Travel in the UK

Top 15 UK experience days

What gift can you buy for the person who has everything? The answer is simple: a completely unique gift experience to provide memories for a lifetime. These top experience days have all the hallmarks of truly one-of-a-kind adventure - and all without leaving Britain.

 - 9 Min Read
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Top 15 UK experience days
  • A unique bungee jumping gift provides adrenaline like no other
  • Know your tannins from your typicity with a ‘grape’ wine tasting
  • Escape the stresses of daily life with a relaxing spa day
  • With glamping, you can connect with nature in a whole new way

UK experience days: FAQs

  • What are experience days?

    Experience days are a unique and thoughtful way to give a loved one a gift they can truly immerse themselves in. We rarely take time out for ourselves, so an experience day is a great opportunity for somebody to dedicate several hours to a new - and often exciting - experience.

  • What are some examples of experience days?

    With experience days, there is something for everybody. Experience days range from supercar driving experiences to afternoon tea for two and a ride on a steam train. 

    The experiences take place in cities all over the UK. If you’re travelling for your experience day, why not combine it with a staycation?

  • What are the best types of experience days to go on?

    This best type of experience day depends on the gift receiver. If you know somebody who’s a budding sommelier, a wine-tasting experience would be perfect. However, if your loved one fears heights, avoiding bungee jumping is best.

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We love nothing more than giving gifts to our loved ones. What makes this experience even better is finding a truly personal and unique gift.

It’s no surprise that experience days are becoming more popular. In a world where people are living increasingly busy lives, we all jump at the chance to do something hands-on. Even better still, if the experience allows us to try unique activities, we are sure to create memories to last a lifetime.

Whether you're looking for a solo holiday, an adults-only getaway, or an all-inclusive package for the whole family, our selection of holiday providers has you covered. Click below to start your holiday search!

Virgin Experience Days, Best Selling Experiences and other gift voucher providers have a huge range of experience days for every type of person, from ladies of leisure to adrenaline-chasers or those looking to learn new skills.

All of the below gift ideas are easily accessible, involving short breaks or days out all over the UK. Activities range from helicopter rides over UK skies to wine tastings, glamping and flying lessons.

Most experiences also come in a presentable gift box so your loved one can have something to open on the big day.

Please do note that most experience days require booking in advance. Remember to bring your gift voucher or e-voucher with you on the day.

Afternoon tea for two in London

This traditional pastime that’s so quintessentially British has never been more popular.

What better way to treat yourself or somebody else than by sitting down for Afternoon Tea in the stylish surroundings of a tea room? Or how about the opulent setting of a 5-star hotel?

Enjoy classic tiered treats such as finger sandwiches, fresh scones and cream cakes. If you have dietary preferences, these can be catered for. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free menus are also available.

You can wash down your pastries and patisserie with the finest loose-leaf tea, sparkling wine, or even champagne if the occasion calls for it.

We’ll toast to that!

Spa days

Spa Days are the perfect experience we all wish we had more time for. Give yourself the perfect birthday gift or random act of self-care (as if you need an occasion!) with a gift voucher for a Spa Day.

Whether you’re in need of some ‘me time’ or a great idea for a girly hen do, you can choose to pamper yourself with a range of day gifts or an overnight stay.

Spa Day experiences include full use of spa facilities such as a pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room. You can also plump for luxurious extras such as bubbly for two, makeover sessions and full-body massages.

However your perfect spa experience looks, it will give you valuable relaxation time away from the stresses of daily life.

Wine tasting

Enjoy a ‘grape’ day out with a range of drink experiences for everybody, from wine beginners to wannabe sommeliers.

With a Wine Tasting experience day, you can sample some of the world’s finest grapes with a vineyard tour, wine-tasting masterclasses and food and drink pairings.

You can purchase experiences from all over the UK, from the finest London restaurants to British vineyards.

Before you know it, you'll know your tannins from your typicity!

Dinner

If you’re looking for a risk-free special occasion, dinner is one of the safest experiences you can gift. With so many special offers on the finest restaurants nowadays, from Michelin Star meals to elegant dinners with jaw-dropping views, the finest food is no longer reserved for the rich and famous.

With experience days, you can enjoy a three-course meal for two people at London’s finest hotels or a five-course dinner at the latest hip restaurant. You can even pair the dinner with a visit to The View From the Shard, followed by a unique dining experience at Marco Pierre White’s London Steakhouse co.

Most restaurants are in demand, so always make sure you book in advance.

Driving experience

Buckle up! If you have somebody looking for the perfect adrenaline-packed adventure, gift them a dream high-speed experience they will always remember.

A Driving Experience is a perfect gift for racing fans with experiences ranging from speeding in a supercar to tank driving or a truly unique off-road experience.

Push your nerves to the limits on challenging tracks, knowing that you’re safe in the hands of experienced driving instructors to guide you through every step of the way.

