Winter Adventures and Activities

Whether you’re one of those rare, determined individuals who never allow winter to box them in, or you’re simply looking to change your seasonal habits, we’ve put together an action plan for you.

Air Charter Service has sourced some adrenaline pumping activities from around the world which are sure to get you out of your dressing gown and into your action gear. Take a look at our adventure guide and supporting activities and plan your winter properly with Air Charter Service – we’ll even get you and your friends there in style through our private charter option.

Shoot and Stay in the South Downs

There’s no British winter adventure more classic than a day blasting clays on a grand British estate. It’s ideally located in some of West Sussex’s prime shooting country and the team there claim it as a “perfect base for your shooting party or corporate event.” Shooting clays is a great way to keep active and get outdoors without doing anything too outlandish, like jumping out of an aeroplane in -10°C temperatures.

According to PR Manager Nicole Harley you can expect, “Delicious British food sourced straight from the rivers, stream and South coast, cocktails crafted using local artisan gin and delicious sparkling wine from the UK’s finest award-winning vineyards.” It turns out they’re avid aviation fans there too, just like us.

When we asked Nicole if she thought being delivered by luxury private jet might add to the experience, she told us, “I certainly do. There’s also a number of flying experiences available at nearby Goodwood including flying vintage aircraft if aviation is your thing. Helicopters can also land at The White Horse directly if you don’t fancy the 15 minute drive and really want to make an entrance.

Her thoughts on the perfect day? “Land at Goodwood. Spend a day’s clay shooting or flying. Possibly have lunch at Goodwood and then a flying tour of the South Downs and coastline in the afternoon. Then drive to The White Horse for dinner and stay. Breakfast is included and they have the beautiful South Downs to explore or even catch a show at the Chichester Festival Theatre if you’d like to extend your stay.”

Explore Romania on Ice

Have you ever wanted to explore Romania but never gotten around to it? Winter may, in fact, be exactly the right time for an exploration adventure. Adventure group explore.co.uk has actually established a winter adventure schedule for people who’ve had the same thought as you. Their ‘Winter Adventure in Romania’ package adds an even more mysterious layer to the already adrenaline-inspiring thought of traveling through some of the most iconic landmarks in this folklore-filled country.

Explore PR Executive Olivia Lewis told us, “The new eight-day Winter Adventure in Romania package offers explorers a chance to discover Romania’s highlights, set against a beautiful winter backdrop. They’ll spend the night in Romania’s only ice hotel, perched above Lake Bâlea, visit Transylvania’s Bran Castle and try snowshoeing and tobogganing in the snow-covered landscape. Discover the Saxon town of Viscri and spend time with a wildlife expert tracking wild boar, wolves and bear.”

Mountain Biking in Wales

Whether you’re an avid mountain biker all year round or you’re specifically looking for an excuse to get outside and explore nature while keeping fit during the winter months, this is the ideal time to get on your bike. The alpine trails available in the former capital of Wales, Machynlleth, offer both challenge and beauty, and local specialists, Dyfi Mountain Biking, are in the area to get you started.

Find the perfect venue to serve as your temporary home away from home out in the hills south of Snowdonia and have everything arranged for you – from the best trails to high-quality equipment. Head downsome of the most glorious bike trails Wales has to offer, with varying difficulties available to cater for everyone of any skill level. Retire to a hot meal and a warm bed to stave off winter while you spend the evening recounting your adventure.

Rare Slovakian Biosphere Adventure

Dr Hammer told us, “You will contribute to the survival of animals such as wolves, bears and lynx, which are absent from much of the rest of Europe.” But, if the Carpathian Mountains are not to your taste then Biosphere Expeditions does arrange trips across the world to assist in conservation and scientific pursuits – using the apt slogan, ‘Make your holiday count’. Travel anywhere from Amazonia to Malaysia or Tien Shan and assist in vital conservation efforts while taking in sights which very few have the pleasure of experiencing because they’re typically distant from standard tourism routes.

