The Best Bucket List Gift Ideas for 2023

We've rounded up some of our most awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime bucket list gifts, as voted for by our customers. Discover amazing presents, from heart-pumping thrills to the finest British dining establishments, below.

15000ft Ultimate Tandem Skydive

'Without a doubt the most incredible thing I have ever done. Was nervous at first but the team at GoSkydive were amazing from start to finish. Ordered the video package and they even make it into your own mini journey before, during and after the jump. If you're on the fence, just do it! I'm already planning my second!'

Craig

Five Supercar Blast plus High Speed Passenger Ride and Photo

'An absolute MUST for a petrolhead. Honestly, this was one of the best days of my life. To drive an Audio R8, and FOUR other supercars around the Top Gear track was absolute dream. Two days later and I'm still watching the videos and chewing my other half’s ear off about it. If you know anyone who is even remotely into cars, this is definitely the gift for them. Cannot say enough about it. Loved every second.'

Billy

One Day Course at the Raymond Blanc Cookery School at Belmond Le Manoir

'This was one of my most memorable days. Le Manoir is beautiful and the Cookery School offers a fantastic insight to what happens behind the scenes. Michael John was an exceptional teacher - passionate, light-hearted and well humored; an absolute credit to the Raymond Blanc establishment. Endless tips and great food cooked/eaten. I'll be booking again. Thank you.'

Paul

Dive with Sharks at Skegness Aquarium

'Absolutely amazing - that’s another thing ticked off of my bucket list! I was a bit apprehensive at first but once I had participated in the dive I was so glad I did it, the feeling you get once you’ve completed the experience is a terrific buzz! My instructor Jordan was really friendly and helpful. Would recommend!'

Jack

Half Day Classic Morgan Driving Experience with Factory Tour

'Fantastic day. The factory tour was fascinating, watching them craft the car through the various stages of manufacture. You really get to see behind the scenes. Tour guide was really knowledgeable. Afterwards I got to drive a Morgan on a beautiful route through the Malvern hills. All in all, a great day - highly recommended.'

Gemma

Wing Walking

'I booked a Wing Walking day with Aero Super Batics. Absolutely fantastic. I highly recommend - and by booking through Virgin Experience Days I saved money and received some extras including a T-shirt and a video of my own experience!'

Dave

Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience for Two

'Imagine Crystal Maze combined with numerous VR worlds, including a trip down the Thames via Parliament and then escaping out onto the rough sea whilst trying to escape. Great themed bar in the middle, with energetic staff throughout. What a fantastic day out!'

Rorie

Fortnum & Mason Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two in The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon

'What an absolute occasion - nobody does it better. The food is simple yet imaginative. Traditional sandwiches and perfect scones. Between us we enjoyed both the Classic and Savoury afternoon teas. The cakes were perfect. The savoury items were imaginatively presented and delicious. Great courteous service, impeccable ambience. Loved it.'

Anne

30-Minute Flying Lesson

'My 13 year old had the flying lesson and was utterly thrilled by it, he was allowed to sit in the pilots seat and said he had control of the plane for most of the flight between take off and landing. I’ve never seen him so happy. The pilot (Steve) who took him was kind, relaxed and reassuring, as were all the staff: a really friendly atmosphere. He can't wait to start flying lessons when he's old enough!'

Kim

Red Bull Racing Formula One™ Team Factory Tour

'Such a great day and experience. The tour was so well done and both informative and fun. Our guide knew her stuff and answered all questions thrown at her. Top tip: organise your trip for a Friday afternoon on a GP weekend. We did and we watched in their control centre just as FP1 was about to start. You saw how it all works in real time...amazing.'

Andy

Luxury Train Experience for Two with Lunch on the Belmond British Pullman

'It's a beautiful train, lovely decoration in the coaches and comfortable seats. The food and service is top quality, and Mitch, the main man in our coach, is an excellent host, friendly, helpful and entertaining. He made the day even more relaxing. Altogether a wonderful experience, highly recommended.'

Peter

Zip World Velocity 2 - The Fastest Zip Line in the World

'This was an amazing adventure and if you get the chance you should go for it! We loved it and when it was over, we wanted to go back and do it all again! We were made to feel safe and secure with the fabulous staff and all checks made us confident that nothing was left to chance! If you want the adrenaline rush this is the place to come, I’m 58 and my friend is 70 it was for her bucket list and mine! Just brilliant!'

Angela

Up at The O2 Climb

'This experience was amazing, from the staff who gave you a warm welcome when you arrived to the experience itself. Rebecca was our guide and she was brilliant from being professional, to keeping everyone entertained and making us all feel comfortable. The Climb itself was out of this world, we did a Twilight Climb so you could see the views of London from lights of buildings to Christmas lights all around. Would definitely recommend this to anyone and would 100% do it again. AMAZING!'

Become a Big Cat Keeper at Dartmoor Zoo for Two

'What an experience, memories that will stay with us forever. The power of these majestic animals makes everything else fade into insignificance. We’d like to thank Hannah & Kate for showing us around and their in-depth knowledge was outstanding. Lunch in the Jaguar restaurant was also recommended and didn’t fail to satisfy. We loved meeting all of the animals but the big cats were the most impressive.'

Rachel & Zoran

Need some more inspiration?

Check out our curated collection of Experiences that make you feel an epic sense of achievement, right here.

It's packed full of fantastic ideas to fill your year up with experiences, from crafting your own masterpieces, to sky-high adventures and beyond.