JFarwell
6:30pm (2.5 hours)
Reverie
9:30pm (2 hours)
JFarwell
9:30pm
Cancellations made 24+ hours prior to the sail are eligible for a refund. Special circumstances? Questions? Contact us! You can speak directly to an owner - we're here to help.
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Your visit to Halifax will simply not be complete without experiencing a scenic sailing cruise on the world's second-largest natural harbour – the Halifax Harbour. Join us aboard Halifax’s signature ship, the Tall Ship Silva, for local, live music and to see the sights, city, and coastline, from a unique perspective. While on board our historic, three-masted schooner, you’ll see some of Halifax’s most well-known landmarks including Georges Island National Historic Site, the Historic Properties, the vibrant waterfront, and the scenic Northwest Arm. If conditions are favourable, you’ll be invited to join the crew in raising the sails – this is especially fun for the little ones. So come, relax, refresh with a beverage or two from the onboard bar, and enjoy your leisurely sailing cruise on the water.
2-hour cruise Live Music Halifax Highlights Honorary Crew Activity & Certificate Note: Seating is limited. Vessel capacity is 145 guests.
Bucket of 5 Cans of Beer: Coldstream Nova Scotia Light: $37+HST Easy Drinking, Brilliantly Clear, Crisp & Smooth, Always Refreshing Five 355ml cans served in a bucket with ice Bucket of 5 Cans of Beer: Coldstream Nova Scotia Lager: $37+HST Easy Drinking, Brilliantly Clear, Crisp & Smooth, Always Refreshing Five 355ml cans served in a bucket with ice
Classic Hot Dog Combo $8.50+HST Enjoy a classic hot dog served steaming hot, accompanied by fresh-popped, popcorn. Choose a refreshing soda or water to complete your classic snack combo. Customize your hot dog with your choice of condiments: ketchup, mustard, relish, or sauerkraut. Classic Sausage Combo $12+HST Savour the flavours of our juicy sausage served on a soft bun, paired with a side of fresh-popped, popcorn. Choose a refreshing soda or water to complete your signature snack combo. Available condiments include ketchup, mustard, relish, and sauerkraut to dress up your sausage. Deluxe Hot Dog Combo $13.25+HST Enjoy a delicious hot dog, a side of crunchy popcorn, and an option of Coldstream light or lager beer - such a satisfying meal. Top off your hot dog with any of our condiments: ketchup, mustard, relish, or sauerkraut. Deluxe Sausage Combo $17+HST Treat yourself to our juicy sausage on a bun, a side of fresh-popped popcorn and an option of Coldstream light or lager beer - all the tastes of summer! Jazz up your sausage as you like with ketchup, mustard, relish, or sauerkraut.
East Coast Lifestyle Tall Ship Silva Custom Hoodie $74+HST East Coast Lifestyle's iconic classic vintage hoodie with a print of Halifax's Tall Ship Silva on the back and a collaboration emblem on the front. Unisex Fit. Kangaroo Pouch. Matching Drawstrings. Super Soft, Comfortable and Made To Last. Fabric: 80% Cotton, 20% Polyester. Care: Wash cold with like colours & air dry. See hoodie & size chart (measurements are shown in inches). East Coast Lifestyle Tall Ship Silva Custom T-Shirt $35+HST East Coast Lifestyle's favourite premium tee featuring a print of Halifax's Tall Ship Silva on the back and a collaboration emblem on the front. Fabric: 100% Cotton. Care: Wash cold with like colours & air dry. See t-shirt & size chart (measurements are shown in inches).
Daily, 4pm-6pm, June 3 - September 30, 2024. Saturday & Sunday, 4-6pm, October 5 - October 6, 2024.
Booking the Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruise? Consider the Halifax Experience Pass! The pass includes the Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruise plus other experiences and deals on meals! Click here to learn more.
Adult: $45 Youth (10-15): $29.50 Child (5-9): $21 Child (0-4): FREE Family Rate*: $111.40 Additional Child for Family Rate (with purchase of family ticket): $18.50 *Family Rate is for 2 adults & 2 children under the age of 15
Unless otherwise noted on your ticket, this tour departs from the Cable Wharf , 1751 Lower Water Street, Halifax
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All aboard Halifax's most popular boat tour – the Harbour HopperTour - a fun, fast-paced adventure by land and sea!
