We all know about bucket lists - they’re essentially a collection of new experiences we strive to achieve in this lifetime. Often where people struggle is thinking these life-changing experiences are hard to come by and expensive.
Luckily, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite adventures that we think are worth setting your sights on. From adrenaline-fuelled days out to life-affirming activities that’ll make you feel like a whole new person, we’ve got you covered. Read on and be inspired by our guide brimming with the best life experiences.
Drive a supercar around a world-famous circuit
For motorheads, the best life experiences are those spent behind the wheel. Add in full control of an elite supercar or single seater, whilst speeding around an iconic venue like Silverstone and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable day that you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Try the ultimate extreme sport of skydiving
It’s a classic life-affirming escapade but with the unbeatable adrenaline rush of freefall paired with the world unfolding beneath you, it’s not hard to see why. Skydiving taps into the innate human desire to experience flight and serves as proof that life’s all about stepping out of our comfort zone.
Dive with sharks
Thrilling and exciting, shark diving seems to go against everything we’ve been told that sharks are one of human’s biggest predators. But swimming alongside them allows you to see them up close and grow to appreciate their quirks. There’s also nothing as magical and mystifying as the underwater world.
Learn a new skill
New skills are one of the easiest ways to enrich our lives. Whether you choose to learn a new language or pick up a practical skill, your life is sure to be transformed by your new-found talent. Not to mention once you’ve mastered it, you’ll feel an unrivalled sense of pride.
See the Northern Lights
Seeing the Northern Lights is an experience not to be missed. It’s a transformational adventure that people wait all their lives for. This elusive natural phenomena isn’t your ordinary everyday scenery and will satisfy your inner photographer cravings.
Take the plunge with a bungee jump
Bungee jumping involves jumping from a platform while attached to a bungee cord. The platform is connected to any building, which opens up the options to include spectacular locations all over the world. The sense of freedom and feeling of accomplishment will leave you ready to tackle anything.
Volunteer
It’s been proven that giving something back and volunteering for a cause close to our hearts is incredibly rewarding and emits dopamine, a euphoric agent. There’s so many ways to get involved with volunteering, whether it’s raising awareness, helping out at a shelter or donating your possessions.
Master an instrument
Whatever instrument you choose, it’s definitely worth trying to learn one at some point in your life. Not only could it be a new way to express yourself but it increases the brain’s ability to learn new things every time you practice.
Embark on an animal safari
An animal safari will introduce you to a myriad of creatures you may never have encountered before like elephants, lions, gazelles, hyenas etc. There are few expeditions that offer as much seclusion, luxury and excitement. It’s like escaping into another realm and there’ll be plenty of photo opportunities.
Travel solo
Think Eat, Pray, Love and Wild. One of the most eye-opening life experiences is travelling solo. Think about your ideal trip; where would you go? The perk of travelling alone is you’re not tied to anyone else, constantly thinking about compromises and you can embark on whatever expedition you like.
Ride a horse on the beach
There’s horse riding, which for many is one of the best experiences in itself, and then there’s horse riding on the beach with sand stretching out in front of you and waves crashing. Several organisations offer the chance to swim with horses, beginning in shallower waters before venturing deeper into the sea.
Sleep under the stars
Our everyday life is so busy that we forget to look up and marvel at the world around us. Whether you camp in a tent, a glamping pod or Mongolian yurt, sleeping under the stars is one of the few moments in life we are at one with nature.
One Night Eco Camping Pod Break at the Quiet Site, Lake District
Enjoy camping in style with this One Night Eco Glamping Pod Break in a camping pod at the 100% carbon neutral Quiet Site in the Lake District. It’s camping without the discomfort and far more fun than staying in a tent. With room for up to two adults and two small children, bring the family and make the most of this interesting experience.
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Experience the hottest and coldest climates on Earth
Ever been so hot or so cold that you can’t even picture the other extreme? There’s a huge amount of variation on our planet and experiencing the hottest and coldest climates on Earth is a great way to gain a perspective on this world.
Catch a sports game
Whatever sport you’re into, there’s nothing more electrifying than being part of a crowd engrossed in a game. For football fans, this may be a World Cup game, which only comes around every four years. The unbeatable rush from seeing your team triumph will stay with you forever.
Go scuba diving
If you’re in the fortunate position of being able to harness the cutting-edge technology that allows you to breathe underwater, don’t miss your chance. Scuba diving has topped the life-changing polls for years with divers explaining it as an extraordinary chance to feel part of marine life.
Ride a hot air balloon
A ride in a hot air balloon is truly captivating. The spectacular 360 degree panoramas and uninhibited views for miles in all directions present a unique sense of freedom. To make it extra special, time your ride with the sunrise and you’ll land with memories that can be treasured forever.
Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant
It’s the crème de la crème of haute cuisine and the flavours you’ll be treated to at a Michelin-starred restaurant are unmatched. These award-winning restaurants offer more than just delectable cuisines thanks to first-class service and elegant décor. It’s one of the “remember the time we had dinner at…” moments.
