Leicestershire isn't well known for its outdoor sports but when you just do a little bit of research you can discover some amazing sport to try this year. Check out these 9 incredible outdoor sports we recommend trying this year in Leicestershire.
1: Rock Climbing
Rock Climbing - is a sport that consumes a lot of precision and accuracy. While doing this sport, you are mainly attached to a rope that can save you from falling down when making (predictable) mistakes. This sport is totally different no matter where you do it, as you can view wonderful sights of UK each step of the way. Call of the Wild’s, in Wales, climbing sessions are usually based in the Brecon Beacons, a beautiful area to cut your teeth in this fun world. There are different sites used when training beginners. Don’t worry too much as you’ll receive full instruction so plummeting to your demise isn’t a very likely outcome. It’s another way to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family.
Where To Try - The Tower Climbing Centre
What it costs - Starting from £5 per person, plus £5 equipment hire (if needed)
2: Kayaking & Canoeing
Kayaking - Too often, we obsessively glorify new fitness fads, overlooking some of the tried and true activities that aren’t as flashy. While we like to check out the latest workouts and crazes, it’s always nice to get back to basics and the outdoors will always be our favorite fitness center. Kayaking is one of those classic activities that puts you right in the center of nature and provides an excellent workout. We love paddling and we think you should try it.
Where To Try - Let’s Get Lost
What it costs - Starting from £30 per person
3: Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving - Have you ever dreamed of scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef? Just imagine sinking down into the warm waters, exploring coral gardens, and seeing this wondrous world through the eyes of a fish. Learning to scuba dive is easy and is your passport to a brave new world.
Where To Try - Stoney Cove
What it costs - Starting from £25 per person
4: Snorkeling
Snorkeling - is a simple and fun activity that can easily be enjoyed by the whole family - children, parents and even grandparents ! All that’s required is that snorkelers must know how to swim and be moderately comfortable in the water. A few accessories, such as buoys, inflatable noodles and even a vest can provide the youngest children with some extra buoyancy, so that they won’t get tired as quickly and will be able to enjoy the water for a longer period of time.
Where To Try - Leicester Underwater Exploration Club
What it costs - Starting from £5 per person
5: Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking - At Everards Meadows you can enjoy miles of peaceful traffic-free cycling along brand new waymarked cycle paths, or take the Great Central Way and explore the city of Leicester by bike.
When you arrive, they’ll give you a map and talk you through the waymarked route options, including shorter family-friendly routes, taking in kids' play areas, and cafes.
Where To Try - Rutland Cycling
What it costs - Starting from £10.99
6: Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding - You don’t have to travel all the way to the River Nile in order to give it a go! Perhaps not as dangerous as other activities on this list, paddleboarding offers a number of different options to ride, such as rivers, lakes, and even the sea. Dependent on your need for an adrenaline rush, your location will offer that much-needed excitement. You can find paddleboarding schools across the UK.
Where To Try - Leicester Windsurfing & SUP Club
What it costs - Starting from £5 per person
7: Bouldering
Bouldering - This sport is for those who find rock climbing too mainstream. Performed without ropes, harnesses, or any safety equipment, bouldering is usually done for less than 20 feet (six meters). Also, most climbers use climbing shoes for better grip and chalk to keep the hands dry.
Where To Try - Social Climbing
What it costs - Starting from £7 per person
8: Parkour
Parkour - An intense activity, and one that requires you to be physically and mentally fit, parkour (or free running) enthusiasts must jump over, slide under, climb or otherwise navigate obstacles in their path from point A to point B, all without breaking stride. This may sound easy, but barriers like stairs, pillars and road blocks can test your physical stamina and endurance.
Where To Try - Jump
What it costs - Starting from £10 per person
9: Skydiving
Skydiving - is a natural adrenaline sport. This adventure sport will literally make you scream from the bottom of your lungs, jumping out of a plane has that effect on people. When making that jump, it’ll go down as one of the most memorable events in your life time. Skydiving gives you a sense of freedom like no other, and the scenery from up above is second to none. This sport should totally be in your bucket list. Be sure to take lessons first and remember to check if the skydiving school is approved by the BPA (British Parachute Association). This skydiving experience is absolutely worth trying during your time in the UK!
Where To Try - Just on the outskirts of Leicestershire at Skydive Langer
What it costs - Starting from £230 per person