Thursday, 19 December 2013
Friday, 6 December 2013
Heart of Adventure - Chiming with the Times
A new trend has been identified. There is a shift away from culture and museum visits and towards adventure breaks. Outdoor activity providers have seen a 20% rise in number of group bookings for adventure activities in 2013. There has been a definite rise in adrenaline-packed adventures, heralding a movement that suggests ‘adventure is the new culture’.
A survey by Outdoor North Wales, which runs its Heart of Adventure campaign alongside adventure specialists in North Wales, has revealed that weekend city breaks and museum visits are in relative decline, with more city workers wanting to do something memorable and exciting.
The research, compiled using sales data from ten premier outdoor and indoor destinations in North Wales, found that group bookings have risen by more than 20% in 2013, with this figure expected to increase further in 2014.
A survey by Outdoor North Wales, which runs its Heart of Adventure campaign alongside adventure specialists in North Wales, has revealed that weekend city breaks and museum visits are in relative decline, with more city workers wanting to do something memorable and exciting.
The research, compiled using sales data from ten premier outdoor and indoor destinations in North Wales, found that group bookings have risen by more than 20% in 2013, with this figure expected to increase further in 2014.
It seems the rise of adventure TV has inspired British people to spurn city art galleries and pre-theatre dining experiences in search of exciting adventures in the outdoors. Inspired by the likes of Ray Mears and Bear Grylls, the ‘adventured’ have swapped high heels and black ties for hiking boots and waterproofs to ensure they have that all-important envious Monday morning story to tell.
North Wales has a huge selection of activities such as 4x4 off-roading, zip wiring, gorge-walking, white water rafting and adventure boat rides and they have all proved extremely popular this year as well as wakeboarding, wild swimming and mountain biking.
With the value of the worldwide adventure travel market now at $263bn, local businesses in North Wales are witnessing more demand for fun packed group weekends.
According to Outdoor North Wales, the Top 10 Adrenaline activities in North Wales are:
1. National White Water Centre
Just off the main A5, the National White Water Centre is a truly wild mountain river in the heart of Snowdonia, offering an exhilarating white water rafting ride and canoeing. The centre has hosted several canoeing world championships and remains the nation's favourite white water destination.
2. Motor Safari
Acting as north Wales’ gateway to adventure, Motor Safari provides adrenaline pumping off-road adventure and 4x4 vehicle action. Seren Country Park is set in an old quarry with stunning views as it’s set in the highest village in North Wales and offers multi terrain driving for a unique 4x4 adventure.
3. Zipworld
Opened in 2013, Zipworld boasts the northern hemisphere’s longest zip-wire. The attraction is located in what was the largest slate quarry in the world in the village of Bethesda and offers an exhilarating mile-long ride like no other.
4. Coed Llandegla Forest
One of the best mountain biking centres in the UK, Llandegla offers four different tracks for riders of all abilities. On site too is a cafe serving delicious local food, steaming mugs of tea and coffee and a bike repair centre and shop.
5. Anglesey Circuit
Set in a truly stunning coastal location on the west coast of Anglesey overlooking the Irish Sea, Anglesey Circuit provides visitors with a challenging and exciting top quality circuit for all kinds of cars and bikes built for speed.
6. Rib Ride
Anglesey Adventure RIB (rigid inflatable boat) tours will take you on a blast around the Menai Strait at more than 99 mph. Whether it's the adrenalin rush of high speed turns or the encounters with wildlife, visitors are sure to leave the boats with a smile on their face.
7. Tree Top Adventure
Tree Top adventure is a unique, fully equipped high ropes centre and arguably the UK’s No.1 course. It hosts Europe’s tallest parachute jump simulator, the Powerfan Plummet, and giant swing, SkyRide.
8. North Wales Active
North Wales Active is an experienced, independent outdoor activity provider based in Snowdonia, specialising in gorge walking, mountaineering, climbing, kayaking and coasteering tours across the region.
9. Surf Lines
Based in Llanberis Snowdonia, Surf Lines offers an exciting range of adventure days and weekends, with activities such as kayaking and rock climbing. Situated close by to Padarn Country Park, there’s plenty of scope for adventurous types, with over five miles of lakeshore to explore. The sessions offer an exciting, safe and enjoyable introduction to the sport.
10. Beacon Climbing
Opened in July 2012, the new Beacon Climbing Centre located on the Cibyn Estate in Caernarfon is a premium all weather venue, open 7 days a week with exciting activities suitable for large groups. The centre offers the best indoor climbing facilities in North Wales including roped climbing walls up to 17m high.
Just off the main A5, the National White Water Centre is a truly wild mountain river in the heart of Snowdonia, offering an exhilarating white water rafting ride and canoeing. The centre has hosted several canoeing world championships and remains the nation's favourite white water destination.
2. Motor Safari
Acting as north Wales’ gateway to adventure, Motor Safari provides adrenaline pumping off-road adventure and 4x4 vehicle action. Seren Country Park is set in an old quarry with stunning views as it’s set in the highest village in North Wales and offers multi terrain driving for a unique 4x4 adventure.
3. Zipworld
Opened in 2013, Zipworld boasts the northern hemisphere’s longest zip-wire. The attraction is located in what was the largest slate quarry in the world in the village of Bethesda and offers an exhilarating mile-long ride like no other.
4. Coed Llandegla Forest
One of the best mountain biking centres in the UK, Llandegla offers four different tracks for riders of all abilities. On site too is a cafe serving delicious local food, steaming mugs of tea and coffee and a bike repair centre and shop.
5. Anglesey Circuit
Set in a truly stunning coastal location on the west coast of Anglesey overlooking the Irish Sea, Anglesey Circuit provides visitors with a challenging and exciting top quality circuit for all kinds of cars and bikes built for speed.
6. Rib Ride
Anglesey Adventure RIB (rigid inflatable boat) tours will take you on a blast around the Menai Strait at more than 99 mph. Whether it's the adrenalin rush of high speed turns or the encounters with wildlife, visitors are sure to leave the boats with a smile on their face.
7. Tree Top Adventure
Tree Top adventure is a unique, fully equipped high ropes centre and arguably the UK’s No.1 course. It hosts Europe’s tallest parachute jump simulator, the Powerfan Plummet, and giant swing, SkyRide.
8. North Wales Active
North Wales Active is an experienced, independent outdoor activity provider based in Snowdonia, specialising in gorge walking, mountaineering, climbing, kayaking and coasteering tours across the region.
9. Surf Lines
Based in Llanberis Snowdonia, Surf Lines offers an exciting range of adventure days and weekends, with activities such as kayaking and rock climbing. Situated close by to Padarn Country Park, there’s plenty of scope for adventurous types, with over five miles of lakeshore to explore. The sessions offer an exciting, safe and enjoyable introduction to the sport.
10. Beacon Climbing
Opened in July 2012, the new Beacon Climbing Centre located on the Cibyn Estate in Caernarfon is a premium all weather venue, open 7 days a week with exciting activities suitable for large groups. The centre offers the best indoor climbing facilities in North Wales including roped climbing walls up to 17m high.
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