Experience golden hour, that magical time of night when the sun makes its way below the horizon, on the Halifax Sunset Cruise aboard our signature ship, the Tall Ship Silva.
Of the over 160 historic lighthouses located across the province of Nova Scotia, none is more well-known, most visited, and likely most photographed than Peggy's Point Lighthouse.
Catamaran Sail & Island Anchoring Adventure Available Now! Learn More
Visiting Halifax by cruise ship? We can't wait to welcome you aboard! Enjoy seeing your cruise ship from our beautiful harbour no matter which experience you choose. Join a small public tour or choose something private.
Join us for award-winning, quality experiences
We know that your short time in port in Halifax is pr ecious to you. We are confident that a sail with us is sure to be a highlight of your time here! Some highlights of what you can expect from our sailing tour experiences:
Small group or entirely private experiences
New, impeccably maintained sailing yachts
Opportunities for hands-on, immersive sailing
Option to choose entirely hands-off for maximum onboard relaxation
Local history and fun facts
Transport Canada Certified Captain & crew
Local beer, wine & spirit options (and beloved international classics!)
Very friendly, experienced skipper and crew. The Beneteau’s were beautiful, fun boats. I enjoyed hoisting the sails and also just soaking in the sights.
Joseph_W
Amazing time with friends out on the water with Brendan and Kip. Very friendly and we felt safe and enjoyed our ride. Highly recommended.
This was a very nicely organized sailing tour of the harbor around Halifax. Very friendly staff, boat in perfect condition, and a great 1.5 hour experience overall!
The captain and staff were so warm and hospitable! A great time was had by all! Beautiful, clean, safe boat!
We are located in the heart of downtown Halifax, directly on the Halifax Boardwalk. We are just a short, scenic walk from the Halifax Cruise Terminals. If you prefer, you can also take a 3 minute taxi ride to us.
At our location, you'll find our ticket & sailing gear store where our team can help with any questions you may have. They can show you where to board our three sailing yachts! We're also conveniently located to many shops and restaurants for any other adventures your day may hold before returning to your ship.
Signature adventure sail.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Schedule: 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Age: All ages
Duration: 1 hour
Schedule: 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm
Duration: 2 hours
Schedule: 4pm
Suggested Duration: 1.5 hours*
Schedule: 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm
Must Do Canada
The Best Things to Do in Canada
August 1, 2023 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment
If you’re looking to find the best Halifax tours, you’ve come to the right place.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Halifax, the vibrant and historic gem of Canada’s East Coast. This bustling maritime city has something for everyone, including history, art, outdoor adventure, great food, and a lively music scene. History buffs will be delighted by Halifax’s deep-rooted past, which can be seen at the impressive Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, the captivating Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, or the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, just to name a few. If you’re a foodie, prepare to tantalize your taste buds with mouthwatering seafood, like the famous lobster rolls and fresh fish and chips, as well as a classic Halifax donair. Then, of course, there’s the lively and beautiful waterfront, which is home to a picturesque boardwalk, quirky shops, charming cafes, and street performers. Don’t miss the chance to take a scenic Halifax boat tour of the harbour as well, where you might catch sight of adorable seals or even majestic whales!
As you can see, there are lots of fun things to do in Halifax , Nova Scotia! So whether you’re looking to set sail for an evening on the water, take a tour around the city with a local guide, or take a day trip to one of the many nearby scenic towns, we’ve got you covered in this guide to the best Halifax tours.
Halifax Tours Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which means when you make a purchase, we get a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use and help keep these travel guides free .
#1 TOP PICK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Half-Day Historical Tour of Halifax ✔️ Learn about the city ✔️ Visit top attractions ✔️ Transportation
Sunset Wine and Cheese Yacht Sailing ✔️ Go sailing in Halifax ✔️ Enjoy wine and cheese ✔️ Be hands-on if you like
Nova Scotia Day Tour – Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, and the Annapolis Valley ✔️ Visit famous destinations ✔️ Local guide ✔️ Hotel pick-up
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (90 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
As the capital city of Nova Scotia, Halifax is beautiful and rich in history, which is why it’s one of our favourite cities in the country. Rather than wandering around alone, get the most out of your visit by joining this small-group tour that explores Halifax with a knowledgeable guide that will fill you in on fascinating details, from the legacy of the Titanic to that of the Halifax Explosion. This history-focused guided tour of Halifax includes Dartmouth and Fisherman’s Cove.
