The Top 10 Outdoor Activities

Posted by
James Trenchard

Group Outdoor Activities

Sometimes, it's necessary just to have some fun. There's no need to explain yourselves, especially after the Covid pandemic that has altered how we look at what a treat really is. Whether it's with a group of mates from work, a family outing or just a general jolly, we've got 10 of the best group outdoor activities for you. Each one has been chosen due to its outdoor nature, paired with the experiences of those who we know have enjoyed them. From getting away from it all, to simply just being outdoors somewhere and doing something fun, there's something in this list for everyone. Take a look through the list of 10 great group outdoor activities and we're sure you won't be disappointed.

1 - Outdoor Go Karting

You may not be surprised that outdoor go karting is on the list of the top 10 outdoor activities, but if you are, please let us explain why it's so great.

There are tracks all over the UK for outdoor go karting, meaning that you won't have to travel for hours on end to find a venue. Each venue will also offer various race formats and prices, to suit all group needs.

Whether it's simply a 'turn-up-and-drive' deal, or an endurance event with driver changes and all the other happenings, there will be something for you and your group to stick your right boot into.

The adrenaline rush, speed and bragging rights (or not in some cases) means that there will be plenty of smiles and lots to talk about for ages to come.

Have a go at outdoor go karting as a group outdoor activity

~ Blast around a track with some outdoor go karting ~

2 - Bushcraft

With the world beginning to recognise the impact that our collective actions have on the planet, taking a more environmentally-friendly approach may be the route you choose. If that's the case, then a bushcraft activity could be the right choice.

It will give your group the chance to reconnect with the outdoors, learning skills that don't rely on USB ports or a screen. Some may also see it as a way to prepare for the impending zombie apocalypse everyone keeps talking about.

Whichever reason you decide to choose a bushcraft activity from our top 10 outdoor activities, you'll have some fun learning some new skills, whether you use them or not.

There are usually half days or full day programmes, to suit all group types and requirements.

3 - Canoeing and bushcraft

If you're looking for something that's even more of an experience than the bushcraft activity then how about our next outdoor activity; canoeing and bushcraft. Wild camping with a guide, with the added experience of canoeing to and from your camp site.

These are set up in a remote area (but not too far from home comforts) and offer a true outdoor survival experience. For this reason, there aren't unlimited locations, but it does mean that you can really escape for a day or two and see plenty of wildlife.

You don't have to be a survival expert and they're great for everyone looking for a survival experience.

We have written a more in depth article about this amazing outdoor activity, which you can read here.

A great group outdoor activity is canoeing and bushcraft

~ Why wouldn't you choose to explore here on a canoeing and bushcraft trip? ~

4 - Segways

The next of our top 10 outdoor group activities is perfect if you're looking for a more land-based, wheels-on-the-ground type deal.

There are loads of places throughout the UK which offer this and the experiences range from forest tracks to obstacle courses, with many places offering both.

Segways also offer a great pandemic-friendly activity, with plenty of distance between everyone.

It's a really simple idea, generally won't cost you an arm and a leg and works really well alongside other outdoor group activities, such as...

5 - Go Ape

If you've not come across this outdoor group activity before, in a nutshell; it entails climbing through trees, doing your best King Louie impression, whilst being safely clipped to lines and harnessed up (just in case you get a bit carried away).

Most Go Ape sites are based in forests (although that's fairly obvious) and spread across the UK. They usually offer tightropes, nets, ladders and much more.

If you've got a bigger group then it's worth noting that you're likely going to have staggered start times, but there's usually a cafe, walks or other things to do if people do have to wait their turns.

Embracing your inner ape could be a winner and an option that won't break the bank.

6 - Coasteering

This is a classic outdoor group activity, due to the great fun you can expect to have.

Coasteering can be found pretty much anywhere with a coastline, which does limit the option slightly, but if you're not hours and hours away, or are heading to the coast anyway, adding this amazing outdoor group activity is well worth it.

The adrenaline rush you'll get from clambering over rocks, jumping into the sea and traversing along the coastline makes this one to remember and it'll leave you wanting to do it again.

If it's adventure you're looking for, we've also compiled a list of some adventurous ideas to have a look through.

7 - Clay Pigeon Shooting

The first shooting-based outdoor group activity on our list comes in the form of two smoking barrels. Clay pigeon shooting is an extremely popular activity, so you'll find venues offering this all over the UK.

Outscoring your friends, colleagues, family or whoever you go with is a bonus, but even if you only hit one clay, it's an extremely satisfying experience.

It could also be used as training for the aforementioned zombie apocalypse (maybe we've been watching too many films lately), but even if not, it's a great activity to choose and can often be found at multi-activity centres, to have alongside other great outdoor group activities.

Clay pigeon shooting is a fantastic group outdoor activity

~ Smoking guns can make for a great group outdoor activity ~

8 - Raft Building

We've provided lots of great land-based outdoor group activities, so we feel like some more water-based shenanigans are required. Look no further than raft building.

This is a very popular choice for corporate days or school/youth groups as it requires a thorough level of communication and teamwork. However, raft building works well with any group and can be found at various points across the UK, so it's a good choice.

It's not something you'll get to do every day either, so this gives it that extra little something.

There are various formats, some including racing your crafts, others simply building something that floats, so budgets can be accommodated too.

All-in-all, quite a good outdoor group activity really.

9 - Paintball

This is certainly the most intense outdoor group activity and really puts the 'PAIN' in Paintball. That said, you shouldn't experience too much pain if you turn out to be a John Rambo/John McClane (there are lots of 'shooty' Johns in flilms) or Sarah Conor/Katniss Everdeen character.

There are so many different areas or zones with various game types and scenarios, which means that you'll never have the same experience twice. Even if you've done Paintballing before, you'll have a blast (pardon the pun) if you choose to go again.

Paintball venues are all over the UK and you won't have to travel far to get to your most local one.

One tip from us is to buy a larger amount of paintballs than you think you'll need. It won't bankrupt you, but it'll mean you'll have more fun without having to conserve how much paint you're laying down to keep the enemy at bay.

10 - Assault Course

Messy, muddy, aMAZING. We've left potentially the filthiest of our group outdoor activities until last. Depending on which venue you choose, you could end up getting quite plastered (in mud). There are lots of assault courses scattered throughout the UK with various elements like tunnel crawls, tyre walls, ditches and nets.

Some are aimed more at team building, some at pure filthy fun and some strike a balance. There are also varying prices depending on exactly what you're looking for, so there's a reasonable level of flexibility with this group outdoor activity.

Most can be taken on by seasoned obstacle course tacklers or first-timers, but all will provide loads of fun.

Tackle an assault course as a group outdoor activity

~ We think the muddier the better to be honest ~

Quite frankly, if you don't like any of the activities on our list, it's possibly not an amazing group outdoor activity that you're looking for; but you could always look at our other outdoor activity blog post, to check if there's anything there that does take your fancy. You could also give us a call to see what we think you might like and generally discuss your plans to help you on your way.

Finally, just to recap, our list of the top 10 outdoor group activities are: