The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

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Thrill Seekers Apply: How to Have an Action-Packed London Adventure

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Are you sick of staring at Buckingham Palace? Is wandering through the Houses of Parliament the last thing you want to do? Is the London Eye too tame for your tastes?

London might not seem like the best destination for thrill-seekers initially, but you have to dig a little under the surface. Away from the countless museums and historical landmarks is a healthy collection of exhilarating activities.

For a small sample of what activities are on offer, read on for five examples that can turn your next London trip into an action-packed adventure.

Drop down the world’s longest tunnel slide

The London 2012 Olympic Games waved goodbye a long time ago, but it did leave behind one welcome present for the capital: the actual venue. Now Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is open for the public to visit, and they can participate in different activities.

One such activity is dropping going down the world’s longest tunnel slide. That’s right. It may not have been an Olympic event, but this slide – known as the ArcelorMittal Orbit – is housed within the UK’s tallest sculpture. With multiple twists and turns, this 178m long tunnel is a dream for thrill-seekers.

Tackle white-water rapids

Another remnant of the Olympics is the course of the white-water rapid, which is found at the Lee Valley White Water Centre. Whether it’s in a canoe, raft, or kayak, you have the chance to traverse the rapids that posed a serious challenge to the world’s best back in 2012.

Journey down the Thames

Have you ever wanted to go on the Thames? Rather than going for a gentle boat ride, the best way to do this is with an extreme jet-powered boat. At least, that’s the case for those who like to push boundaries.

Companies such as ThamesJet provide the opportunity to zip along the river with the Thames RIB Experience. Taking the latter as an example, you can go on an exhilarating 50 or 75-minute trip as you take in London’s landscape via unconventional means.

Climb the O2

Formerly the Millennium Dome, the O2 Arena is now a large arena that hosts everything from live music concerts to boxing events. Recently, it has also opened up the opportunity for visitors to climb up the venue’s roof.

The 52-metre climb isn’t for those who have a fear of heights. Yet once you reach the top of the dome, you’re rewarded with a stunning 360-degree view of the city.

Trapeze school

Ever felt like you could have been a circus act in another life? To test that theory out, there’s one attraction you cannot miss in London: trapeze school.

Gorilla Circus, which is located in both Regent’s Park and Kensington Gardens, gives visitors the chance to experience the thrills of acrobatics in a safe, controlled setting. The experts will teach you the basics to ensure you get from one bar to the other. Keep partaking in classes, however, and you will eventually be taught a whole range of advanced tricks.

A Weekend in Scarborough: 5 Reasons to Visit this Charming Coastal Town

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When searching for a coastal break in England, you’re spoilt for choice. From picturesque Cornwall to fun-filled Blackpool, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Among the best coastal experiences in the country is Scarborough.

Located adjacent to the North Sea in North Yorkshire, Scarborough boasts a dramatic landscape of cliffs, history, colourful attractions, and traditional seaside fun. Popular with young and old alike, this charming town received the distinction in 2018 of being England’s most visited holiday destination outside of London.

Do you need further convincing? If so, read on for five reasons to visit Scarborough for a memorable weekend:

1. The seafront

When first arriving in Scarborough, most will head directly for the seafront. This is a hub of activity complete with colourful beach chalets, amusement arcades, trinket shops, and ice cream parlours.

The beach itself is the focal point. This long stretch of sand is a great spot to relax, top-up on your suntan – when the British weather allows for it – and take in the beautiful views across the bays.

2. Peasholm Park

There’s a reason why Peasholm Park is often judged as the shining jewel of Scarborough. This is much more than a standard park. With a unique and distinctive Oriental theme, Peasholm boasts a vast array of trees and flowers, some of which are rare and unusual for England.

In the summer, the park’s tranquil lake allows people to take to the waters by hiring a boat, paddleboat, or canoe. The bandstand is also the stage for many different free music concerts during the summer months.

3. Scarborough Castle

Formerly a medieval Royal fortress, Scarborough Castle is a stunning slice of 12th-century history. The castle played a part in many battles throughout the years, and now you have the chance to roam the structure. An audio tour will supply all the insight you could need as you explore the medieval chapel, Roman signal station, and Iron Age settlements.

While the castle structure is the main course, it’s not the only reason to visit this attraction. Along with an exhibition displaying artefacts that span the castle’s history, the lofty vantage point delivers stunning panoramic views of the town.

4. Take a trip to Whitby

Okay, it’s not a direct reason to visit Scarborough. However, the enchanting seaside town of Whitby is too good to pass on if you’re in the area. Recognized as an inspiration for the iconic novel Dracula, Whitby is known for its harbour, sprawling streets full of character and boutique stores, and award-winning fish and chips.

When searching for hotels in Scarborough, consider selecting one which is positioned between Scarborough and Whitby. That way, you have the best of both worlds within a 20-minute drive either side.

5. Alpamare

For a fun-filled family day in Scarborough, Alpamare is an ideal choice. This waterpark combines exhilarating thrills with relaxation, ensuring everyone can enjoy the facility. Alpamare features multiple pools, four exciting slides, a wave pool, and a wellness centre.