Our tour was fabulous!!! Paul was very knowledgeable!!! He was very courteous, kind and helpful, Dressed in a suit is very professional!! Our tour was so impressive that my friend from Digby, who came for a visit after many years, learned more from this tour than anything else!!!! very informative, lunch was great, van was clean, water supplied, extras on the tablet was great!!! our highlights were the n.x. explosion and the Titanic. Learned alot from Paul!!! -Anna ( see more reviews )
This 6-hour tour of Halifax includes:
Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (46 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
No visit to Nova Scotia would be complete without enjoying some Halifax boat tours, which is why we recommend this small-group sunset cruise out of Halifax Harbour . Sail down the narrows of the Northwest Arm as the sun sets over the beautiful homes as you toast the experience with four wine and cheese samples.
We visited Halifax on a vacation from Rhode Island, USA. We knew we wanted to get out on the water so this tour seemed a perfect choice….and it was! The weather could not have been more perfect – following some dreary days prior! We were welcomed aboard a beautiful sailboat by three very friendly crew mates! Anna greeted us with a chilled glass of wine and the table was spread with a very inviting charcuterie board. We soon met our shipmates, three lovely ladies, two from Australia and one from Ontario. Caleigh was our captain and Andrew her first mate. They shared the perfect amount of details about the area and were very open to questions. Anna did a great job introducing each wine with interesting tidbits of information about the vineyards. She obviously loves wine like we do! The views and sunset were beautiful, the company was lovely and we can’t think of a better way to spend an evening in Halifax, NS! Cheers!! -Richard ( see more reviews )
This sailing tour of Nova Scotia includes:
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (490 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 Hour | 🚀 BOOK NOW
If you’re looking for Halifax tours that travel on land and in the water, you’ll definitely want to consider the Harbour Hopper tour , which travels aboard a really cool, renovated amphibious Vietnam War vehicle. This unusual method of transportation gives you an overview of some of Halifax’s key landmarks, including St Paul’s Cathedral, Citadel Hill and Halifax Public Gardens, before splashing into Halifax Harbour for stunning views of the waterfront.
The ambiguous vehicle made this tour extremely enjoyable and the street and water tour was amazing. I loved all the sites and recommend this to anyone who is questioning. The price is affordable and definitely worth it! -Linda ( see more reviews )
This cool tour of Halifax includes:
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (140 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 Hour | 🚀 BOOK NOW
Whenever people ask us about our most memorable Halifax tours, we always think of Alexander Keith’s Brewery in Halifax . While most brewery tours become the same after a while, what makes Alexander Keith’s different is both its history and the overall performance of the tour itself. First off, this is one of the oldest breweries in North America. Founded in 1820, the beer is still wildly popular from coast to coast and you’ll get to visit the facilities, learn about the brewing process and the brewery’s history, sample a number of beers, and enjoy some good east coast entertainment.
Great tour! We walked through 3 separate rooms with 3 different guides who gave us lots of history of the brewery in a fun manner, along with a complementary glass of brew.The last room is a bar where we had more tastings along with some great music performed by 3 talented guides. Lots of fun!! -Jacob ( see more reviews )
This Halifax brewery tour includes:
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (31 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
As we’ve mentioned before, a trip to Nova Scotia just isn’t complete without experiencing some time on the sea. Experience the charm of Nova Scotia as you cruise across the harbour on Halifax’s only wind-powered sailing experience . This small-group tour is a great introduction to sailing as well, allowing you to be as hands-on as you would like to be.
We enjoyed this activity with our two kids and enjoyed everything about the experience: the generosity of the owners who took the time to share a lot of information and were understanding with the kids, the local wines and beers onboard… Also the duration (90 minutes) is perfect. Thank you for the great memories. -Melissa ( see more reviews )
This Nova Scotia sailing tour includes:
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (59 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
Walking is a great way to see a city but riding a Segway is much more fun! On this popular Halifax tour, see the historic sights of Halifax on a Segway , including the waterfront, Public Gardens, the Citadel National Historic Site, and more. Of course, you’ll first get an introduction to the Segway to get comfortable with the machines before joining your guide and a small group for a fun morning or afternoon. This excursion lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including photo stops.
