Weird and Wonderful Bucket List for 2024

A new year brings new opportunities; let’s make 2024 the year where we create memories that will last a lifetime. To help you maximise every moment of your staycation this year, we’ve created a weird and wonderful bucket list for 2024.

After surveying approximately 1,500 people, we discovered that 63% of participants always do the same activities on their UK holidays, and 79% would appreciate some new activities to try. So, we asked them what they usually do on their breaks and if there were any unusual days out that they would like to try instead. From walking an alpaca to driving a tank, we found some great activities to add to the list – and best of all, most of them can be experienced right here in Wales.

If you’re one of the 90% of people in our survey who are keen to book a UK holiday in a destination that you haven’t been to before and you fancy a big adventure this year, then check out our holiday cottages in Wales and see how many of these bucket list activities you can tick off.

Skip to:

• The top bucket list activities for 2024
• Swap the usual for the more unusual
• The least popular adventures from our survey

The top bucket list activities for 2024

As you can see in the graphic above, from our survey of approximately 1,500 people, these are the activities that they would most like to try in 2024:

Swap your usual holiday activities for something more unusual …

There are some incredibly unique activities that you can do in the UK. But did you know that many of them are available in Wales? Take a look at some of the unusual days out that you could swap for your usual holiday activities …

If you like going to the theatre, why not try an open-air cinema?

According to our survey, 81% of people have watched a West End show, so going to the theatre is clearly a popular holiday activity. But what if you could swap the bright lights of the city for an extra-special screening under the stars? Attending an open-air cinema show came out first in our survey, with a whopping 73% of people wanting to add this to their bucket list in 2024.

Adventure Cinema hosts spectacular outdoor cinema experiences, from big blockbusters to sing-along musicals, in some of the most breathtaking locations in the country. In 2024, they will be visiting a variety of locations in Wales, including Bute Park in Cardiff, Caldicot Castle in Monmouthshire, and Margam Country Park in Neath Port Talbot. All you need to do is purchase a ticket, pack a picnic, and lay out a blanket for one of the most memorable movie experiences of the year.

If you like cycling, why not try husky sledding?

It’s no secret that there are some glorious landscapes and beauty spots to discover in the UK. While 37% of people in our survey have explored the coast and countryside by bike on their holidays, just under 3% have seen the sights via a husky sled. Interestingly, only 33% of people knew you could try husky sledding in the UK, but now they do know you can do it, over double that amount (68%) of people would love to try it!

If you fancy a day of husky sledding in Wales, then Mynydd Sleddog Adventures offers a range of exhilarating experiences within the beautiful forest trails of Bwlch Hafod Einion and Alwen Reservoir in North Wales. Adventures last from 1 to 2.5 hours and there are plenty of opportunities for cuddles with the dogs afterwards.

If you like walking, why not try it with an alpaca?

When we asked, ‘When it comes to outdoor activities, which are you most likely to do on a UK holiday?’, hiking came out top in our survey at 59%. There are so many scenic walks in Wales to enjoy, but what if your hike could be accompanied by an adorable gang of fluffy alpacas? Taking an alpaca for a walk came in third (61%) in our survey of activities people would like to try this year.

At Alpaca My Boots, you can look forward to a one-of-a-kind trek among the rolling hills and lush green valleys of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, with your very own alpaca buddy by your side. With awe-inspiring views and photo opportunities aplenty, this is sure to top many a 2024 bucket list.

If you like birdwatching, why not try a falconry experience?

The next most popular activity on our survey that people would like to try this year is getting up close to some birds on a falconry experience. Just over 57% of our surveyed participants would like to spend the day with our feathered friends, which isn’t surprising given that 82% of respondents said that they prioritise nature and wildlife encounters when planning a UK staycation.

Based in the National Botanic Garden of Wales in Carmarthenshire, The British Bird of Prey Centre is the perfect place to tick off this bucket list experience. Their team of experienced falconers offer a range of flying experiences for all ages with their magnificent eagles, owls and raptors.

If you like foodie experiences, why not try foraging?

If you’re one of the 63% of people who prioritise culinary and food-related experiences when planning a holiday in the UK, then a foraging course might just be the bucket list activity for you. Around 41% of participants in our survey stated that they would like to learn the art of foraging for wild delicacies, and there are some great courses in Wales to sample this year.

We love the look of the experiences run by Coastal Foraging in South West Wales. Among the beaches, rock pools and sand dunes, you will hunt for shellfish, sea vegetables and crustaceans, and get the chance to cook some of your discoveries and appreciate the flavours of the coast.

If you like getting behind the wheel, why not try driving a tank?

For the 45% of us who prioritise unique and unconventional experiences when planning a UK staycation, have you ever considered taking control of a huge military tank? According to our survey, 42% of you would like to do just that.

