I’ve been on a mission to cut the clutter in our lives for some time now which is an ongoing battle. Gifting an experience has always seemed a good way to keep the balance of giving something for a special occasion without adding to the piles of stuff. It’s also a good way to reduce the ole environmental footprint.
So here’s some ideas of nature based, outdoor and adventurous gifts, also tried to keep them local-ish to Bath.
DONATE A FRUIT TREE FOR BATH’S NEW ECOLOGICAL FARM Middle Ground Growers is a team of farmers who produce organically grown food for our local communities around Bath. They started in 2020 from a leased 2-acre plot in Bathampton, supplying a farm shop, then veg boxes to families, local businesses and schools.
As they’ve grown they’ve united to co-purchased 16 acres of land to build an ecological farm, Weston Spring Farm. They’re a not for profit company and they need the support of our community to fund the first few years of their adventure.
They launched their crowdfunder which will run until 19 December. Your support will help them build the barn, the market garden, to plant soft fruits and berry bushes, restore the brook and create a thriving ecological wetland.
Cost: £20 for a fruit tree but you can donate as much as you like, a list of items is detailed on their fundraising page.
AN OWL ENCOUNTER at The West of England Falconry. During the hour long encounter you’ll be able to handle, feed and fly three different owls varying in size and species in the undercover flying area. Learn about their habitat, hunting techniques and more. After your experience you will be given a guided tour of the Centre and be introduced to the rest of the resident birds. This is fully accessible for those with wheels.
Combine your visit with a lunch at Newton Farm Shop next door.
Cost: £65 for one person, £80 for two, £95 for three & £110 for four people.
KAYAK BY NIGHT WITH ORIGINAL WILD This one’s on my Christmas list (hint hint husband). It promises an immersive night-time experience into a dramatic landscape. See the river bathed in moonlight and catch site of nocturnal creatures. Expert instructors lead small groups up the river Avon from Bath Riverside. There’s other pretty cool adventures on offer including Private Paddle Boarding, Code Break Bath & SUP experiences.
Cost: £25pp 1.5hrs during Mar/Apr & Sept/Oct
WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM MEMBERSHIP This is one of our favourite places to visit throughout the year. The dramatic seasonal displays are pretty spectacular and our children love the play areas and can ride their bikes safely. It’s also home to 2,500 different species from the far corners of the globe and 5 national tree collections as well as all the creature comforts of parking, cafe and toilets.
Cost: £40 for annual membership which allows for unlimited entrance with children
Other great nature based & local memberships – THE NEWT MEMBERSHIP & NATIONAL TRUST MEMBERSHIP
DINING DOMES AFTERNOON TEA These look like a fun outdoor dining experience gift. Enjoy a champagne Afternoon Tea in an outdoor dining dome in the grounds of The Bishopstrow Hotel. I’ve linked the full afternoon tea with champagne, fresh finger sandwiches, fruit scones with clotted cream and home made treats but there’s other dining options and room for up to eight.
Cost: from £45
HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER BATH This one’s a magical gift for someone. Soar above the city of Bath and catch a breathtaking view of it’s iconic architectural landmarks and surrounding countryside. Flights launch from Royal Victoria Park generally from April to October and are weather dependent. Air time is about an hour but the whole experience lasts between 3-4 hours and includes champagne on landing. Definitely an unforgettable gift.
Cost: prices from £120
WILD FORAGING WALK BATH Here’s a gift idea for someone who’d like to learn a bit more about how to identify and forage foods on walks. The aim of these courses is to educate people about tasty edible wild plants, mushrooms, fruits, roots and flowers so you will be able to identify, pick and eat with confidence.
Dave Hamilton is a writer and tutor living in the South West of England runs foraging and gardening classes for adults and children. His next course in Bath is currently planned for 15 May, details will shortly be up on his website.
Wild Food UK has a list of course locations covering most of the UK.
TREASURE HUNT TRAIL BATH I’ve given these as gifts before and they’re a lot of fun. They’re basically self-guided treasure hunts that will have you searching for clues around every corner. Tailored to Bath, you’ll have to hunt along the ancient cobbled streets, across the rippling river and visit famous landmarks, while uncovering fascinating stories along the way.
They’re ideal for aged 6 and up, are about 2 miles taking about 2 hours depending on your pace. You get messages with clues if you’re stuck and get entered into a prize draw if you solve your mission.
Costs: starting from £9.99
SURF LESSON AT THE WAVE This would be a perfect gift for someone who’d love to learn how to surf in a safe environment, any time of year. The Wave is a man made, 180m inland surfing lake near Bristol, with powered, consistent surf on consistent, safe waves all year round. There’s a variety of waves to suit all levels of surfer, from beginner to expert. There’s a also a variety of surf lessons
Cost: lessons start from £50 for 1.5hrs (children £40) including equipment
MOUNTAIN BIKE UPLIFT BIKE PARK WALES The perfect gift for a mountain bike lover. This is my husbands favourite downhill centre, for the best trails and the best facilities and about an hour and a half from Bath. A pass will get you a days worth of uplifts to the top in their fleet of minibuses. BikePark Wales is an exhilarating way to spend your day in the Welsh mountains.
There’s a series of lift assisted trails for riders of all abilities offers the ultimate riding experience. The do all sorts of skills coaching to perfect those downhill skills.
Cost: from £40 for a days uplift
BRITISH BOBSLEIGH TASTER SESSION Bath is home to the UK’s only bobsleigh and skeleton push-start track, based at The University of Bath. They run a series of spring and summer taster sessions for both sports, a perfect introduction to the sport and an amazing Christmas present.
Sessions are open to complete beginners and no experience of the sports is required. You don’t have to be fit, the sessions will go at your pace. You’ll receive world-class coaching from current GB athletes, who will show you the tricks of the trade, pass on tips and advice to improve your technique and answer all your questions on the sport.
Cost: £90 per person, £160 for those who want to try both sports on the same day. (2021 prices)