Absolutely the highlight of our vacation. What a blast and such a great way to see the city. Our guide was very informative and knowledgable. You certainly don’t need much experience to ride this great machine…..you just need to trust it. Definitely recommend! -Jackie ( see more reviews )
This Halifax segway tour includes:
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (19 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
If you’re looking for a local to drive you around Nova Scotia in a Lexus, this tour is for you. This half-day tour offers an easy and personalized experience of Halifax and the surrounding area in a luxury vehicle. Take in the coastal scenery and learn about the local history from your informative guide, get a comprehensive overview of Halifax, score insider tips on where to eat and drink, visit Peggy’s Cove, and more.
Having a short time in Halifax with a private driver was a memorable experience. Stewart was on time, in a luxury, clean SUV, very informative and interesting. He took us to all the sights we wanted to see and more. I would highly recommend this company and driver for the a tour of beautiful Halifax at a good price. -Joanie ( see more reviews )
This private tour from Halifax includes:
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (25 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
If you’re looking for some unique Halifax tours, consider this Halifax Pedal Pub Crawl , which involves lovely views of Halifax’s waterfront while enjoying a selection of local restaurants. You’ll travel between stops on a unique solar-powered pedal bus for a fun and active open-air experience. Food and drink is not included, but you will receive discounts at each stop.
We had so much fun doing this! The bars were great and we loved meeting the other people doing it too. Great way to have some laughs! -Laura ( see more reviews )
This Halifax Pedal Pub Crawl includes:
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (16 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
If you’re looking for a more intimate sailing experience, this is one of the best Halifax tours to take. Go sailing in Halifax with this small-group tour designed for families . Instead of being crammed onto a ship just to see the sights, this tour gives you the chance to meet your captain for a morning sail on a 45-foot yacht to experience a wind-powered adventure where you’ll learn new sailing skills and set out along the coastline.
Our captain, Brandon, and first mate, Frankie, we’re very friendly and fun! Our party of 6 had a wonderful time learning about the sailboat, how to sail, and the waters around Halifax! Thank you for providing this enjoyable opportunity for our one day in Halifax. -Linda ( see more reviews )
This Halifax sailing experience includes:
⭐️ RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars (122 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
Help hoist the sails as you take a ride on the Tall Ship Silva. This afternoon cruise on the Halifax Harbour takes place on a 130-foot schooner and includes the opportunity to join the crew manning the sails, tying knots or even taking a turn at the helm! If you prefer, you can also just sit and relax as you sail by Harbour Bridge, Fort George, McNab’s Island, and Point Pleasant Park with a drink from the onboard bar (additional cost).
We enjoyed the experience all the way through. The host talked and explained everything about the boat and the history of Halifax while also playing music when she wasn’t talking. Staff was very friendly 🙂 -Sara ( see more reviews )
This Halifax boat tour includes:
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (16 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
Discover the nooks and crannies of historic Halifax as you explore the city on this popular walking tour . This small-group tour covers the history, culture, and architecture of this Maritime Canadian city. See the Halifax Public Gardens, the Old Burying Grounds, the Grand Parade, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, and more.
Well thought out tour route with gradual ascent to the Citadel. Well paced to suit the participants. Very informative. Highly recommend this tour and our guide Ian. -Kim ( see more reviews )
This Halifax walking tour includes:
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (179 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
If you want to get a taste of Nova Scotia but don’t have a lot of time, this is a great tour to take. This relaxed Nova Scotia tour takes you along the coast south of Halifax and fits a lot in without feeling hurried. A number of popular destinations are on the itinerary, but there’s no fixed schedule, so you can see where the day takes you. You’ll get to explore the sights at Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, Queensland Beach, the Lunenburg Historic District, and more. End the day at a vineyard to enjoy some tastings (at additional cost) and admire the views.
Ian was a great tour guide! We learned so much history while visiting these beautiful sites. We all got to know each other a bit, laughed and joked the day away. Even the “dad jokes” were funny! Great experience! Thank you! -Josephine ( see more reviews )
This Full-Day Nova Scotia tour includes:
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (341 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6.5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
Discover Nova Scotia’s wine country as you embark on a scenic small-group tour through Annapolis Valley . During this popular 5-star-rated tour, you’ll visit three wine estates for guided wine tastings and to learn about winemaking in cooler climates, as well as the manufacturing and terroir. You’ll also enjoy a scrumptious lunch, served with beer, wine, or cider and a picturesque view. Perhaps the best part is you get to avoid driving and truly enjoy the wine.
We loved this wine tour and I am so glad that we booked this trip. We visited 3 gorgeous winery in the Annapolis region and had 12 tastings along with a delicious lunch. The views were breathtaking and very scenic . A special mention to our tour guide Terry, who was very warm and organized, she made sure the day trip was perfect for everyone! Thank you Grape Escapes for making this trip so memorable, we really enjoyed every bit of it. -Ambalika ( see more reviews )
This 6.5-hour Nova Scotia wine and lunch tour includes:
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (87 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
When it comes to Halifax tours, you really don’t want to miss the chance to travel along Nova Scotia’s Lighthouse Route, which is why we recommend this full-day excursion from Halifax . Stop at several popular locations, including Peggy’s Cove, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, to see their beautiful and iconic lighthouses. You’ll also learn about the history and traditions that stretch back over 250 years. This is a great tour for those that want to get a taste of one of Nova Scotia’s most iconic areas.
A beautiful trip to a quaint Peggy’s Cove, a charming town of Lunenburg and Mahone Bay. We had a great weather to enjoy and enough time to explore around town. Jonathan was our excellent guide and have a great sense of humor so you’re always entertained. I would highly recommend this tour. -Jane ( see more reviews )
This 7-hour tour of Nova Scotia includes:
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (162 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
While there are lots of great things to see in Halifax, there are also lots of cool things to see nearby. This is why we recommend this tour, which explores two very popular destinations in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle with a knowledgeable guide that will bring it all to life with history and stories. With admission fees plus pickup and drop-off at your downtown Halifax hotel included, visit top attractions such as the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada and Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse.
It was a wonderful and informative excursion that gave us a great feel for Halifax. We had three must see’s and this tour hit them all. Love doing these tours instead of a cruise line tour because it is more intimate and tailored to what we want. -Margaret ( see more reviews )
This tour of Nova Scotia includes:
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (211 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
If you’re short on time but would really love to see Peggy’s Cove and the most famous lighthouse in Canada, this 3.5-hour guided trip from Halifax is a great choice. After an informative overview of the area, you’ll get to explore this small fishing village, which is located on the eastern shore of St. Margaret’s Bay. You’ll also visit Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, one of the world’s most popular lighthouses, as well as local shops, restaurants, and cafes. Round-trip transportation is included.
Perfect in every way! Tour guide was wonderful and the bus driver was fun. Let’s of information provided. My only regret was not booking a longer tour! -Christina ( see more reviews )
This 3.5-hour tour of Peggy’s Cove includes:
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (17 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4.5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
If you’re looking to sample some of the best wine in Nova Scotia, what could be better than driving out to the Annapolis Valley in a classic car on a personalized route for an unforgettable day of wine tasting? That’s what the Vintage Vino tour is all about, cruising you around in a vintage 1940s automobile through Nova Scotia’s wine country . Perfect for small groups of 2-4, these tours are intimate, personal, and customizable, bringing you to wineries, breweries, cideries, historic sites, and more.
Absolutely fantastic, highly recommend. Brennan is an excellent tour guide, and definitely knows his way around the valley. The tour was personal, relaxed… and the wine was fantastic. The area is absolutely beautiful too… really worth it to be able to visit a few vineyards in a day, and really get a sense of what the region is all about. -Happy Customer ( see more reviews )
This classic vintage car wine tour of Nova Scotia includes:
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (20 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
Located just over an hour’s drive from Halifax, the Annapolis Valley is beautiful, historic, and full of incredible wineries. It’s one of the most popular regions in the province and this is your chance to discover the culture and history of Nova Scotia’s wine country on this half-day, small-group tour of Annapolis Valley . Get picked up at your hotel in Halifax and set out on a multi-faceted itinerary that includes the Grand Pre National Historic Site, Hall’s Harbour, and the historic village of Wolfville. Sample wines and products at Fox Hill Cheese for a small fee and admire views of the Bay of Fundy.