If you’re after adventure this winter but also want to be part of something unique and exceptionally important, then this is the pursuit for you. Dr Matthias Hammer, the Executive Board Director for Biosphere, told us that scientists in the area are looking for volunteers to join their efforts to monitor lynx, wolf and bear populations and their interrelationship with prey species, a little-known part of the Slovakian Carpathian mountains.

Golfing on Winter Grounds

Besides being voted the ‘Best UK Hotel outside London’ and receiving TripAdvisors’ ‘Travellers' Choice Awards 2015’, the grounds also possess an 18 hole par 72 Hawtree Course and a 6 hole par 3 Repton Short Course. They have several events coming up during the winter months; including the ladies golf lunch experience and the Hole in One Competition.

Marketing Manager for the hotel, Nicola Cook, told us “As we approach Winter our thoughts turn to Christmas, Rudding Park is based three miles south of the spa town of Harrogate and within close proximity of Leeds and York, so it is perfect for Christmas Shopping. Leeds Bradford Airport is 30 minutes away, so Rudding Park is perfectly located for our guests to arrive via private charter jet. Explore the grounds and play a few rounds of golf during a crisp winter’s day before retreating to the comfort of your room and roaring log fire.”

Discover the Snowdonia Mountains & Coast

Whether you're looking for an action-packed adventure or simply want to indulge in beautiful scenery and cultural pursuits, Attractions of Snowdonia has the perfect activity to suit your winter excursion needs. “In Snowdonia, the best part of winter is the beauty of our natural landscapes covered in a blanket of snow – its like a crystal kingdom!” says Jana Jones, Marketing Manager for Attractions of Snowdonia.

“Bounce Below offers high-adrenaline, action packed, winter fun. Hidden underground in a 176-year old disused cavern, you will find this subterranean playground installed with huge 'bouncy nets' and technicoloured lights that reveal the beauty of the underground cavern.”

“Visit Glasfryn Parc for exciting family adventures which include go-karting, quad biking, ten-pin bowling, and soft play. At Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways visitors can enjoy a ride with the oldest independent railway company in the world and and take in the outstanding natural beauty of Snowdonia as they pass through areas inaccessible by road and undisturbed by the sights and sounds of modern life.”

When asked whether a private charter might add to the overall experience, Jana replied, “Absolutely! Particularly at Bounce Below – as you could be dropped off via private charter helicopter at the top of the mountain, then zip down to the Bounce Below entrance on ZipWorld Titan.”

A Cultural Christmas

In the words of the Duchess of Northumberland, “The Alnwick Garden gives pleasure in so many ways to so many people from all walks of life. It has become a contemporary pleasure garden, which brings joy to millions. When I see photographs of it in darkness I feel that I am watching it sleep”. The garden, located in the centre of Northumberland, is a magical wonderland which enchants children and adults alike.

Marketing and Communications Manager for The Alnwick Garden, Lindsay Gill, told Air Charter Service that “The Alnwick Garden provides a rich programme for families and a variety of activities for all ages during the Christmas period. Children can enjoy visits with Santa and a number of Christmas parties, whilst adults can enjoy Christmas shopping at our Christmas Market. The Garden is spectacularly illuminated for a beautiful Christmas backdrop or an afternoon tea.” When asked about winter specifically, Lindsay told us, “Although it’s already a quieter time for The Garden, when it snows, as it often does this far north, The Garden is not only a stunning vista of white but a complete silence descends, making it almost ethereal. “

Romance and Relaxation in the Forest

PR Consultant for Forest Holidays, Stephen Baker, told Air Charter Service that, “A Forest Holiday is whatever you want it to be; an escape to one of nine idyllic locations in the UK, with a choice of luxurious cabins set deep in woodlands on the edge of mighty lochs, or bright forest meadows. If you want to relax, do just that in the comfort of your luxury cabin where the hot tub awaits you. Enjoy an in-cabin spa treatment, or watch a movie. If your energy is high, the options are limitless; cycling, canoeing or Forest Ranger activities are good options to try out.

MORE ARTICLES