Outdoor Activities in Great Britain & Europe

If you want to spend more time on a particular activity, book on of our more specialised Outdoor Activities.

Please select a holiday from the left hand menu.

Your accommodation
European holidays - Our carefully selected partner hotels (not owned by HF Holidays) are chosen for the comfort and attention to detail that we know our guests expect. Food must be of good quality and the accommodation clean and comfortable; above all we look for the welcoming atmosphere and personal touch that will make your stay special.

UK holidays - You'll stay in HF Holidays own superb country houses. That means you’ll get the great standard of accommodation you would expect from an HF Holidays break. Full board means you start with the breakfast you want, choose your own picnic lunch and get back for a relaxing table d’hôte dinner in the evening. After that you can swap stories in the bar, chill out in the lounges or just collapse into bed, ready for another hair-raising, breathtaking, heart racing session the next day.

What's included

	Half or full day activity sessions and hire of all equipment with professional instruction (see the holiday description for more details)
	HF Holidays leader on hand to make sure things go smoothly
	Transport to and from activities (see the holiday description for more details)
	Holidays ‘with flight’ include a return flight from the UK to the destination airport and a direct coach transfer to the hotel. You also have the option of a ‘no flight’ option and make your own arrangements.

Scuba Diving, Ölü Deniz (Turkey) NEW

Ouldeniz is a small paradise on the South West Coast of Turkey, which attracts divers from all over the world because of its warm, crystal clear water and because of the marine life and colour of the fish which inhabit its reefs. You will have the opportunity to dive with instructors to view the amazing marine life with visability of up to 40 metres. At many of the sites rock formations give shelter to octopuses, morey eels, groupers and big shells. On the rocks scorpion fish, startfish, nudibranch and tube worms are all in full view. If you really want to master the sport why not book onto a dive course sanctioned by PADI and CMAS, two of the biggest diving agencies in the world (extra charge), this can be booked after the first days instruction.

DiveMed diving centre is English owned and operated, and has a reputation as one of the best dive schools in the area. All programmes are customised to meet the needs of the group with no upper age limit to diving, as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness. This could be the perfect holiday to try something new.

Your holiday will consist of three separate dives. The first day will be an introduction ‘discover diving’ where you will have the opportunity to become familiar with the equipment and technique in a pool before venturing out into open water with the instructor. The further two dives will be in different areas, again escorted to ensure complete safety. You will have the opportunity to join the Classic Walking group on the other days or just relax and enjoy the area and hotel facilities. Transport is paid locally.

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Gourmet Cooking and Walking, Norcia (Italy) NEW

In a region renowned for its gastronomic skills, the Bianconi family have a built a fine reputation for culinary excellence at the Hotel Grotta Azzura. This is where the family began their hospitality tradition in 1860 and now they want to share some of their secrets with us, using their contemporary facilities to teach fine Umbrian cuisine. You can also discover the region’s delightful wines and spend a morning searching for truffles, before returning to the kitchen for advice on how to cook this famous delicacy. You will also have the opportunity to join the Classic Walking group on alternate days. Transport for any walks payable locally.

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Gourmet Cooking, Walking and Sightseeing, Cappadocia (Turkey) NEW

The complete cultural experience! You start in Istanbul where we spend three nights exploring on foot one of Europe’s most culturally profound cities. The highlight will be a visit to the Topkapi Palace with collections amassed by the Sultans over almost five Centuries. Then transfer by flight to Cappadocia and spend 6 nights continuing to absorb the cultural highlights of the region on foot and touring as well as joining the team of experienced chefs. You will be taught how to prepare Anatolian traditional dishes as well as tasting the delicious local wines. The informative hands on cooking lessons will give you the opportunity to really improve your cooking and impress your friends!

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Surf and Turf NEW

Learn to surf, and then get your boots on for full day guided walks. You will have the opportunity to add additional instructed sessions at an extra cost. On our 7 night departures the holidays will consist of 3 prepaid and surfing sessions and 2 full day guided walks, with a free day in the middle. On our 4 night departure the holiday will include consist of 2 prepaid and surfing sessions and 1 full day guided walk.

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Introduction to Sea Kayaking NEW

Pick up the key techniques then take advantage of the opportunity to explore the coast by boat, visiting all the wonderful coves and inaccessible beaches. You will really have the chance to master the skills and start what could be a great beginning to a new past time. Why not combine this with guided walking at the Isle of Wight where you will be able to explore the coast by land and sea.

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Introduction to Sailing and Kayaking NEW

Why not turn your hand to sailing and Kayaking on the beautiful Derwentwater Lake, on this dedicated holiday. You will spend the mornings learning the skills with your experienced instructor and then have the afternoons free to either practice your skills (at an extra cost) or explore the National Park. The 7 night break will include a free day.

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Fly Fishing NEW

This introduction to Fly Fishing is delivered by skilled tutors available to talk you through the principles and key techniques as well as answer your questions as you progress. Enjoy the stunning Glens and soak up the traditions of a Country mans escape.

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Nordic Walking NEW

This is not just walking with poles, but a whole new activity, that once mastered can offer great health and fitness benefits, from correcting bad posture to strengthening your core muscles to ensure you can enjoy activities for years to come. No experience is required however the activity does demand a good level of fitness in order to enjoy and pick up the technique.

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Falconry

This is a brilliant opportunity to see magnificent birds at close hand. Not only will we visit two local Birds of Prey centres and see perigrines in the wild, you’ll learn how to handle the birds yourself. With the guidance of experienced falconers, you’ll be able to feed, groom and fly a variety of birds of prey including Harris Hawks, vultures, eagles and owls.

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Learn to use Map and Compass

Have you ever been lost in the countryside? It’s so much more enjoyable if you know where you’re going. Navigation using map and compass is one way to ensure you do. Starting from absolute basics you learn skills in theoretical evening sessions. You’ll put these into practice on walks during the day. This holiday is equally suitable for the family rambler, aspirant group leader or students of the WGL or ML schemes.

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Get to Grips with GPS, Map & Compass

GPS (Global Positioning System) has revolutionised navigation in recent years. But the devices can seem complex if you’re unsure how to use them. Our expert leaders will show you how to get the most from your GPS. With a mix of theory and practical outdoor exercises they’ll cover digital mapping, tracklogs, planning and even show you the differences between rival devices. If you haven’t got a GPS, this is a good chance to try out a variety before you choose one.

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