Amazing tour, covers many villages in the area, beautiful points of view where we stopped to take a pictures. Great spot we stopped for a lunch that was recommended! We also visited some great wineries in the valley. Paul is a great guide, very kind and tells interesting stories. Tour is well organized, on time, excellent communication. We enjoyed the tour! -Irina ( see more reviews )
This tour of the Annapolis Valley includes:
Looking For Even More Things to Do?
As you can see, there are many different Halifax tours to choose from. Whether you’re into history, food, scenery, or a little bit of everything, you’re bound to have a great time in Canada’s largest Maritime city. However, there’s so much more to do in Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada, so for more ideas, check out these travel guides below:
Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .
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There's nothing quite like an adventure through wild Britain—sprawling landscapes can be taken in, bracing weather braved, and wonderful wildlife spotted right on these isles. Plus, of course, there's no shortage of smart places to stay and delicious things to eat. Below, our London -based team round up their favorite staycations right now—trips within the United Kingdom that can and should of course be appropriated for inspiration by anyone visiting from, say, stateside. Read on and receive some rural revelations for your next trip across the pond.
A sea safari camp in the Hebrides, where seals and porpoises await.
On a curious early summer weekend, when Glasgow is somehow hotter than Madrid , I find myself waking in a bell tent on Jura’s wild northeast, going for a morning dip in mirror-like water among yawning grey seals—and wondering why I’ve spent all these years escaping my home country. I’m on a short version of the Hebridean Sea Safari run by Glenapp Castle , a place of turreted grandeur on a magical but oft-missed stretch of the Ayrshire coast, best known as the birthplace of Robert Burns. While the sea safari is bookended by nights in the grand but not impersonal old hotel—with its croquet lawn, Victorian glasshouse and resident bagpiper—the Jura setup is off-grid safari-style, in an idyllic spot not far from the Barnhill house where George Orwell wrote 1984. Getting there on the hotel’s little 12-seater boat is an adventure, via Ailsa Craig, the volcanic plug island known for its 40,000 seabirds and the unique granite used curling stones.
The camp on Jura
Knowledgeable local skipper Sandy Campbell navigates us to picnics on lonely islets, drams at Islay’s lovely whitewashed Ardbeg distillery, and a trip to a 6th-century chapel on the haunting island of Eilean Mor MacCormick. Pods of porpoises frolic, and a playful minke whale shimmers in the afternoon sun. We’re too late for the usual activity of fishing mackerel for our supper, but a three-course dinner with a sublime local rack of lamb is remarkable given that electricity comes from a generator. Afterwards, we get philosophical with drinks round the fire, our little group including Paul Szkiler, Glenapp’s energetic Yorkshire-born owner, a born-again Christian who is also a social impact-driven equity investor in West Africa, especially Sierra Leone .
The camp at Jura
The boat from the Ardbeg distillery on Islay
The chat stays with me for a night of deep baby-sleep in my cosy tent, lit by a candelabra of tea lights; and over a full Scottish breakfast (English plus haggis and black pudding) after my swim the next day. The seals are impassive as we leave for the mainland via the Corryvreckan whirlpool and a sighting of nesting sea eagles—but I feel as if a soulful reset has been pressed. — Toby Skinner
Four-night adventures, including two nights on Jura, start at $20,900 for two guests.
