Winter is setting in as we approach the Christmas holidays and there’s nothing better than planning those winter activities to look forward to. Our community has suggested 11 activities to do in winter that you can do solo, with friends or for Outdoor Adventure Girl meet-ups.
If there’s an idea below that you would like to try for an OAG meet-up. You can set-up a regional meet-up by creating an event in the events tab of your regional Facebook group. Learn more about how to set-up a meet-up event.
You can also check-out upcoming events for December in our What’s On guide.
1. Visit a local market
To get ourselves in the Christmas spirit, visit a festive market with local produce and handmade gifts. It’s important that we support local small businesses where we can, especially at this time of year so why not purchase from a local vendor or just use the time to browse and enjoy the hot chocolate with baileys!
Tag us in your local market meet-ups using #OutdoorAdventureGirls
2. Join us on our Peak District Weekend
If you would like a weekend away but don’t want to plan the logistics of the weekend, we have a great weekend away solution for you.
We have an OAG weekend trip planned in February where 20+ women from around the UK will join, meet like-minded ladies, explore and take part in outdoor activities such as orienteering, rock climbing and abseiling. The activities are subject to change depending on the weather.
Find out more…
Date: 3rd-5th February 2023
Location: Peak District
Accommodation: YHA Castleton
Price: £250 per person
Book your spot today via the ‘events’ section of our website.
3. Go sledging in the park
It doesn’t matter how old you are, sledging is for everyone! Grab a toboggan or plastic sledge and find your nearest park or hill.
We recommend creating a sledging event via your local regional OAG Facebook group and share the event with the group.
Make sure to:
- Join your regional facebook group
- Create the event in the ‘Events’ tab
- Share the event within the group page
- Create a WhatsApp group for nearer the date and share logistics
- Grab your sledge and wear warm clothing
- Enjoy yourself and meet new friends!
This meet-up idea will be fantastic for gathering lots of people together in a relaxed setting. Everyone will get the chance to be a big kid again and no one will be sledging alone!
4. Rent a cottage with a hot tub
Looking for something to do with a group? We suggest booking somewhere in a National Park, enjoy the outdoors and rent a cottage/cabin with a hot tub.
If you are looking for inspiration about which National Park to visit, Sophie’s Suitcase has a very handy list of places to visit and AirBnB has a fantastic search tool for finding your ideal accommodation.
5. Go for a cosy pub lunch
If you are planning an outdoor adventure, there’s arguably nothing better than rewarding yourself with a pub lunch, especially after a brisk chilly walk. Whether it’s a roast dinner or traditional pub grub, you are guaranteed to feel fulfilled.*
*OAG cannot guarantee you will like your lunch – lol.
If you need help about where to eat out, try Open Table or visit TripAdvisor to see local reviews.
6. Go ice-skating
Get your skates on! Make the most of the festive period by visiting your local ice rink. Outdoor rinks may only be available over the Christmas period but indoor rinks are usually open all year round.
Iceskating.org has a handy rink finder, find your nearest rink today.
7. Visit a local climbing wall
If you are feeling adventurous and it’s too cold to go outside, visit a local climbing wall to practise your rock climbing skills.
We’ve researched some awesome climbing walls throughout the UK for you to check-out. Click on your local climbing wall location below and book your session:
East Midlands
West Midlands
South East
London
East of England
North East & Yorkshire
North West
South West
Scotland
North Wales
South Wales
Northern Ireland
8. Attend a ski trip
Although we are sold out of our Outdoor Adventure Girls – SNOW trip to Morzine, France in January, it’s always a bright idea to sign up to our newsletter for the announcement of the next ski trip.
Get your suitcase packed for a few days of snow fun including skiing, snowboarding, sledging and lots of good food! 🍺
Date: 21st-25th January 2023
Location: Morzine-Avoriaz, France
Accommodation: Catered 5* chalet in Morzine
Included: Dinner, bed, breakfast all days, plus ski resort pass, equipment hire and more.
Price: £1,100 per person
Check out our itinerary for our first OAG ski trip.
9. Go stargazing or watch the sunrise
The best thing about outdoor activities is that they are normally free to do. Why not wrap up warm, take some snacks, hot drinks and watch the sunrise or gaze at the stars. If you are feeling really adventurous, you could try viewing the Northern Lights.
Try this packing list for heading out to stargaze/watch the sunrise:
- Chocolate, crisps and sweets (evening) or croissants/pain au chocolat (breakfast)
- A flask of hot chocolate/coffee/tea
- Backpack
- Waterproof picnic blanket or coat to sit on
- Warm clothing (possibly will need thermals)
- Gloves, scarf and hat
For more tips, check out our packing list for going on a hike.
10. Plan some Winter walks
Now for our favourite, getting outdoors and planning a walking route! There’s lots of apps to help you plan a walking route, including Kimoot, AllTrials and OS Maps. Plus, we’ve got a winter walking guide for the best walks to do in the UK.
Make sure you are prepared and that someone always knows where you are. It can be very dangerous when outdoors amongst the snow and ice so take care.
11. Host a bonfire with mulled wine
Get together for an evening drinking mulled wine with great company, relax next to a bonfire and chat with new friends. According to scientific research, (by the University of Alabama) sitting next to a fire decreases your blood pressure – very similar to being by the seaside with its calming effects.
For pointers on how to start a fire with sticks, visit our guide to get started.