Tank School provides a range of activity days in South Wales, including the chance to get behind the wheel of a battle tank and experience a ride in a vehicle that has the potential to crush anything in its path. You will learn how to guide these mighty former combat vehicles through courses designed to make your hair stand on end!

If you like open-topped bus tours, why not try a Segway tour?

Many of us (over 82% to be exact) have taken an open-top bus ride at some point in our lives to tour the sights of our holiday destination. But only 12% of us have seen the sights on a Segway tour. Interestingly, when we asked the participants of our survey whether they would like to try this weird and wonderful bucket list activity, 40% said they would.

Just slightly over the border of Wales, Go Ape offers 60-minute Segway tours of the Forest of Dean. As you glide along on your very own ‘magic carpet’, you’ll be treated to some incredible scenery and abundant wildlife. Look out for birds, squirrels and the area’s famous wild boar as you navigate the winding trails and bumps of the forest tracks.

If you like getting competitive, why not try throwing an axe?

Whether you fancy getting competitive with your mates or just relieving some stress, axe throwing is another fun new activity to add to your 2024 bucket list. While 78% of people in our survey had heard of this activity, only 16% have tried it.

Lumberjack Axe Throwing have two centres in Wales where you can try this adrenaline-pumping sport, one in Swansea and one in Cardiff. Trained instructors will show you how to throw the axes at targets safely, and then the tournament can get underway.

If you like the outdoors, why not take part in a bushcraft or survival course?

Our survey highlighted that 46% of people prioritise adventure and outdoor activities when planning their break. Yet only 6% have taken part in a bushcraft or survival course. So, if you’re a lover of the great outdoors, and fancy getting your hands dirty while learning vital wilderness survival skills, then why not give one a go this year?

In the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, Mountain and River Activities Ltd runs a series of courses and events designed to inspire and inform you about the natural world. You’ll master the art of constructing brushwood shelters, learn how to find and sterilise water and light a fire without matches, and discover the correct ways to find, prepare and cook food outdoors.

The least popular adventures from our survey

So far, we’ve shared with you the most popular bucket list activities from our survey. But there were a few experiences that our participants felt they would need further convincing to try …

Bog snorkelling

Let’s face it, the idea of swimming in a muddy bog probably wouldn’t be most people’s cup of tea. Only 7% of respondents in our survey would like to try this activity while on holiday. But bear with us … every year, hundreds of people from across the globe descend on the small town of Llanwrtyd Wells in Mid Wales to compete in the World Bog Snorkelling Championships.

This unique test of endurance sees competitors submerging themselves (in all manner of silly costumes) into the dark, murky waters of a peat bog and swimming as fast as their legs will carry them – all while trying to ignore the slippery unknown creatures that brush along their bodies. This may sound utterly bizarre, but it’s very entertaining and if you don’t fancy taking part, there's the option to simply enjoy the fun with a local ale while watching other people get stinky. This year’s event takes place on Sunday 25 August.

Ghost hunting

Among our cobbled streets, centuries-old buildings and ancient castles, there exists a world of apparitions, poltergeists and restless ghouls. Our country is home to some of the most renowned and hair-raising ghost tours and experiences. However, while over 91% of people in our survey knew that you could go ghost hunting in the UK, less than 40% told us they would want to try it on their next holiday.

But if you are feeling brave, Wales boasts many opportunities to delve into its haunted past and visit spine-tingling places where spirits are purported to visit from beyond the grave. Craig Y Nos Castle in the  Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park is reputedly the most haunted castle in Wales and holds regular ghost tours within its eerie walls. This former tuberculosis hospital has appeared on numerous TV shows such as ‘Most Haunted’ and is known to be home to some particularly sinister souls.

Caving and potholing

When we asked people in our survey what kind of outdoor activities they are most likely to do on a UK holiday, caving was right at the bottom of the list at just over 5%. And only 10% of respondents said they would add caving or potholing to their 2024 bucket list. But did you know that a lot of Welsh life has been lived underground over the years and there are some fascinating mines and caves to explore?

In this mysterious subterranean world, winding passageways and dark tunnels reveal a treasure trove of ancient wonders, alien-like natural formations, and dazzling waterfalls. Many are easier to access than you might think too, including those found at the National Showcaves Centre for Wales in the  Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, Great Orme Mines in Llandudno, and Go Below in Snowdonia (Eryri).

Add a holiday in Wales to your 2024 bucket list

There are so many weird and wonderful bucket list activities in Wales to try this year. See how many you can experience during a stay in one of our holiday cottages. From romantic retreats for couples to big boltholes for the whole family, our self-catering accommodation in Wales is sure to provide the perfect setting for your adventures.