The 10 Best adventure weekends

From wakeboarding in Sussex to photography is Cornwall, here's how to get busy this summer

{1} Kite Surfing In Sussex

If you’re up for combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding and gymnastics, get to Camber Sands for a weekend of learning how to kitesurf. The icing will be your stay at the Gallivant, a seaside hotel that boasts a top-notch chef.

From £222pp for 2 nights (based on 2 people sharing), thegallivanthotel.com

{2} Foraging in Argyll, Scotland

Ardanaiseig Hotel already has everything – foodie heaven, lovely rooms and stunning countryside – but it’s just got even better. Head chef Cornel Uys will teach you how to identify and collect wonderful, edible ingredients, and if you’re lucky he might just cook it up for your dinner.

From £525pp for 2 nights (based on 2 people sharing), ardanaiseig.com

{3} Blacksmithing in Carmarthenshire, Wales

Forge owner Aaron shares his blacksmithing experience on this two-day course. Create at least four items to take home, then retreat to nearby Lolfa Cynin, where there’s a sauna and pool.

From £332pp for 2 nights (based on 2 people sharing), ferricfusion.co.uk

{4} Pony Trekking in the New Forest

Ride among the deer, wild forest ponies and leafy glades of the New Forest on a weekend break that caters for beginners through to seasoned riders. At sundown, unwind in Chewton Glen Hotel, whose new treehouse suites are to die for.

From £525pp for 2 nights (based on 2 people sharing), chewtonglen.com

{5} Beachcombing in Devon

Toad Hall Cottages has teamed up with Monty Hall to offer a weekend break beachcombing on the south Devon coast. The rock pools and strand line are home to a fascinating array of creatures.

From £166 for 4 people for 3 nights, toadhallcottages.co.uk

{6} Forest activities in Nottinghamshire

Surrounded by Sherwood Forest woodland and lakes, there are 200 activities to suit every age group. If Nottingham is too far, there are three other UK locations, with a fifth opening in 2014.

From £359 for 4 people for 3 nights, centerparcs.co.uk

{7} Cycling in Northern Ireland

From the comfort of a luxury 18th-century guest house on Whitepark Bay, discover Northern Ireland on two wheels with a guide, and experience its biggest sea-bird colony. Go fossil hunting, visit Rathlin Island, see carpets of orchids, cliff tops, ruined castles and more.

From £309 for a family or group of 4 for 3 nights, wildernessireland.com

{8} Falconry in the Yorkshire Dales

Learn all about the thrills of falconry at Swinton Park’s Bird of Prey Centre. You’ll learn how to handle and fly birds ranging from hawks, falcons, owls and corvids.

From £275pp for 2 nights (based on 2 sharing), swintonpark.com

{9} Canoeing and Wild Camping at the River Spey, Scotland

Join this expedition, descending the river Spey and passing through pine forests and heather-covered hills. Adventurous days are balanced by tranquil nights in campsites on the river banks.

From £475pp for 3 nights (based on 2 people sharing), wildernessscotland.com

{10} Portraits and Photography in Cornwall

Spend a long weekend in one of Blue Chip Holidays’ properties and learn how to photograph north Cornwall’s coastline and master the art of portraiture. There’s also plenty of time for relaxing.

From £472 for 4 people for 3 nights, bluechipholidays.co.uk

Click here to view UK Tours and Holidays, with Independent Holidays.