Who said Somerset is nothing but sleepy countryside? There are plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities for thrill-seekers to enjoy across the area, here are just 10 ideas...
Caving
Head underground and go caving in the Mendips, where you can explore one of the UK’s largest cave networks. Adventure Caving in Cheddar offers a range of experiences, from beginners to advanced cavers.
Rock climbing and abseiling
Scaling a cliff requires determination, athleticism and balance but the achievement you feel when you reach the top is amazing. The Mendips has some of the best limestone climbing in Britain and outdoor activity provider Mendip has a permanent climbing tower and a rock sport quarry with climbs and abseils to test all abilities.
Skiing
Who says you need snow for winter sports? You can learn to ski or snowboard at Mendip Snowboard Centre. For the more experienced there is a challenging 165 metre slope complete with moguls, bumps, jumps and quarter pipe.
Paintballing
The threat of being hit by paintballs is soon to get your heart racing and there are paintballing centres in Portishead and Backwell which will provide a fun day our for friends.
Wind-surfing
Cheddar Reservoir provides endless opportunities for water-sports, including sailing and wind-surfing. The Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club offers windsurfing lessons for all abilities, so if you want to test your upper body strength and ride in the wind, this could be the sport for you.
Shooting
For less sporty types clay pigeon shooting could provide the perfect adrenaline-spiking activity without too much physical exertion. Learn how to fire a gun and try out your aim at Woodspring Clay Shoot in Weston-super-Mare or Really Wild Adventures.
Jet-skiing
On a sunny day there are few better feels than feeling the ocean beneath you as you speed off into the sunset on a jet-ski. You can hire jet skis from Weston Water Craft Jet Skiing and plunge yourself into the water from Knightstone Island in Weston-super-Mare.
Horse riding
Horse riding can be both exhilarating and relaxing, depending on what you want out of it. There are plenty of stables across North Somerset which will cater for beginners right through to advanced horse-riders – so perhaps it’s time to saddle up and gallop through the beautiful countryside.
Flying
For people looking for a real thrill why not invest in a trial lesson with The Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club. Once airborne you’ll be do as much of the flying as possible, so there will be no doubt the adrenaline will flow.
Kite-surfing
Kite-surfing must be one of the most exhilarating sports around and one the adrenaline junkie has to try. Standing on a kite-board the kite-boarder harnesses the power of the wind with a large controllable power kite so they can be propelled across the water. It allows you to reach incredible speeds and literally fly across the water. If you head to Weston beach on Tuesday nights you can try it for free with Wind, Wheels & Waves.
Still looking for something to do in North Somerset? Why not explore one of these 10 places of historic interest.
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