Escape to the Country
5 Places To Unleash Your Wild Side The Next Time You Visit The United Kingdom!
Here’s how you can explore some of our favorite destinations from “Escape to the Country” in the most uniquely extreme ways!
As we’ve learned on “Escape to the Country,” there are many ways to explore the English Countryside and take in everything this brilliant country has to offer. But if you’re hoping to do more than just explore, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of ways to get extreme on your next trip to England. Whether you simply want to add a unique twist to your trip or are an adrenaline junkie eager to try your hand at some extreme sports, the U.K. has something for everyone. Now, check out our 5 favorite British destinations where you can unleash your extreme side!
Paddleboard the River Wye:
The Wye River is one of the longest rivers in the U.K., with much of its length forming the border between England and Wales. Now, you can see the river in a very unique way by paddleboarding! To go paddleboarding, you have to stand on a board and keep your balance while moving and steering with the help of a long paddle. Once you’re standing on the river, you’ll have a unique perspective to take in the beautiful scenery and it’s the closest most of us will ever come to walking on water!
Cycle Box Hill:
Box Hill is a summit of the North Downs in Surrey, located just about 19 miles outside of London. With some of the best views in Southeast England, Box Hill has become a popular spot for Londoners looking to escape city life for a while and sightseers to take in the stunning scenery. Overtime, Box Hill’s winding roads turned it into a legend for cyclists looking for a challenge. This reputation was only cemented when Box Hill was the location used for bicycle racing in the 2012 London Olympics. Now, biking enthusiasts and members of the public are welcomed to bike Box Hill. Just remember to keep a steady pace and know that the effort you put into cycling uphill will be rewarded with some outstanding views!
Extreme Climbing in North Yorkshire:
When you see something extra beautiful in nature, don’t you wish you could get a closer look? Well, that’s exactly what Alistair Appleton did on this episode of “Escape to the Country.” Alistair and his guide explored a breathtaking gorge in North Yorkshire by mastering the Via Ferrata course located inside the gorge. Via Ferrata is Italian for “iron path” and can be described as an extreme form of rock climbing. It’s thought that this method of climbing was first used during World War I to help soldiers reach inaccessible parts of the Austrian Mountains. But now, it’s a fun way to get some exercise and feel an adrenaline rush! If you feel brave enough to try your hand at what’s known as the trickiest Via Ferrata course in England, you can get more information and make your reservation here.
Drive A Military Tank In Norfolk:
If you take a trip to the Muckleburgh Collection at Weybourne Camp in Norfolk, you’ll be privy to the largest private military collection in Britain. The collection includes over 150 historic military vehicles, 25 of which are tanks from World War II. Unlike most museums, every single one of the historic tanks are still functional. If you decide to pay the Muckleburgh Collection a visit, you may be invited to take one of these historic military tanks for a test ride just like our host did in the above video! You can make a reservation to drive a tank here!
Glide Over The Cotswold Countryside:
The Cotswold Countryside is breathtakingly beautiful and known for its unspoiled, undulating green landscape. And one of the best ways to see it is from the sky! Our host joined members of the Cotswold Gliding Club to get a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful scenery in a glider craft. The gliders provide nearly 360 degree views of the beautiful Cotswold Countryside and a burst of adrenaline as you launch into the air surrounded by only clear windows. We certainly hope you don’t have a fear of heights!
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