For many, Devon is seen as relaxed and tranquil, peacefully delightful. Whilst this is still true, you don’t have to look very far to find your adrenaline fix. Heidi-Charlotte Murray finds 10 heart stopping activities to get you out and about within the county.
1. Quad Bike Safari
Quad biking is one of the most exciting things you can do and at Extreme West, located deep in the heart of the Devon woodlands, is a perfect location for it. After a thorough safety briefing, you will be suited and booted in protective clothing and introduced to your quad bike for an hour of carnage on 12 muddy tracks and trails, spread out over 200 acres of woodland. As one of Devon’s most popular activities, off road driving is designed to get your heart racing, This featured site also accommodates groups and parties, so get your friends together and make a day of it. For more information, head over to the Extreme West website
2. Abseiling Experience
The rugged landscape of rural Devon is the perfect location to try your hand at abseiling. Adventure Devon are located at various centres throughout Devon and hold abseiling lessons over a variety of gradients, separating the novices from the experts but ultimately warming you up to step backwards off that cliff and push your mind and body to its limits. Rock climbing is also on the cards with the same company and for all the information you may need, please head over to their website
3. Skydiving
If you’re looking for the kind of experience that you’ll never be able to match, then skydiving might just be for you. At Dunkeswell Airfield, just outside Honiton, an expert team of divers and free fallers are on hand to take you 15,000 feet into the air only to throw you out of the plane and let the adrenaline do the rest. With great facilities, including a first class coffee bar and restaurant, Skydive UK will provide you with the ultimate experience, one that you just have to have if you haven’t already. For all information and booking enquiries, including a full list of FAQ’s, the Sky Dive UK website has everything you need.
4. Scuba Diving
There’s nothing quite like a blast of aqua adrenaline to shake up your weekend and at the Teign Diving Centre in Teignmouth, Devon you will be taught by PADI trained experts, in an in-house pool, how to swim to fascinating depths of the oceans. With one of the largest Dive Shops in the South West they are able to meet all of your equipment needs and all prices are fully inclusive of everything you might need, so there are no hidden costs. If you’re feeling brave and want to get your heart pumping, head over to the website for more information.
5. Paintballing
One of the best action packed activities you can lose yourself in just has to be paintballing and Adrenaline Games are claiming to offer the South West’s number one paintballing experience. Open all year round and benefiting from flood lit play for those of you wanting to engage in some midnight madness, this centre is certain to bring you your adrenaline fix in the form of military-themed paintball games over seven different paintball zones. For more information on prices and bookings, head over to the official website
6. Go Ape
One of the best days out in Devon, particularly if you’re looking for a real adventure. The Go Ape centre situated just 15 minutes outside of Exeter, boasts an incredible 235m zip wire, flying you from hilltop to hilltop. You are briefed on all safety procedures so you’re ready to fly down the zip-wires, leap off Tarzan Swings and tackle high ropes in Haldon Forest, one of Britain’s most beautiful forests. Once you’ve finished on the wires, you can choose to make your own way around the woods below or jump on a bike and cycle your way around, either way, you’re sure to have a great day out. All information can be found on the official Go Ape website
7. Kayaking
The roar of the rapids and the constant struggle to stay upright, kayaking along the River Dart is not for the faint hearted. Dynamic Adventures are based within the Dart Valley and have the privilege to be able to open their facilities all year round. They also offer relaxing river journeys so you can still have fun and enjoy a different perspective of the river and see some beautiful wildlife. For any information on prices and equipment, head over to the official adventure website
8. Wakeboarding
For all of you extreme sport enthusiasts too impatient to wait for a holiday, wakeboarding in North Devon is the perfect combination of snowboarding and skateboarding and you don’t need to spend a lot to have an action packed day out. The Wake Park is situated in Bideford, Devon and is dedicated to teaching both the theory of wakeboarding and the much more appealing practical side. Accommodating to beginners and experts alike, this popular sport is perfect for all ages. All enquiries are to be directed to the official website
9. Laser Tag
With the latest state of the art laser guns, with enhanced sound effects and played in an array of themed areas, Exeter’s very own Laser Tag facility at Cotley Lane, Longdown has fast become a favourite for all ages. Having been organising parties for over 20 years, Exeter Laser Tag are the only facility in the South West to offer 120 acres of woodland combat and 12 different game zones, making it a must visit attraction come rain or shine. For all information and enquiries, head over to their official website
10. Water Zorbing
Water Zorbing has only been around for a few years but the thrill of walking on water whilst keeping completely dry has led it to become one of the most popular water sports. The ultimate high zorbing sessions are held just outside of Abbotsham in North Devon and are five minutes in length, which doesn’t seem like a lot but is plenty of time to get the heart racing. If five minutes isn’t enough for you, you are given the opportunity to combine a number activities such as climbing, surf lessons and an assault course, allowing you to create your perfect day out. All booking information and enquiries can be directed to the official website
