Upper Neeston Lodges: Pembrokeshire, Wales
Bunkhouses are renowned for being basic, but the Upper Neeston Lodges, in south west Wales, are the UK’s first five-star rated luxury bunkhouses. The two comfortable barn conversions (for eight and nine guests) have solar-panelled heating, car and boat parking, a drying room, secure kit storage and outside wash area. Using the lodges as a base, you can explore the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – a haven for all outdoor activities, including diving, climbing, walking, cycling, coasteering, sea kayaking, windsurfing and sailing. Costing from around £15 per person per night (min. 6 per booking).www.upperneeston.co.uk
Glen Nevis YHA Hostel: Fort William, Scotland
We’d be surprised if there was a more spectacular setting in Britain than the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, and the summit path starts opposite the hostel. Enjoy the view from around £16 per person per night. Situated near Fort William, home to the World Mountain Biking Championships in September, the area is a mecca for walkers, climbers and cyclists, as well as winter sports enthusiasts when winter takes hold. On-site facilities include a cycle store as well as laundry and drying room. www.glennevishostel.co.uk
High Dyon Side: Cumbria, England
Go Higher is a small, family-run mountaineering business based in the Lake District that offers climbing and outdoor adventure holidays. Its on-site farmhouse accommodation, High Dyon Side, is tucked away between the fells and the sea, and has five homely rooms available. Go Higher offers walks and climbs throughout the surrounding area, with expert instructors using the valleys and crags most suited to the prevailing weather conditions for a safe, fun experience. B&B from around £23 per person per night. www.gohigher.co.uk
Watergate Bay: Cornwall, England
For those of you who like to experience their activities from a luxurious base, boutique hotel Watergate Bay could be right up your private driveway. The resort offers three different levels of accommodation (from £78 a room to much more), four restaurants (including Jamie Oliver’s Cornish effort), and ample entertainment for the kids. At the associated Extreme Academy you can learn to surf, kitesurf, traction kite, waveski, kite buggy, mountain board and more. Events set to take place over the coming months include Zapcats, surfboat racing and even beach cricket! www.watergatebay.co.uk
Corralea Activity Centre: Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
Situated on the shore of Loch McNean and close to the Atlantic beaches of Northern Ireland, Corrolea offers holidays with or without activities for all the family, catering for all levels of ability. Accommodation, in six cottages (4-6 in each), can be self-catering or full board, and can be part of a package with fishing, watersports, walking or caving, all accompanied by qualified instructors. On-site activities include playground, climbing wall, windsurfing, canoeing, water park, archery and nature trail. From around £210 for a cottage for a week or around £120 per cottage for a weekend. www.activityireland.com
