Whether you're seeking the thrill of outdoor adventures or the charm of immersive cultural encounters, we've handpicked the best experience gifts that promise to create lasting moments.
From the thrill of soaring through the treetops on a zip line to the tranquillity of a guided nature walk, our curated selection promises a thoughtful gift for friends and family, or a memorable trip to treat yourself.
Jump to the best experience gifts for:
- Outdoor adventurers
- Animal lovers
- Foodies
- Happy campers
- Sporting enthusiasts
- Family outings
- Water sports
- Learning a craft
Ready to explore our carefully chosen selection of the top experience gifts? Keep scrolling down to uncover the perfect gift that's offers something a little different...
24 of the best experience gifts for 2023
Adrenaline Pass at Honister Slate Mine
The best experience gift for thrill-seekers
- Buy now from Virgin Experience Days (£140)
Recipients will experience the ultimate thrill with the Adrenaline Pass at Honister Slate Mine in the Lake District, featuring a 1000ft bridge, a 30m freefall, and an underground adventure.
The escapades begins by conquering the iconic infinity bridge, suspended 100ft above the valley floor—the longest high wire bridge in Europe. Once the bridge has been mastered, it's time to embark on a daring journey deep into the mountain, climbing the mine along the original underground workings.
For more zipwire experiences, check out offerings from Virgin Experience Days, Buy A Gift and Red Letter Days
Indoor Skydiving at the Bear Grylls Adventure Experience
Best experience gift for adrenaline junkies
- Buy now from Not On The High Street (£150)
Calling all daredevils. Give loved-ones the chance to try indoor skydiving at the Bear Grylls Expereince at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.
In addition to two one-minute flights each in the wind tunnel, there are three adrenaline-fueled activities from which to choose: archery, indoor climbing or shooting.
There’s also the chance to have a go on the Royal Marines-inspired Assault Course.
For more adventure-filled days out, check out offerings from Not On The High Street, G Adventures and Activity Superstore.
Go Ape Treetop Challenge for two
Best experience for big kids
- Buy now from Buy A Gift (£72)
Delight thrill-seekers with this treetop challenge in the enchanting canopy of the UK's most picturesque woodlands. Geared up with a harness and briefed for safety, prepare for an adventure filled with adrenaline-fueled zip wires, Tarzan swings, challenging crossings, and intricate tunnels. Each Go Ape site is strategically placed in a breathtaking forest location, creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable day of excitement and outdoor exploration.
Trout and Grayling Fishing Package in Scotland
Best experience gift for fishing enthusiasts
- Buy now from Experience Days (£375)
Whether fly-fishing or modern lure-fishing, this experience gift promises stunning locations with scenic rivers or tranquil lochs. Choose rivers for grayling fishing, with 3lb plus specimens regularly caught, or opt for a loch to increase chances of catching rainbow trout.
The adventure provides all necessary equipment, tackle, permits, professional photography, qualified casting tuition, and expert guidance.
For more fishing experiences, check out offerings from Virgin Experience Days, Into The Blue and Trip Advisor.
Gorge Walking Adventure for Two in Glamorgan
Best experience gift for scramblers
- Buy now from Experience Days (£130)
An opportunity to experience an exhilarating gorge walking adventure, often known as "ghyll scrambling," in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. Gear up with helmets, wetsuits, and buoyancy aids before venturing into the captivating gorges with a group led by highly trained instructors.
The day includes traversing dark disused railway tunnels, wading through tumbling streams, climbing rocks, and sliding down limestone in the river flow.
For more gorge walking experiences, check out offerings from Buy A Gift, Red Letter Days and Into The Blue.
Land Yachting Experience in Kent for Two
Best experience for speed aficionados
- Buy now from Red Letter Days (£68)
An exhilarating land yachting adventure for two at Lydd Airport, with a qualified instructor.
Easy to get the hang of, even for beginners, experience the great speeds and thrills these three-wheeled vehicles have to offer.
For more land yachting experiences, check out offerings from Into the Blue, Buy A Gift and Activity Superstore.
Africa Keeper for a Day for Two at South Lakes Safari Zoo
Best experience gift for animal lovers
- Buy now from Virgin Experience Days (£250)
A chance to be immersed in the world of South Lakes Safari Zone with this zookeeper themed experience.
Engage in hands-on tasks, from feeding Giraffes, Rhinos, Zebras, and Wildebeests to assisting with health checks and cleaning enclosures. The adventure also includes the thrilling opportunity to feed giraffes, Big Cats, and Giant Otters throughout the day, as well as a 10% discount on food purchases in Tibor’s restaurant.
