Autumn’s a great time to enjoy a break in England. With the days still clinging on to the last of the summer warmth and the countryside sprinkled with crimson and gold, it’s a fabulous time of year to be outdoors. And with the change of season and that unmistakable ‘new term’ feeling in the air, it’s also the perfect time for a change of pace and to challenge yourself to try something different.
 
So, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a thrill-seeking first timer, or you’re looking to mark a special occasion in your life, we’ve scoured the country for some top ideas for autumn activities with a difference.
 
All are located just a few miles from our gorgeous boltholes, where you can cosy up for the night after your adventures and toast your success with a well-earned glass of bubbly!

1 Hurl yourself off a cliff

Image courtesy of Adrenalin Quarry

Where: Adrenalin Quarry, Menheniot, Liskeard

Details: The Zip at Adrenalin Quarry, in South East Cornwall, is the UK’s maddest zip wire. Nearly a third of a mile long, over 150ft high and reaching speeds of 40mph, twin parallel wires cross the flooded depths of the old quarry ready for you to throw yourself down on a thrill ride of a lifetime. Suitable for all ages, this memorable experience is the only place in the UK where you can just turn up and jump. If that’s not enough, you can test your nerve on the UK’s tallest cliff top swing and ‘The Blob’ – a giant inflatable catapult – or try wild water swimming, climbing or tombstoning.

Stay at: Our lovely South East Cornwall cottages near Liskeard (6 miles) and Downderry (8 miles) sleep from 2-10 people. 

2 Unleash your F1 demon

Ultimate Driving experiences at Goodwood; image credit Nigel Harniman

Where: Goodwood Motor Circuit, Chichester, West Sussex

Details: One of the UK’s most challenging motor racing circuits, Goodwood has seen many of the world’s most successful racing drivers take to the tarmac, including Sir Stirling Moss, Bruce McLaren and Sir Jackie Stewart. Now it’s your turn to feel the force and drive in the tracks of these racing legends in a high performance BMW. If that’s not enough, a variety of other driving experiences are also on offer from performance hot laps with a professional driver and off-road challenges to testing your skills on the Skid-Pan course, sure to get the adrenaline pumping.

Stay at: Our cosy West Sussex cottages at Sidlesham (6 miles) and Linchmere (17 miles) sleep 2-4 people.

3 Dive round a wreck

Dive to HMS Scylla by Tim Sheerman-Chase

Where: Plymouth Diving Centre, Devon

Details: More ships have sunk around the British coast than anywhere else in the world and the waters around Plymouth are teeming with sunken merchant ships and vessels, the poor visibility of the British waters giving these monstrous wrecks a ghostly quality that you simply can’t get in sunnier climes. If you fancy getting a closer look, Plymouth Diving Centre runs charters and regular weekend trips to many of the most popular wrecks. If you’re new to diving they also run PADI Open Water diver courses, including a one-week starter course for those short on time. Perfect for releasing your inner Ariel.

Stay at: Our gorgeous South East Cornwall properties, just across the border in East Cornwall, can accommodate from 2-10 people.

4 Set your spirit free in the forest

Image courtesy of The Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism Association

Where: Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley

Details: The trees are just beginning to turn in this ancient hunting forest, meaning that for the next few weeks it will be a blaze of colour and the perfect backdrop for an outdoor adventure – whether you’re sharpening your climbing skills on the rocky crags, flying through the trees on a zip wire or taking on some seriously fast white water action by kayak or canoe. No surprise then that there are numerous outdoor pursuits operators here with all the equipment and expertise you need to launch yourself into a brand new experience. From gorge scrambling and caving to quad bike challenges through trees fired with autumn hues, it’s a magical place to set your adventurous spirit free.

Stay at: Our beautiful Herefordshire properties are wonderfully located for exploring the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley (sleep from 2-22 people).

5 Drive a tank

Image courtesy of Juniper Leisure

Where: Juniper Leisure, Winchester, Hampshire

Details: Ever wondered what it’s like to drive a tank? Bring out the 007 in you by getting behind the controls of one of these massive multi-ton beasts on a tank experience package. Under the guidance of highly-trained drivers, many of them ex-army, you’ll learn to power round the challenging course on a range of military vehicles from a Chieftain tank and self-propelled armoured gun to a rocket launcher. Licence to thrill guaranteed.

Stay at: Thatched Phoebe’s Cottage in Romsey is packed with character and just 16 miles from Winchester (sleeps up to 3 people).