2-3 day adventure with 11 yo in the U.K.?

[DistrictCommissioner]

DH is planning a little trip away with each of the kids this summer as he’s on sabbatical.

we’ve had a few ideas for the 11, nearly 12, but not sure we’ve hit on the right thing. She’s active, adventurous & outdoorsy, also likes art. Very keen rider. She has a fairly short attention span & likes to be busy. Hates mooching around museums.

eg things we’ve considered is cycling a trail & camping along the way, maybe a pottery weekend (not sure these exist for kid & adult pairs?), a kayaking expedition etc.

anyone got any top ideas? Based in SW but happy to travel.

How about surfing lessons?

PGL type trips that are ran for schools can be fab in the holidays for families. Loads of activities to do and accommodation on site.

Centreparcs?

Center parks is great for active kids. We have been 3 times and plan to go back.

Forest of Dean?
there’s a mountain bike place and lots of general mountain bike trails
canoe or rock climbing at Syminds yay/river Wye
definitely some pony trek options around (haven’t been in years so can’t recommend though)
Theres a bit of a folksy art scene too
an outdoor sculpture trail and several pottery places
www.forestofdean-sculpture.org.uk
I’m

Crap typing. That should say Symonds Yat

Mine went on a couple of PGLs by themselves was amazing.

We did a coastal path hike at that age. They did a diary with photos etc. .

Go ape north wales, Snowdonia and perhaps some surfing.

Go Below in Wales is good for the brave and adventurous.

Plenty of outdoorsy stuff nearby for another day or two.

I have an 11 yr old girl. Her perfect weekend would include surfing, horse riding, a bit of wild swimming and a hot chocolate…..all of which is achievable in north Devon (Saunton sands or croyde). But, she’d also go for the symmonds yat option- you can do canoe trips with overnight camping .

What about a cycle from your front door with camping and sketching things.... Head out for as short or as long as you fancy. Cycle a bit, draw a bit, cycle a bit, cake a bit cycle a bit, camp sleep repeat.

Try the New Forest.

Book horse riding on the Forest at Coombe stables. www.coombeequestrian.com

Go paddle boarding to a castle.
www.thenewforestpaddlesportcompany.co.uk

And cycling through the forest.
www.cyclex.co.uk/hire-new-forest

Lots of different options for accommodation from camping through to family spa hotels.

Glamping at Wasdale Head, climb Scafell, paddle/swim/kayak on Wastwater. Toasted marshmallows/campfire on the lake shore.

The Manor Hotel? No horseriding, but a huge variety of active stuff plus LOADS of crafts. Download the activities for this week to see all the different arts and crafts stuff
www.manorandashburyresorts.co.uk/activities-facilities/

Yes I was going to suggest Snowdonia. They have a few fab sites with huge zip lines/Forest roller coaster/ trampoline park in old slate mine - Zip World. They could climb Snowden. There’s some good horse riding opportunities. There’s an indoor surf centre plus lovely beaches.

I came here to say the Manor Hotel too. You can get horse riding near by, just not on site.

The hotel is a little shabby but the huge amount of activities makes up for it.

I was going to say The Manor Hotel too! Plus it's fully catered and it's a short drive to a pony centre where you can groom them and stuff.

Ooh these are great, thank you!!

DH is taking the 8yo to Lundy, and the 15yo for a city break to see Six the Musical, I’m jealous of all these adventures!

I haven't looked into it much but we fancy a trip that includes canoeing over pontcysyllte aqueduct. In North Wales they could do a few different activities.

South west coast path? It’s a pretty challenging walk but you can pick an interesting section for 2-3 days, camp along the way and it’ll be the kind of memory she’ll have forever.