For more zookeeper experiences, check out offerings from Virgin Experience Days.
Animal Encounters & Experiences
Best experience gift for Ilama lovers
- Buy now from Activity Superstore (£99)
An ideal experience gift for animal enthusiasts of all ages, this is an unique opportunity to enjoy a llama trek on a Devonshire farm, tailored for up to four people.
For more llama and alpaca experiences, check out offerings from Virgin Experience Days and Buy A Gift.
Fortnum & Mason Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two
Best experience gift for gourmands
- Buy now from Virgin Experience Days (£191)
Treat a loved one to a centuries-old tradition at Fortnum & Mason with this iconic British treat of Afternoon Tea in the elegant Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon.
A glass of champagne is included, along with an array of sweet and savoury delights, from traditional finger sandwiches to exquisite cakes and freshly-baked scones served with clotted cream and Fortnum's preserves.
To complete the experience, an expert 'Tearistas' is on hand to offer advice about various tea blends.
Afternoon Welsh Tea in The Iconic Great Glasshouse for Two
Best experience gift for tea lovers
- Buy now from Find Me A Gift (£94)
What could be nicer than the gift of a traditional Welsh tea in the spectacular surroundings of The National Botanic Garden of Wales?
The menu features finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, tea, coffee, and, of course, locally made Welsh cakes.
This experience gift also includes the chance to explore the grounds, stroll around the glasshouse, or wander down to the lake and Waun Las Nature Reserve as well as take home a hamper of bespoke gifts.
For more afternoon tea experiences, check out offerings from Virgin Experience Days, Red Letter Days and Buy A Gift.
Foraging With Masterchef Winner Mat Follas
Best experience gift for foraging foodies
- Buy now from Not On The High Street (£69.95)
Mat Follas shows how to distinguish between hogweed and hemlock as well as how to make wild wine and sourdough, while strolling through hedgerows, fields, and the coastline to discover a variety of wild plants, herbs, and seaweed
A three-course meal and snack is included, along with a talk on making Gin and liqueurs, with tasting opportunities during lunch.
For more foraging experiences, check out offerings from Not On The High Street, Virgin Experience Days and Buy A Gift.
London Coffee Lovers Roasting Experience for Two
Best experience gift for aspiring barista
- Buy now from Find Me A Gift (£120)
A chance to join the barista experts at Hej Coffee for a day of coffee roasting in Elephant and Castle - the ideal gift for the ultimate coffee enthusiast.
This hands-on experience lets two passionate coffee lovers immerse themselves in the art of roasting, operating the roaster to craft their own drinks and mastering the classics.
For more coffee experiences, check out offerings from Virgin Experience Days.
One Night Eco Camping Pod Break at the Quiet Site, Lake District
Best experience gift for happy campers
- Buy now from Virgin Experience Days (£60)
Give friends or family the chance to reconnect with nature without the hassle of setting up a tent, in the luxurious, yet carbon-neutral, Quiet Site in the Lake District.
Perfect for couples or families, the cosy pods come equipped with a heater, lamp, and plug sockets, while there’s a zero-waste shop, 16th-century bar, wood-fired pizza oven, games room and showers among the onsite amenities.
Two Night Off Grid Camping Experience
Best experience gift for campervan lovers
- Buy now from Not On The High Street (£90)
Treat the campervan enthusiasts in your life to a distinctive off-the-beaten-track experience with a stay at one of 'Wild With Consent' private, secluded, and wild camping sites.
Carefully chosen for their stunning surroundings and freedom from noise and light pollution, these sites are scattered across the U.K., including Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland.
Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with staying with the full consent of the landowner, ensuring a worry-free and exclusive camping experience.
For more glamping and camping experiences, check out offerings from Not On The High Street, Red Letter Days, Buy A Gift and Virgin Experience Days.
The Kia Oval Cricket Ground Tour, Match Day Ticket and Tea for Two
Best experience gift for sport fans
- Buy now from Virgin Experience Days (£110)
Cricket fans will relish the chance to experience a memorable day of cricket at the Kia Oval Cricket Ground.
In addition to premium seats, they'll have exclusive access to behind-the-scenes areas, and be able to explore the Club Museum, discover the intricacies of equipment manufacturing, and gain insights into maintaining an international wicket. And on top of all this, afternoon tea is provided.
For more sporting experiences, check out offerings from Virgin Experience Days, Buy A Gift and Activity Superstore.
