Adventure Days Out in London and the South West

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South Western Railway January 30, 2026 7 min read

In this article, you'll learn the following:

Day out adventures in London
Exciting days out in Bournemouth
Adventurous activities in Southampton
Thrill-seeking activities across the South West
Plan your adventure day out with SWR

Adventure Days Out in London and the South West

London and the South West are great playgrounds for adrenaline junkies and adventurers. Whether you’re looking for an activity to get your heart racing or an adventurous day out with the family, there’s something for everyone. Read our guide to discover the best adventure days out in London and the South West and find out how to get there on our network.

Day out adventures in London

London is the ideal destination for thrill-seekers. It’s packed with exciting days out, from exhilarating climbs of iconic London attractions to thrilling water sports activities. Explore our top picks here.

Scale the O2

Climb the O2’s famous roof and admire the fantastic views of London. Up at the O2 offers daytime, sunset or twilight experiences, where you can spot the city’s landmarks or see the London skyline illuminated at night. It’s also the site of a James Bond scene – check out our guide to London’s top film locations to find out more.

How to get there: From London Waterloo, hop on the Jubilee line to North Greenwich, which is a 4-minute walk from the O2.

Price: Tickets start from £35, but our customers can enjoy 10% off tickets for Up at the O2.

Gripped

Gripped is sure to get your heart racing as you take on their exciting aerial adventure course. Conquer your fear of heights by tackling the high ropes and zip lines. There’s a thrilling range of outdoor activities to choose from, including 50-metre speed slides with a vertical drop. It’s not for the faint-hearted!

How to get there: From London Waterloo, get the train to Feltham. Then, hop on the 490 bus to Lansbury Avenue. From there, it’s a 3-minute walk.

Price: Depending on the activity booked, prices vary between £12 and £45.

The Dare Skywalk

The Dare Skywalk is another exciting activity, letting you take to the skies of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Test your nerves at 46.8 metres above the pitch and enjoy the breathtaking views of London. And for the adrenaline junkies, you can take the plunge and exit over the edge!

How to get there: Hop on the Victoria line from Vauxhall to Seven Sisters. Then, take the number 279, 149, 259 or 349 bus to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Price: Tickets cost between £36 and £45.

Lee Valley White Water Centre

Lee Valley White Water Centre is the perfect adventure day out for water lovers. It offers a range of water sports, from whitewater rafting on the Olympic course to family-fun paddling on the lake. Grab a paddle and hop in a kayak, or hold your breath as you try hydrospeeding. Whatever activity you choose, prepare for a day you won’t forget!

How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the Waterloo & City line to Bank, then change for the Central line to Loughton. Hop on the number 66 bus to Lea Road – a 7-minute walk from the centre.

Price: Depending on the activity, prices range from £10 to £250.

Exciting days out in Bournemouth

A landscaped urban park on a sunny day, featuring a gently curving stream crossed by a metal pedestrian bridge. Flowering plants and lush greenery fill garden beds on either side, bordered by paved walkways with benches and lampposts. Tall trees provide shade, and a small stone building sits to the left, surrounded by vibrant foliage.

Offering a vibrant blend of coastal charm and thrilling adventures, Bournemouth is the perfect location to transform your day out into an unforgettable experience.

RockReef

At the end of the Bournemouth pier is RockReef – a daring day out with over 25 climbing challenges to tackle. There’s a range of walls to choose from that test your agility, speed and problem-solving skills; you can even race others on the Speed Climb challenge. Suitable for over 4s, it’s the perfect day out for the whole family!

How to get there: From Bournemouth station, hop on the number 5, 5a, 6 or 12 bus to the pier, then walk 4 minutes to the climbing centre.

Price: Tickets start from £15. Our customers can enjoy 15% off RockReef Clip ‘n Climb with SWR Rewards.

Sorted Surf School

Sorted Surf School offer exciting surf and SUP lessons, providing all the basics to help you catch a wave. Grab a surfboard and make a splash while you enjoy 2 hours of fun with a qualified instructor. They offer group sessions for up to 8 people or private lessons, which aim to get you standing on your board during the first session!

How to get there: Lessons take place on Boscombe Beach. Walk 11 minutes from Bournemouth to St Swithun’s Roundabout to catch the number 1b, 1c, 1a or m2 bus to Boscombe Gardens, then walk 10 minutes to the beach.

Price: A 2-hour session costs £42.50 for adults and £35 for kids (ages 8-15).

PierZip

PierZip is the world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire that provides a panoramic view of Bournemouth’s coastline. Launching from the pier on a 25-metre-high platform above the sea, thrill-seekers can soar 250 metres over the water and land on Bournemouth Beach. With the dual zip line, you can even ride (or race!) with family and friends.

How to get there: Take the number 5, 5a, 6 or 12 bus from Bournemouth station to the pier.

Price: Tickets start from £18.50.

Adventurous activities in Southampton

Southampton is an exciting destination for thrill-seekers. Ranging from water sports to snow sports, the city’s adventurous activities are sure to get your heart racing.

The Alpine Snowsports Centre

Hit the slopes at the Alpine Snowsports Centre. The artificial ski slope is ideal for skiing, snowboarding or sledging. It’s perfect for new and experienced snowsport fans, with experienced instructors on hand to help you improve your skills. Grab your skis and get ready for an exciting day out!

How to get there: Take the number 1 bus from Chandlers Ford to Holly Hill, then walk 12 minutes to the snowsports centre.

Price: Tickets range from £10 to £40, depending on the activity you choose.

Southampton Water Activities Centre

If you’re looking to make a splash on your adventure day out, visit Southampton Water Activities Centre. Offering sailing and powerboat lessons, you’ll find yourself gliding through the waves in no time. They welcome a range of ages, so it’s the perfect place to take the whole family.

How to get there: Take the X4 or X5 Solent Rangers bus from Southampton Central to Itchen Bridge West, then walk 5 minutes to the centre.

Price: Tickets cost between £20 and £230, depending on the activity you choose.

Thrill-seeking activities across the South West

The South West offers a diverse range of exciting activities for those looking to try something new. Discover the best options here to plan your next day out.

Abseiling at Spinnaker Tower

Face your fears and descend 100m down the iconic Spinnaker Tower. Portsmouth’s highest abseiling experience is a challenge that will test your nerves to the limit. Get strapped in and enjoy the incredible view of Portsmouth Harbour. Why not opt for their GoPro video package to remember the moment you took the plunge?

How to get there: It’s a 7-minute walk from Portsmouth Harbour to Spinnaker Tower.

Price: Tickets start from £110 per person.

Horse riding on the Isle of Wight

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, horse riding on the Isle of Wight is an exciting activity. With plenty of bridleways, peaceful country lanes and sandy open beaches, the island provides great terrain to explore the outdoors.

How to get there: To get to the Isle of Wight, take the train from London Waterloo to Southampton Central. From there, hop on a ferry to the Isle of Wight.

Price: Cost will vary between different stables.

Hot air balloon rides

The South West is a vibrant hub for hot air ballooning, with experiences taking place across the region. Whether you’re visiting Devon, Dorset or Somerset, you can fly in style with a hot air balloon ride over these stunning landscapes. It’s sure to be the flight of your life!

Price: Ticket prices range from £150 to £200.

Plan your adventure day out with SWR

Make sure your jam-packed adventure day out runs smoothly by travelling on our network. We have a range of tickets on offer, including cheap train tickets and advance tickets, to help you get the best deal. Choose Semi-Flex return or Sunday Out tickets for extra flexibility on your journey.

Travelling with family or friends? Explore our Group Travel offers, and don’t forget to check your eligibility for Railcards and discounts!

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