One of three Scandi-style wooden cabins at Trees at Tughall
The water and sky are a gunmetal grey—with only the white tips of the waves distinguishing the two. Yet here I am, dressed in a dry suit, pulling on my snorkel mask, readying to make a giant leap into the North Sea. I’m near the Farne Islands, a little archipelago off the coast of Bamburgh, in Northumberland , which might have seen more hermits than divers over the centuries. “Ready?” says James Learwood, the co-founder of Fifth Point Diving , the only PADI-certified eco-dive center in Britain, and one of only 11 in the entire world. I nod and step off the boat, emerging into a world of streaming kelp forests that glisten gold; rocks coated with red-tipped dahlia anemones and grey seals that follow my fins inquisitively, trying to make me play with them like Labrador puppies. My experience with this forward-thinking Northumberland team began the day before at their HQ in Blyth where, courtesy of their onsite tank, I learn how to improve my buoyancy and “trim” so that I don’t unwittingly damage coral when we explore the outdoor waters the next day. Everything about their set-up produces responsible divers: open water courses come with a PADI Aware add-on that teaches environmental protection; advanced courses pair with a Dive Against Debris course that qualifies how to remove and log rubbish found beneath the waves; dive gear is made from recycled ocean plastic; and prices include a donation to the Tynemouth Seal Hospital. Afterwards, in Bamburgh, I feast on panhaggerty pie (potatoes, cheese, and onion) at The Copper Kettle pub and enjoy locally and sustainably sourced seafood at The Potted Lobster . My adventures end each night at Trees at Tughall , in one of three Scandi-style wooden cabins whose huge picture windows make the outside feel part of the room, warming me every bit as much as the log burner that glows as red as the setting sun. — Phoebe Smith
Fifth Point Diving offers seal dives from £175 and snorkels from £65; Cabins at Trees at Tughall from $390 for two nights
A lunch spread on a Norfolk salt marsh
Tea is served on that same marsh
A few miles from Wells-next-the-Sea, I step off the world. On board the 30-foot Salford sailing whelk yacht, there’s silence except for the creak of ropes and gurgle of our wake. I turn off my phone—nothing on land now seems important—and let time unspool. On overnight trips with Norfolk’s Coastal Exploration Company , your clock becomes tidal. “Tides are driven by the sun and moon, so far bigger than us,” skipper-owner Henry Chamberlain says. “They put your own problems into perspective.” For an ex-Royal Marine officer, Henry is good at this soulful stuff. Before we anchor behind the uninhabited Stolt Island, he talks about how a boat reframes a coastline of subtle beauty. When we dive overboard it’s into water like silver silk.
Norfolk's Coastal Exploration Company also offers foraging expeditions.
Such moments distinguish these trips. If a boat is the end point for most sailing trips, for Henry it’s the means to an end. His are unscripted micro-adventures, guided by tides and weather; 24-hour exercises in living in the moment. We drift through creeks in wetsuits as the tide fills and brew tea in the salt-marsh while geese honk in huge skies. We chat and catnap on board and, at low water, squelch across mudbanks to pick samphire. The day seems to stretch. Onboard accommodation is basic: hammocks or camping mats beneath a canvas canopy; a thunderbox in the bow. Yet with a woodburner lit, we eat fish stew in a golden creek at dusk as seals sing. Henry tells me about lives changed out here. I can believe it. His trips press pause on busy schedules, revealing the stillness and beauty in slowing to the rhythm of the tides. — James Stewart
Overnight trips for up to six, including food, from $2,000
Driving down green-cloistered lanes, across heather-ruffled heathland, North Somerset is unknown territory for me—the coastal part you rarely hear about, Quantock Hills rising to the east, high cliffs rearing above the Bristol Channel. Village names stir memories of A-level English Lit—Coleridge’s Nether Stowey and Porlock—while others sound like characters in an Ealing comedy: Brompton Ralph, Huish Champflower. I’m navigating while my friend Rufus steers the Land Rover Defender, Cherry Belle , our two teenage sons in the back. Pheasants skittle cartoonishly ahead, disappearing into hedgerows at the last minute. The Defender is our home for the next two nights, but our itinerary has been designed by Wild With Consent , which matches campers to farmers with empty fields. There aren’t any frills—the luxury is having the field to yourselves for a night or two; we reach the first, Tripps Farm, as night falls, headlights bumping over tussocks as we drive through the gate. Our Landrover is kitted out with everything we need—table, chairs, lamps, camp kitchen, even books and playing cards, all packed away as neatly as my dad’s old metal toolbox (food and sleeping bags we bring ourselves). But the highlight is the ingenious rooftop tent, which cantilevers out and up in minutes; inside, I’m enveloped by the warm nostalgia of top-bunk memories from childhood. Next morning I’m up early and out into the sunlight, seeing the view for the first time from our high field encampment—mist smudging the Brendon Hills below, birdsong from old oaks, not a soul in sight. The vanlife independence our rugged Defender gives us kicks in fully on our second day, and we drive in and out of Exmoor then down to seaside Watchet, eating fish’n’chips below a mournful statue of the Ancient Mariner. There’s time for a hike up to the cairn at Dunkery Beacon, the highest point in Somerset, the water far below us glittering across to Wales, before we make camp at Stockham Farm near Dulverton, foraging for firewood and cooking over our camp stove, watching red deer skip in the woods below. — Rick Jordan
A two-night self-drive experience staying at Tripp Farm and Stockham Farm, including 4X4 hire with Defender Campers, can be booked through Wild With Consent from $430
Cold swimming retreats at Rothay's Manor are bookable on a B&B basis.
