Skydive Northwest

Throwing yourself out of a plane at 10,000 feet over the Lake District isn't everyone's idea of a holiday activity, but Skydive Northwest near Grange-over-Sands makes it genuinely accessible. Based at Cark Airfield, this is where you go if you've spent years talking about skydiving and finally want to stop talking. The operation runs tandem jumps - you're strapped to an experienced instructor who handles the technical bits while you experience the sheer terror and exhilaration. First-timers typically spend the morning on a safety briefing, then you're up and out. The freefall lasts around 60 seconds, then the parachute deploys and you float down with proper views across Morecambe Bay and into the mountains beyond. It's brilliant for thrill-seekers, stag dos, or anyone marking a milestone. Not cheap - expect to pay several hundred pounds - and you'll need to book ahead. Weather dependent too, so autumn or spring with clear skies works best. If you're staying at Haven Lakeland Leisure Park or Willow Tree Holiday Park just down the road, this is a proper centrepiece activity rather than something you do on a whim. The adrenaline rush beats any fairground ride, though be warned: you'll emerge shaking and buzzing for hours afterwards. Worth the money if you're serious about it.