Whether you’re a seasoned petrolhead or a newcomer to the world of fast cars, a Driving Experience promises a high-speed adrenaline rush and the chance to fulfil a once-in-a-lifetime dream.

One of the most popular experiences is a Supercar Driving Blast, where you can find yourself behind the wheel of a Lamborghini. Accelerate your way to full speed, navigate exhilarating corners and experience the thrill that is a high-speed race around the tracks.

Truly a gift to remember!

Theatre trip in London

Lose yourself in the magic of the stage with an unforgettable trip to London’s West End.

Gifting theatre tickets to one of the capital’s mesmerising productions will provide a thrilling night of entertainment, from classic plays to cutting-edge musicals. Whether you’re drawn to the drama of a Shakespearean tragedy or the highs of a Broadway-style show, London’s theatrical scene will give you a night to remember.

Why not spend the time to ‘curtains up’ by checking out the city’s museums? London offers free museum entry for most of its attractions, including the Imperial War Museum, the V&A, the British Museum, plus many more.

Paintballing

Unleash your inner warrior for a day filled with pulse-racing adventure!

An exciting paintballing experience will see you dive into heart-pounding battles and take strategic manoeuvres a little too seriously.

Gather your friends or work colleagues and prepare for an action-packed day of paintballing thrills that will leave you exhilarated and begging for more.

Bungee jumping

This high-flying experience is not one for the faint-hearted!

We all know that one person who fancies themselves as a bit of a daredevil. Put their wits to the test with a freefalling jump from an aeroplane or a unique skydiving trip in the clouds.

Get ready to take the leap of a lifetime and experience a rush of adrenaline like no other.

Football stadium tour

Treat one of your sports-obsessed loved ones with the ultimate football stadium tour.

Help them to step foot onto the hallowed turf of one of the world’s most iconic football grounds, walking in the footsteps of football legends. The tour will also provide unparalleled access to trophy cabinets, changing rooms, and other areas normally closed off to the public on match days.

Stadium tour experience days include the opportunity to go behind the scenes at Manchester United’s ‘Theatre of Dreams’ Old Trafford and Liverpool’s legendary Anfield.

A perfect treat for a special birthday or Father’s Day.

Glamping

Whoever said camping was all about slumming it in sleeping bags and struggling to put up tents? Immerse yourself in nature with the comforts of the finest luxury outdoor getaway.

With a glamping experience, you can unwind in your pyjamas in a range of stylish accommodations. From cosy bonfires under the stars to sleeping in luxury bedding, you can connect with nature in a whole new way.

Glamping is perfect for a hen-do experience that combines luxury and adventure. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a makeover in picturesque surroundings.

The view from the shard

Combine a dizzying dining experience with a unique sightseeing getaway by ascending to the top of London’s largest building.

Once you reach the top, you can soak in panoramic 360-degree views from The Shard’s observation deck. Take your breath away by gazing down at the capital’s iconic landmarks and the winding River Thames from over 1,000 feet.

A truly unforgettable way to view London’s magnificent skyline.

Flying lessons

Gift any wannabe pilots an exhilarating airborne adventure in the form of flying lessons. Take to the skies and learn to take control of a helicopter or plane with the assistance of a fully-qualified flying instructor.

Discover the freedom of flight first-hand as you sit in the pilot’s seat and accelerate your way towards the clouds. Whether you’ve always dreamt of being a pilot or simply looking to fly out of your comfort zone, this experience will leave you with unforgettable memories.

You’ll be taught exclusive techniques to tickle the fancies of any aviation enthusiast, ensuring an experience like no other!

Photoshoot

Unleash your inner model and capture physical memories that will last a lifetime.

With a photoshoot experience, you can enter the spotlight and let professional photographers guide you through a personalised photoshoot session. Step up your selfies with stunning backdrops and expert lighting.

This experience is perfect for those with a newborn baby, those wishing to capture a family portrait or simply a loved one looking to pamper themselves.

Helicopter ride

Feel a rush of adrenaline like no other by taking flight with an unforgettable Helicopter Ride experience day.

Buckle in as an experienced helicopter pilot transports you from the ground to the skies in a 30- or 60-minute experience like no other.

View the world as you’ve never seen it before as your Helicopter Tour gives you an unparalleled perspective that will take your breath away. Flying high in the skies, you can embrace the breathtaking views and marvel at the British countryside's stunning landscapes and natural wonders.

It is guaranteed to be the most jaw-dropping passenger ride you’ve ever taken.

Steam train

Who doesn’t love a relaxing train ride with excellent views? Step back in time and embark on a nostalgic journey from days gone by with a Steam Train Ride experience day.

Relive the golden era of travel as you board a lovingly restored steam locomotive, complete with the energetic chugging and billowing clouds of steam we have all seen in the movies.

Once you’ve settled into the comfortable seats of your plush carriage, sit back and relax as your steam train winds through the picturesque countryside.

All aboard for a great train adventure!

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