Thrill-seeker Britons prefer scaling the heights to ‘fly-and-flop’ beach holidays

Survey shows popularity of adrenaline-fuelled adventures

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, trekking to Machu Picchu and rafting the Grand Canyon have been named as the world’s greatest adventures in a new survey.

Other adrenaline-fuelled journeys proving popular among Britons included descending into Iceland’s Thrihnukagigur volcano, potholing in Vietnam’s Son Doong caves and reaching the Base Camp Everest in Nepal.

The shortlist was created by celebrity explorer Steve Backshall, along with travel writers, before being put to 2,000 British adults aged under 40.

More than half (58%) of those questioned said they would prefer to seek out adventurous experiences than lounging around on the beach or by the pool.

In Britain, scaling Ben Nevis, potholing in Yorkshire’s Gaping Gill and swimming with seals off the Devon coast were voted the top three adventures.

The study was commissioned by television channel Dave to mark the launch of new series Expedition with Steve Backshall.

“From an early age I knew I wanted to explore the world and that’s never stopped,” he said.

“I have spent my life travelling to some of the most remote, dangerous and testing places on the planet. I’m always on the hunt for a new challenge to discover the unexplored – my new show on Dave sees me document a number of world-adventure ‘firsts’, including the first descent of a white-water river in the Himalayas.”

Luke Hales, director of Dave, added: “Our new research reveals we are a nation of explorers who enjoy a sense of adventure and danger.

“Brits are opting for more adrenaline pumping activity-based trips rather than the traditional fly-and-flop beach holiday.”

Picture: Getty. Scaling Ben Nevis has been named as one of the top three adventures in Britain.