Attend a British afternoon tea
A luxurious afternoon tea in a 5* location is something every person should do in their lifetime. The food is presented in such a way that you’ll feel like royalty. Whether you add some sparkle or keep things classic, an afternoon spent surrounded by sweet and savoury treats is unlike any other.
Afternoon Tea for Two at the Famous 5* Langham London
Treat yourselves to one of the UK's finest afternoon teas, and take your seats amidst 5* splendour at The Langham's Palm Court. Offering a modern yet luxurious spin on this quintessential tradition, Chef Michel Roux Jr. and Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett have reimagined the classics, with a menu inspired by the nation's favourite biscuits and baked tarts. The two of you can tuck into sweet and savoury delights, and pair your treats with an extensive selection of JING teas.
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Watch the sunrise
It’s been proven that watching the sunrise can increase a person’s gratitude for the earth. Watching as the world slowly begins to wake up helps you positively frame your thoughts for the upcoming day and prevents distractions.
Learn to appreciate your own company
One of the greatest life lessons is learning to enjoy one’s own company. Spending time alone is beneficial for your well-being and self-esteem. Yet, our instinct is to always find ourselves a companion. A transformative practice, learning and growing to appreciate time alone can open the world up to a realm of possibilities.
Pilot a plane
Imagine being in full control of a plane and living out your pilot fantasies. What could be better than stepping into that cockpit and knowing you’re in charge? Flying lessons are available at a selection of locations across the country. If piloting isn’t your speed, flying first-class is just as memorable.
Conquer a fear
They say the best way to conquer a fear is to face it head on. At least once in your lifetime, attempt to overcome a fear of yours. Whether it’s stepping on a plane or not screaming at a spider, overcoming it can be a new experience that is life-altering.
Attend a music festival
The energies and spirit of a music festival will make you feel alive in a new and exciting way. Whether you choose to keep it local or go to a big one like Glastonbury and Tomorrowland, you’ll discover new music while meeting like-minded people and see some of your favourite artists live.
Challenge yourself to a digital detox
In our modern world, we’re online 24/7 and it can be hard to break the habit but not impossible. A digital detox isn’t about giving up technology forever, it’s learning to go without any electronic device for a sustained period of time. This practice has a host of benefits but most notably it reminds you to look up.
Go on a food tour
Satisfy your wanderlust craving with an exceptional food tour that’ll stick with you for life. An experienced local guide will take you on a food tour introducing you to new flavours, a city’s hidden gems and maybe even some off-menu dishes exclusive to the tour.
Hit the road
Pack only the essentials, gather your gang and hit the road, with or without an agenda. You’ll bond over the long drive, binge on classic road-trip snacks and create lifetime memories. If you’re feeling adventurous, travel to the iconic Route 66 in America, which links Chicago to Los Angeles.
Create a workout routine
Maybe it’s a 30 minute brisk walk daily or a hardcore HIIT session that’ll test your limits. Workouts are not meant to be easy but through sticking with a routine, you’ll notice something: progress. Your life will be completely transformed as you feel less tired, your mind will be sharper and you’ll have an increased stamina.
Train an animal
Sit. Heel. Paw. Roll over. Such simple commands that can evoke such a sense of joy. When you engage with animals, you engage better with the world around you. Animals, especially dogs, can even be trained to save your life, for example by getting help when you’re in trouble.
See a West End Show
The joy one gets from watching a live production is so much more than what you normally get from watching TV. Attending a West End show will leave you buzzing long after it's over with an automatic desire of wanting more, wondering when your next trip can be.
Take a risk
As the famous quote reads, “a comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing ever grows there”. One of the best things to be done in life is take a risk. This could be a risk in your corporate life such as going for a promotion to trying an extreme sport like skydiving.
Travel abroad
Pack a bag, think of a place you’ve always wanted to go and book yourself a flight. It doesn’t necessarily have to be somewhere super exotic, you can keep things simple and hop over to your neighbouring country. Travelling gives you a break from your fast-paced life, recharges your batteries and provides a welcome change of scenery.
Live abroad
While we’re on the topic of travelling, one of the best life experiences is truly immersing yourself in a foreign culture by living abroad. You’ll discover so many things about yourself, the new country and transform your perspective of the world.
Get involved with mentoring
Mentoring for all parties is an incredibly rewarding experience. As a mentor, it offers a lifetime achievement of imparting your wisdom and watching your protégé achieve success because of everything you taught them. Likewise for the mentee, an inspirational mentor can help you set realistic goals and aspire to be like them.
Grow your own meal
Buying things at the supermarket can really add up, not to mention the fact you can never truly know what goes into your food. A life-altering habit is growing or catching your own ingredients and using them to create a culinary masterpiece. There’s a multitude of foraging courses across the UK, ready and waiting to help you with this new experience.