Family Steam Train Trip with East Somerset Railway
Best experience gift for rail enthusiasts
- Buy now from Virgin Experience Days (£38)
Calling all train spotters! This historic adventure includes unlimited travel along 2.5 miles of track with the option to stop at any or all of the four stations, from the Cranmore station with its century-old signal box, museum, Whistlestop café and picnic spot to Mendip Vale.
This experience gift also includes a tour of the engine shed, and workshops.
English Heritage Family Annual Pass
Best experience gift for history fans
- Buy now from Buy A Gift (£160)
Give a year of enriching historical experiences with a membership for two adults and up to six accompanying children per adult to English Heritage.
With unlimited access to over 400 historic places and a free English Heritage handbook valued at £10.95, benefits also include free or reduced-price entry to events, an exclusive members magazine, and members rewards offering exclusive special offers on top brands.
Visit to Kew Gardens and Palace for Two
Best experience gift for garden lovers
- Buy now from Buy A Gift (£43)
Garden-lovers will appreciate entry for two to the renowned World Heritage Site, Kew Gardens. Open from April to September, visitors will be captivated by a diverse array of climates, native and exotic plants, and stunning collections of botanical art.
Highlights include the tropical rainforest ambiance of the Palm House, with temperatures soaring to a balmy 27°C, the treetop walkway, and serene lakes and waterlily ponds.
National Trust Membership
Best experience gift for nature (and history) lovers
- Buy now from The National Trust (from £84)
A favourite with families, National Trust membership offers a year-round gift for those who adore historic houses, cycling, or coastal walks.
With free entry to 500 sites, parking, a helpful handbook, quarterly magazines, and informative newsletters, this is a great gift experience.
For more family days out, check out offerings from Virgin Experience Days, Buy A Gift and Activity Superstore.
Canoe Experience Along the Highest Aqueduct in the World
Best experience gift for canoeists
- Buy now from Virgin Experience Days (£225)
If you're loved one is into canoeing, paddleboarding or kayayking, they'll be thrilled to be able to canoe over the world's highest aqueduct, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, with breathtaking scenery of the Dee Valley and diverse wildlife.
This experience gift includes one night at the historic Ruthin Castle, with roots dating from Arthurian legend, complete with a full Welsh breakfast.
Night Kayaking in East Sussex
Best experience gift for kayakers
- Buy now from Experience Days (£50)
Gift the perfect night kayaking experience to an adventurous soul seeking a unique nocturnal thrill.
An instructor-led kayaking trip in Lewes, which promises a distinctive evening outing navigating the enchanting River Ouse, River Arun, and the River Medway in East Sussex after dark.
For more watersports days out, check out offerings from Virgin Experience Days, Red Letter Days and Buy A Gift.
London Creative Photography Course
Best experience gifts for creatives
If your loved-one is keen on taking pictures, this is the experience for them.
In addition to a five-hour creative journey exploring the exciting world of composition and street photography in East London, the day also includes demonstrations, a short tour, and an informal lecture on street photography, art, and law.
For more photography experiences, check out offerings from Virgin Experience Days, Experience Days and Not On The High Street.
Be the Florist Hand-Tied Bouquet Workshop for Two
Best experience gift for aspiring florists
- Buy now from Buy A Gift (£190)
This experience offers the chance to discover the art of crafting a bouquet using hand-selected seasonal flowers during a 75-minute 'Be the Florist' experience at Ashridge House in Berkhamsted.
All tools and materials are provided, along with a small Hanako vase crafted by local artisans, to take away. Enjoy a complimentary glass of Champagne or a refreshing soft drink and a luxury chocolate bar too.
For more flower arranging experiences, check out offerings from Buy A Gift and Red Letter Days.
Weekend Bushcraft Course
Best experience gift for aspiring bush rangers
- Buy now from Into The Blue (£220)
Give the aspiring bushranger in your life the chance to become qualified over a two-day woodland stay. This experience offers an in depth, level 2 course in Bushcraft, Survival, and Wilderness living skills accredited by the NCFE.
Essential survival skills include fire lighting, identifying edible plants, building shelters, crafting traps and snares, purifying water, preparing rabbit, fish, and birds, and safely using knives and saws.
For more bushcraft experiences, check out offerings from Activity Superstore and Into The Blue.
These handpicked adventure days promise loved ones the chance to experience the extraordinary, whatever the occasion. From fun adventures to romantic escapes, discover the ultimate gift of unforgettable memories.
We've also put together a list of the best subscriptions for gifting. And, if you're looking for smaller presents? Check out our expert guides to the best eco gifts, best outdoor gifts and best gifts for walkers.