Action & Adventure

Sometimes you just get that urge to let off some steam - we all know that feeling and here in the South East we’ve got plenty to bring out the adventurer in you.

Image of a man in the tree tops at Go Ape! in South East England

Okay, so we don’t have any jungles in the South East. But if you feel like launching yourself from the tree-tops you can perform your Tarzan bit at Go Ape!.  It’s all done with wires and ladders and walkways and bridges.  You’ll be hooked up and harnessed and given the safety low-down before you swing down from on high. 

Locations include: Woburn Safari Park, near Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, Alice Holt Forest in Surrey, Leeds Castle in Kent, Moors Valley Country Park in Hampshire, Swinley Forest in Berkshire, Wendover Woodland Park in Buckinghamshire and Bedgebury in Kent.

Image of two children playing at Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest in South East England

With nearly 10,000 trees and shrubs, Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Kent is one of the premier outdoor sites in the South East.  In the midst of this world of trees are adventurous play areas based on the travels of explorers who brought exotic plants back from far flung corners of the world.  Scramble over the Shipwreck, the Native Tree House, the Climbing Wall and the Giant Spider and Web.

Image of a family on a water ride at LEGOLAND® Windsor in South East England

For younger children, life is just one big adventure and LEGOLAND® Windsor, Berkshire is perfect for a day full of amazing experiences.  The wildest rides are Jungle Coaster with a top speed of 60 kmph, Dragon Ride, Viking Splash Ride and Pirate Falls, which ends in a good drenching.  New this year is the Kingdom of the Pharaohs, an Indiana Jones type of adventure.  Take the Laser Raiders ride through an ancient tomb in search of hidden treasure – but beware of sneaky booby traps. Legoland is open from March - November.

Image of a family cycling along the banks of the River Thames in South East England

The River Thames is perfect for families.  It’s so good to get out in the fresh air and it doesn’t cost the earth.  Look out for the herons, kingfishers and otters who have made their homes here.  Follow the Thames Path, take a gentle stroll or a full scale trek with a map and compass.  Try fishing or sailing or take your bikes and see just how far you can go.

Image of a boy beside a Dinosaur at Dinosaur Isle on the Isle of Wight in South East England

Get the Wightlink ferry across the Isle of Wight, the adventure seems to begin with the sea crossing.  Even though the journey is short, you’ll feel you are travelling to a far away land - perhaps a land of dinosaurs.  Many bones and fossils have been found on the island and there’s a great display at Dinosaur Isle near Sandown where the life-size reconstructions will give you an idea of how these mighty creatures looked. 

You can see exotic creatures on the Isle of Wight at Amazon World, Nr Arreton.  Admire the anteaters, penguins, otters and flamingos and play at the Jurassic themed adventure playground.  Then of course there are the beaches from small coves like Compton Bay to wide sweeps of golden sands at Sandown and Ventnor. 

Find out more about attractions & family holidays in England’s south east here