10 incredible experiences to gift for Christmas
There’s still time to buy the perfect gift. From photography courses in the Peak District and learning to scuba dive, to gin making and alpaca walks, these UK-based experiences will delight…
1. Peak District photography course (£110)
Sunrise on The Great Ridge, Peak District (Dreamstime)
What better way to start the new year than walking off the Christmas calories with an outdoor photography adventure in the heart of one of the UK’s most diverse and scenic national parks. This day-long course covers everything from basic SLR settings and functions to creating the perfect composition with your lens – all with expert guidance from a professional photographer.
After a hearty pie lunch, get creative with new angles and perspectives on the reflective lakes and craggy mountain peaks.
Perfect for: New photographers and wildlife enthusiasts
2. Walk an alpaca (£36)
Alpacas (Shutterstock)
Whoever knew alpaca walking was an actual thing? You can enjoy a day out in the Sussex countryside walking side by side with this alternative furry friend – that’s your romantic Christmas walk sorted.
On your walk you’ll have the chance to learn more about your four-legged companion as you stroll through the stunning farmland. Once returned to the farm, you can treat your alpaca to some freshly cut carrots, and meet some of the cute babies.
Perfect for: A family day out or fun with friends
3. Ride the Hogwarts Express
The Jacobite, crossing Glenfinnan viaduct (Dreamstime)
All aboard the Hogwarts Express! Embark on an adventure following in the tracks of Harry Potter and his friends with a train journey through Scotland. Crossing jaw-dropping viaducts and dramatic scenery as lakes glow in the distance, this is a memorable Christmas experience that will will last a lifetime. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.
Perfect for: Harry Potter fans
4. Overnight bush craft survival weekend (£195)
Sitting by the fire in the forest (Dreamstime)
Know someone who’d like a taste of the Ray Mears lifestyle? Then this is the gift for them. From learning basic fire lighting skills and building shelters out of wood, to cooking up dinner around the campfire, this course isn’t for the faint-hearted but does offer rewarding skills for those who take on the challenge.
Perfect for: Adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts
5. Whizz down the world’s fastest zip line (From £70)
Velocity zip line, Wales (Zip World)
This North Wales zip line – the longest in Europe – offers a shot of adrenaline for those who dare to strap in. Build confidence on a steady test ride of the Little Zipper, before screaming with excitement on this ride of a lifetime. Keep your eyes open, and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the lakes and peaks.
Perfect for: Adrenaline junkies
6. Gin making experience (£160 for two)
Gin distillery (Shutterstock)
Head to Salcombe Gin School for a shot of Christmas spirit with this top-notch gin making class, led by distilling professionals. Dip your nose in various botanicals, sip on tipples and get creative with spices, before graduating with expert knowledge and a personalised bottle of gin.
Perfect for: Gin connoisseurs
7. Go on a glamping break (from £75)
Glamping huts (Dreamstime)
When the drama of December is over and done with, escape to calmer pastures with a glamping escape. With a Glamping Hub gift card, you can choose a your perfect break from a wide variety of accommodation, from a luxury bell tent in Herefordshire, to eco-pods in Wales. It’s a great way to travel for less.
Perfect for: A couple weekend break
8. Escape Room (From £20)
Friends solving an escape room (Dreamstime)
With only 60 minutes on the clock, you’d best be quick to solve the clues and find the key to make your escape. Gather your best problem-solving crew to take on the challenge of escaping ticking time bombs or murder mysteries – the minds that can solve, the merrier.
Perfect for: Group of 2-8, friends or family
9. Take a cookery class (From £105)
Group cooking class (The Cooking Academy Ltd)
Fire up sizzling prawns with diced chillies or bring lemongrass chicken to the boil with this expert-led cooking class. Experimenting with seasonings and flavours, keen cooks will learn how to chop, dice and slice their way to all corners of the world. Courses range from Thai and Italian, to Middle Eastern and more…
Perfect for: Amateur cooks looking to add spice to their life
10. Learn to scuba dive (£155)
Learn to scuba dive (Shutterstock)
Learning to dive is on many people’s bucket list. With a PADI online scuba diving course, you can begin your journey to a life of underwater adventures. The course is split between eLearning that can be completed at your leisure, followed by time at a dive school, where you build confidence and skills in the water, and gain your first PADI Open Water Diver certification.
Perfect for: Ocean lovers