The three-day, two-night retreat includes lodging at the elegant Lake District manor.
While the snow drifts and Arctic blasts of January won’t see many rushing for their trunks, such conditions are nirvana for swim coach Gilly McArthur. “ Cold water calms my mind and body and allows me to connect with myself in a deep way—just like meditation,” she says on the wind-whipped northern shore of Lake Windermere (water temperature 40 degrees) as I tentatively strip to my shorts. With the sun setting over the snow-capped Langdales, I tiptoe into frigid depths that force expletives onto trembling lips. Gripped by determination and guided by McArthur, I focus on my exhalation and submerge myself, managing a few minutes of shaky breast-stroke before racing for my dryrobe and thermos.
Gilly McArthur warms up after a swim.
Growing interest in cold-water swimming since lockdown has dovetailed with extensive research extolling its eye-catching virtues—reducing anxiety, depression and inflammation; boosting mood, metabolism and mental clarity—helping explain a near-evangelical following. Here, the contours of the Lake District form the dramatic backdrop for a three-day retreat run by a trio of cold-water experts at the elegant Rothay Manor country house hotel in Ambleside, where, after disrobing in the cozy boot room, the post-dip thaw continues with a fireside debrief and film screenings accompanied by tea and cake. Over subsequent outings—to an ice-covered Rydal Water and a rain-lashed Lough Rigg, I learn to control my breathing and start to revel in the hormone-induced euphoria gained from extended submersion—as well as the beauty of the surrounding fells. “There’s a fast learning curve where your body understands what’s happening and you’re better able to use your breath and acclimatize,” says McArthur, noting its ability to increase resilience in other areas of our life. “The cold can be a great teacher—the more difficult things you try, the more you feel you might feel able to do.” — Ben Olsen
Rothay Manor’s cold-water retreat is $850 for two nights on a B&B basis, including three guided open-water swims, robes, reading material, high tea, and pop-up cinema.
It’s a scene I’ve seen countless times in Westerns – a herd of wild horses sweeping down a prairie plain, hooves kicking up clods of turf. Instead of the big skies of Montana, though, this is the wide-open grassland of west Norfolk, just east of King’s Lynn. Watching intently alongside me is a lurcher called Derek, and his owner, Ollie Birkbeck; green fedora jammed on tight, hands on the wheel of the Land Rover. Birkbeck is the co-founder of WildEast, a rewilding project that aims to return 20 percent of East Anglia to nature by asking everyone to pledge a fifth of any available land—whether that’s disused industrial estates, farm fields or household window boxes. Recently, they’ve won funding for landscape recovery on a grand scale, with a group of like-minded farmers joining together to create 130,000 acres linked by corridors of scrubland that will encourage native bird species. “It’s going to create a radically different landscape; this is farming with nature,” says Birkbeck, an eloquent champion for the cause. “Scrub is the great missing link in our habitat. It’s home to species such as turtle doves, stone curlew and nightingales, which have almost vanished from the UK. And birds are the visual representation of an ecosystem—if you don’t see them, then something’s not right.” At Little Massingham , though, there is birdsong in the air, including the clear, high notes of the nightingale; setting ponies, goats, and Tamworth pigs to cultivate old farmland has had remarkable results, with insects quadrupling in number. It’s the sort of landscape you want to fling yourself down on, lying back on a grassy bank and letting your ears slowly tune in to the natural soundtrack. I’m dropped back off on another part of Birkbeck’s estate set aside to be cultivated by glamping, with bell tents rooted in the glades, heated by wood-burning stoves, and two 1940s railway carriages refurbished with double beds in a field of their own. There’s a barn with an inglenook fireplace for rainy days, a plunge pool for hot ones. This is an accessible and very personal way of seeing rewilding in motion. — Rick Jordan
Contact Ollie Birkbeck for guided tours of the Little Massingham estate; littlemassinghamhouse.com . Enquire about glamping stays at Amber's Bell tents.
A version of this story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK .
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