A bucket-list adventure

One-off experiences will be top of the agenda in 2021, writes Sarah Marshall

While stuck at home, we’ve all had time to dream up epic escapades and construct lists of the activities we’d love to do. Fed up with sitting around, most travellers are itching for action and the opportunity to tackle challenges to boost both confidence and mood.

Fortunately, not every once-in-alifetime activity requires a journey to exotic locations; remarkably, adventures can be had without shifting too far. If you’re in need of inspiration for planning a high octane staycation bucket list, here are a few suggestions to spark ideas.

Chase butterflies across sand dunes County Down, Northern Ireland

A protected area since 1967, the Murlough National Nature Reserve at the foot of the Mourne Mountains features a sand dune system in existence for 6,000 years. Follow a network of paths and boardwalks through woodlands, heaths and dunes to observe wintering wildfowl and wader birds, plus 720 species of butterflies and moths. Look out for the threatened Marsh Fritillary butterfly, distinguishable by its amber mosaic wings.

Walk with prehistoric monsters

London

Stand alongside the mighty reptiles which once dominated our planet, by strolling along a fantasy trail enjoyed by the Victorians 150 years ago. Crystal Palace features more than 30 sculptures reconstructed from imaginings based on their fossilised remains. Meet the Megalosaurus and the Iguanodon, whose mould was famously split open to host a dinner party on New Year’s Eve in 1853. Visit cpdinosaurs.org

Dive a shipwreck from WW1

Orkney Islands

The shallow waters of the Churchill Barriers, a series of causeways in the Orkney Islands at Scapa Flow, are home to an eerie collection of submerged blockships. Deliberately sunk during the First World War to provide a blockade against enemy German forces, the vessels are now a popular spot for guided dives. Open to anyone with an Advanced Open Water qualification and drysuit certification, boat dives cost from £225 per person. Visit krakendiving. co.uk

Ride stallions through the surf

County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Explore the rough and tumble of

Northern Ireland’s north coast on a horseback ride led by Danny Mckinley and his team. Select your breed of horse and the pace of the tour, opting for a speedy gallop into the hills or a gentle amble along the beach. Learn about a traditional peat-cutting industry and visit several locations featured in Game of Thrones on a two-hour tour costing from £20 per person. Visit sheanshorsefarm.com

Kitesurf without getting wet

Pembrokeshire, Wales

Using a sail attached to an oversized skateboard on wheels, kite landboarding allows you to skim surfaces without even touching water. Requiring less wind and power, it’s relatively easy to learn, and works as a foundation for kitesurfing – or even snow kiting should you choose to progress. From £45 per person. Visit thebigblueexperience. com

Mush and sled with husky dogs

Yorkshire

Replicate the experience of running a pack of dogs through Lapland’s icy wilderness, by harnessing a group of

Clockwise from main: the northern lights in Northumbria; kite landboarding; Scapa Flow, Orkney

eager huskies on a dryland mushing rig. Discover the different commands used to control your canine team, then set off for an adventure around a 250-acre farm at Thornton Hall Country Park. A two to three hour experience starts from £55 per person. Visit runwiththepack.co.uk

Circumnavigate an entire country on foot Wales

Connect two signposted pathways to literally hike around Wales. By combining the Welsh Coast Path and Offa’s Dyke, ambitious ramblers can get a 1,047-mile workout – if they’ve got around eight weeks to spare. Alternatively dive into sections, learning about history, folklore and wildlife through the free Wales Coast Path app.

Witness the aurora borealis Northumberland

Occasionally, when activity is strong, the northern lights can be seen at latitudes as low as northern England. Benefitting from a lack of light pollution and the reliability of clear skies, Northumberland’s international Dark Sky Park is one of the best places to spectate. Try the Kielder Observatory in Kielder Water And Forest Park.

Kite landboarding allows you to skim surfaces without touching water