravity.
This 1.5km-long zip line takes you racing over a quarry and lake at speeds of up to 100mph, with views of the surrounding Snowdonia National Park in the distance.
Not only is it the perfect way to feel the wind through your hair, but up to four people at a time can also race down this exhilarating zip line, so it’s a great group activity too.
You can also zip down Velocity 2 side-by-side as a pair, so it’s one of our most highly recommended things to do in North Wales for couples.
2. Zip World Mountain Quarry Karts
If you’ve visited Velocity 2 at Zip World, you don’t need to go far to try out another adrenaline activity.
On a 3km obstacle-packed slates track, you can use the gravity-fuelled Quarry Karts to race to the bottom of the course, dashing through tunnels, around chicanes, and over banked corners.
The descent takes 3-5 minutes, depending on how fast you go, and you can easily get back to the top to try again by getting a ride on one of their trucks.
3. The Dare Skywalk
In North London, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, anyone not too afraid of heights can take part in the Dare Skywalk that allows you to climb 46.8 metres above the pitch of this state-of-the-art sports venue.
Strap into your harness and follow all the way up to the top, where a glass apex provides fantastic views down the football pitch below and to the London skyline in the distance.
After enjoying one of the best views in London, you can also head to Cafe M located at the stadium after completing the skywalk to enjoy some refreshments, including hot and cold food, drinks and snacks.
4. Walk 360
Down in Brighton, on the south coast of England, thrill-seekers need to look no further than making a visit to Brighton i360, a moving observation deck right on the seafront that offers panoramic views from 162 metres above the ground.
For a relaxing experience, you can take a trip up to the top and enjoy the views from within the glass pod. But for those looking for a more adrenaline-fueled activity, you can try out Walk 360.
This open-air experience takes you outside the pod while you’re high above Brighton. You’ll then be able to walk around it, if your legs aren’t shaking too much. While this may not be for the faint of heart, there’s no better way to appreciate the view of the English coast.
Book tickets for the Walk 360 here.
5. Abseil the ArcelorMittal Orbit
Abseiling at the ArcelorMittal Orbit is another adrenaline-pumping experience in London for those who aren’t afraid of heights.
This iconic structure located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park provides the setting for the UK’s highest freefall abseiling, starting out at 262 feet above London.
From the upper viewing platform at the top of the ArcelorMittal Orbit, you can enjoy panoramic vistas with views of up to 20 miles away, before making your descent to the ground.
Buy tickets to abseil down the ArcelorMittal Orbit here.
6. White water rafting in Scotland
For a different type of adrenaline activity that doesn’t rely on great heights, taking to the water and trying your hand at white water rafting is a must-try activity for thrill-seekers.
There’s no better place in the UK to go white water rafting than in Scotland, which has some of the best rivers in the world for this extreme sport.
With the Scottish Highlands providing a beautiful backdrop as you dash downriver, booking an experience day with a company like Ace Adventures is the perfect way to try out white water rafting.
The experience is designed to be safe and accessible to all, with qualified guides and high-quality safety equipment provided to make sure everyone can have a fun and adrenaline-filled time, no matter their experience.
7. Coasteering
If you’re up for taking a plunge, the rugged coastlines all around the UK offer some fantastic locations to go coasteering.
This adventurous activity is like no other, letting you explore the coast by climbing, swimming, and jumping into the sea. You’ll be able to access hidden coves and rock formations that few others get to see.
Taking you in and out of the cold waters, coasteering involves difficult climbs and dives that require a leap of faith, so make sure to follow an experienced guide if you want to try out this heart-racing activity.
One of the top-rated experiences is with Coasteering Adventures, where you’ll be able to explore some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Cornwall.
8. Tree Tops Trail
All across the UK, you can find trails that take you high into the canopies to walk on high ropes, cross rope bridges, and swing down on zip wires, such as the ever-popular Go Ape.
Another great adventure course that offers this experience is the Tree Tops Trail in Heatherton World of Adventures, where you can navigate the trail that takes you up to 40ft above the ground.
Located in the beautiful Pembrokeshire, this is one of the best things to do near Tenby, so if you’re around this part of South Wales you should definitely swing by Heatherton!
9. Skydiving
Arguably the most extreme adrenaline activity in the UK, skydiving is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that many people will dream of ticking off their bucket list.
Whether you’re going solo or as a group, skydiving is one of the best ways to get your heart racing. After all, it involves jumping out of a plane!
You can try out skydiving all across the country too, so it’s also a great way to get an unforgettable view of the stunning countryside while you’re in freefall.
10. Alton Towers
Theme parks have always offered thrill-seekers an accessible way to get their heart rate up, and Alton Towers in Staffordshire, England, is one of the most popular theme parks in the UK for good reason.
The roller coasters at Alton Towers are a thrilling and exciting experience that promises to take visitors on a wild ride. From the vertical drops of Oblivion to the high speeds of Rita, the coasters offer a range of different adrenaline-fueled activities.
With over 40 rides and attractions, there’s plenty to do during a visit to Alton Towers, and after experiencing some of its must stomach-dropping rides you can relax at one of the many cafes and eateries around the amusement park.
Book entry tickets to Alton Towers here.
Adrenaline activities UK FAQs
What are the best activities in the UK to give you an adrenaline rush?
Our top recommendations for adrenaline activities in the UK include Velocity 2 at Zipworld, which takes you to speeds like no other, and Walk 360 in Brighton, which is one of the most challenging experiences for anyone afraid of heights.
What are the best adrenaline activities in London?
The best adrenaline activities in London include the Dare Skywalk in Tottenham and abseiling down the ArcelorMittal Orbital. Both take you high above the city and provide some of the best views in London.
Why are adrenaline activities fun?
While the thought of jumping out of a plane or taking part in one of the other UK adrenaline activities might make some people’s stomach churn, thrill-seekers love these experiences because of the release of dopamine that is caused by that adrenaline.
