Stunts and Survival
If you’ve always fancied yourself as the next Johnny Knoxville, Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible or a survivor like Ed Stafford (the first human to walk the entire length of the Amazon River), here’s the chance to prove yourself. Choose from a selection of stunt and survival activities, which will test just how well you can hold your nerve - and dignity!
Pricing
Experiences start from under £100 for a whole day to under £200 for a weekend. Prices for the weekend away include all the necessary equipment for survival, but living in luxury will be the last thing happening during the next two days so scrap any ‘clever idea’ of packing your whole house…
Make no mistakes, though; the activities are not just about challenging yourself, these experiences will make a perfect gift for a friend or family member and can also inject a bit of laughter and build rapport, while encouraging each other in nerve-racking situations.
Location
Depending on the experience you choose, you’ll spend either half a day to an entire weekend in Sheffield, Staffordshire or Buckinghamshire. Not quite the Amazon (we know!) but each activity is guaranteed to push your boundaries and drive you out of your comfort zone.
Although some activities will take place indoors, others will predominantly be outdoor-based, so bring sensible shoes and clothing depending on the weather. Be advised that activities will most likely go ahead even if it’s raining cats and dogs; a bit of rain never stopped James Bond from carrying out a mission! On the bright side, spectators can enjoy coffee and tea from snack shops nearby.
Which activity to go for?
If you’re thinking of buying one of these experiences as a gift, you’ll have to know the recipient pretty well. We say this because some people might prefer the challenge of spending a weekend battling crocodiles and deadly snakes (oh, we do have a knack for scaring people!) over mastering the art of holding a gun and honing the skills to become a spy for the day.
That said, you might decide on a ‘surprise present’ to test and compete against a friend with a day of adrenaline-filled activities. Who will break and admit defeat first? Only time will tell on the nail-biting day.
What do the experiences involve?
Each activity will typically include an introductory briefing where instructors and fully qualified experts will:
- go through the day’s / weekend’s activities with you
- run through the safety issues regarding the equipment used (please pay attention and follow instructions carefully)
- make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing and shoes
Those who choose the survival package will meet on a Friday evening to go through the events of the weekend. As previously mentioned, equipment will be provided to suit the weather conditions.
A peek at the packages
All the experiences are different so take a moment to mull over each description.
The adrenaline junkie
If you yawn at the thought of bungee-jumping (been there, done that) then it’s time to move on to the next stage – spending a whole day in north Sheffield doing not just one, but THREE nail-biting activities. The name ‘Triple Whammy’ pretty much sums it all up - move over, Johnny boy, there’s a new star in town!
The action packed activities include:
- zooming down the 500ft zip wire at an alarmingly high speed
- feeling your heart jump out of your chest as you drop from a 150ft Parachute Descender
- abseiling 150ft into the unknown
The good news is that there is no backing out of the challenges because all the experiences are based in an indoor venue.
Spy-tastic
You know you’ve got the talent to be a secret agent; you just need some help to unleash it. Those who long to get an insight into a spy’s life will be given the chance to do so in Buckinghamshire, just over an hour and a half‘s drive from London.
Instructors will teach participants the necessary skills needed to become the next James Bond by showing them how to use pistols, machine guns and sniper rifles, as well as giving tips on combat techniques. Of course, a spy won’t be a spy without their sneaky equipment and gadgets; participants will be shown how to check up on their targets with hidden cameras, listening devices and the like.
I’m a survivor
Ever wanted to follow in the footsteps of Ed Stafford and leave hot showers, TV, nice meals and your comfortable bed behind to prove that you can live without luxuries? Well, here’s your chance to wriggle out of your comfort zone and prove you can survive in the wilderness, if just for the weekend.
Experts who have years of experience surviving in forests and other harsh conditions, like Mr Stafford, will show you how to make use of basic materials such as lighting fire with sticks, cooking your own food, building traps and more. While you may not be expected to eat live bugs (you’re not starring in ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!) this is not your average cushy camping trip with the family in Hastings. You’ll be based in 72 acres of isolated woodland in Staffordshire, so make sure you follow instructions carefully to ensure you survive the two days there.
Who’s it for?
These activities are for those who want to prove they’ve got the guts and the skills to overcome challenges. It is also for those who are intrigued by the experiences and want to learn more.
Restrictions
It’s obvious but priceless to highlight that flying down zip-wires and plummeting 150ft from the air isn’t for the fainthearted. Before you begin an activity, instructors will check that all participants meet all standards for each experience e.g. weight and age restrictions, and whether medication taken by participants will affect their performance.
Although no strenuous work is involved in some of the experiences, experts will check that everyone meets an average degree of fitness in order to take part.
Verdict
We know everyone’s different, but we’re pleased to say that there’s something for everyone here. The survival weekend activity is an educational experience and can also be a taster for those planning a travelling trip for their gap-year. Those intrigued by the secret service and whatnot will finish the day with a smile on their faces, while those looking for an adrenaline rush will be satisfied with a whole day of pulse-racing activities.
Location Information
East: Norfolk (King's Lynn)
Midlands: Staffordshire (Trentham)
North East: North Yorkshire (Bedale), South Yorkshire (Rotherham, Sheffield)
North West: Cheshire (Warrington), Greater Manchester (Manchester), Merseyside
South East: Berkshire (Reading), Buckinghamshire (Milton Keynes)
South West: Devon (Exeter)
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