Foraging, Cookery and Lunch for Two with Totally Wild
Head back to nature with this fantastic Foraging, Cookery and Lunch for Two with Totally Wild. You and a fellow adventurer will join a professional forager to learn basics of foraging and wild food, before cooking up your very own wild food lunch.
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Visit the Seven Wonders of the World
It’s a classic bucket-list adventure but the Seven Wonders of the World have not earned their accolade for nothing. Carefully selected, these attractions are the world’s most spectacular natural and human-built marvels. Whether you try to fit all the sights into one trip or narrow the list down, it’s sure to be unforgettable.
Pass your driving test
Everyone remembers the day they passed their driving test, whether it was touch and go or an easy ride for all involved. A driving licence can really change your life. You’ll have the freedom to go wherever at whatever hour you want. The world of jobs will open up too as you’re able to apply to more positions.
Pay it forward
The idea of paying it forward is a lot simpler than you might think. It’s all about responding to someone’s kindness to you by returning the favour. The list of how you can pay it forward is endless - pay for the person in front or behind you at a drive-through or donate something to charity.
Reach new heights wing-walking
Strapped to the wing of a plane, your pilot will go through a series of motions of flypasts, zoom climbs, steep dives and banks. Unlike skydiving, wing walking gives you the time to really be in the moment, soak up the realisation that you’re strapped to the wing of a plane and appreciate the world around you.
Host a dinner party
There’s something about gathering all your friends and family together around one table, regardless of any occasion. Showcase your culinary skills by organising and hosting your own dinner party. Cook everything yourself and the achievement after will be off the charts.
Test your nerves of steel with a ghost tour
The supernatural world has mystified humans for years, which is why ghost tours and exploring somewhere haunted is so appealing. Often the tours are so well-run and the information presented in such an engrossing way that ghost tours become a life-altering experience that turns a sceptic in a firm believer.
Climb a mountain
Easier said than done, we know. While it would be great to conquer Everest or the Himalayas, you don’t have to tackle these to feel on top of the world. The journey to any summit will be challenging but once you’re rewarded with breathtaking views at the top, you’ll forget it all.
Hop on a motorbike
Petrolheads have been raving about motorbikes for years with the impressive ability to constantly have a list of reasons to justify their mode of transport. But it really is something each person should experience at least once in their lifetime. You’ll find inner peace which will stay with you even once you’re off the bike.
Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site
As it stands, there are a total of 1,153 UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the world. These attractions have been carefully selected in line with a criteria and offer visitors the chance to discover hidden gems. Visiting them demonstrates a support for preservation and a learning opportunity.
Go ziplining
If you’re looking for a new experience to shake up your life, ziplines are rapidly becoming a popular way to see the world. Ziplining can reduce your overall stress level and evoke emotions that’ll stay with you for years to come. Whether you zipline, no one ever regrets it.
Get lost in a foreign country
Our natural instinct when we’re lost is to do everything we can to find our way back to familiarity. In reality, getting lost is the best way to see a foreign country as it leads us down roads we may not have found otherwise.
Go abseiling
Everyone should channel their inner action hero and abseiling is one of the best ways to do that. It involves going down a vertical surface from great heights in a super controlled environment. Practiced on everything from cliffs to football stadiums, it’s a fascinating adventure with one-of-a-kind sights.
Embrace the freedom of skiing
Skiing can change your life. Not only does it help you develop valuable life skills but it allows you to escape everyday life. It can take you all around the world to some spectacular locations and offers a rush that’s hard to beat.
Go dolphin and whale watching
Seeing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat is something that everyone should experience. Watching their serene movements and their interactions with humans as they swim close to the boat is truly magnificent. There’s a variety of vessels, both in the UK and abroad, that offer the chance to spot these phenomenal creatures.
Dolphin Watching for Two
There’s nothing quite as special as watching wildlife in its natural habitat, and with this Dolphin Watching for Two, you’ll have the chance to do just that, helping to support vital dolphin research all the while. Cardigan Bay is one of the best places in Europe for dolphin watching, and one of only two areas in the UK hosting a semi-resident population of bottlenose dolphins.
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Learn to ride a bike
The most cited reason why everyone should learn to ride a bike is the freedom and sensation of flying cycling evokes. Once you’ve mastered it, it’s not something you’ll ever forget and the elation you’ll feel when you can ride independently will be unmatched.
Ride a thrilling coaster
Real life can be hectic at times but riding a rollercoaster is therapeutic, encouraging you to just let go of all your troubles. Whether you aim high and travel to Disneyland or even keep things local at one of the UK’s best-loved theme parks, riding a rollercoaster is exhilarating.
Summary
Life is full of surprises and adventures, ready and waiting for you to embark on. While some of these life experiences require a bit of planning, others can be achieved quite easily and doing any number of the things mentioned above will leave you appreciative of the world around you.
