40 Things to Do Before 40 for the Ultimate Daredevil

Always living life in the fast lane? The type to hit the black slopes when skiing, take the toughest mountain trail, and casually sign up for a skydiving experience before breakfast? If your idea of daily life involves more adrenaline than the average action movie, then this is the 40 before 40 list you absolutely need.

From bungee jumping off terrifying heights to white-water rafting through the wildest rapids, this is the ultimate bucket list for thrill-seekers who refuse to take the scenic route—unless it involves clinging to a rock face. Whether you thrive on the great outdoors or just need an excuse to make every birthday, holiday, or significant occasion a little more extreme, this list is your ticket to making every moment count before your 30s officially expire.

Sky High Thrills

If the open skies and beautiful landscapes are calling your name, then you won’t want to miss these thrilling adventures. Whether it’s soaring high in a hot air balloon or taking the leap with a skydive, these experiences will have you feeling free as a bird while you take in the most breathtaking views and jaw dropping moments.

1.Skydive From 15,000ft

Nothing quite compares to the feeling of stepping out of a plane at 15,000 feet and plummeting towards Earth at over 120mph. This skydiving experience delivers the ultimate adrenaline rush, and if that doesn’t leave you breathless, the panoramic views certainly will!

2. Fly in a Fighter Jet 

Experience what it's like to be a real-life Maverick as you pull G-forces that make rollercoasters look like a Sunday drive. Barrel rolls, loops, and stomach-churning spins are just part of the package.

3. Bungee Jump Off a Bridge 

There’s something about bungee jumping headfirst off a bridge that makes you question your life choices—right up until the moment the cord bounces you back and leaves you buzzing for hours.

4. Wing Walking 

Why sit inside a plane when you can be strapped to the top instead? Hold on tight as you soar through the sky at breakneck speeds, feeling the wind whip past in an experience that’s equal parts exhilarating and terrifying.

5. Paragliding 

Take to the skies with nothing but a parachute and some strong thermals to keep you airborne. This exhilarating experience is the closest you’ll get to flying like a bird—except this bird has a safety harness and a trained pilot.

6. Indoor Skydiving 

Want the thrill of indoor skydiving without the whole ‘jumping out of a plane’ part? Step into a vertical wind tunnel and feel yourself floating on air, perfecting your skydiving form without the altitude anxiety.

7. Fly a Helicopter 

Ever dreamed of taking the controls of a chopper? With helicopter lessons, you can master this new skill, hovering, banking, and navigating the skies like an action movie hero—under the watchful eye of a very patient instructor!

8. Base Jump From a Mountain 

Skydiving not extreme enough? Try launching yourself off a sheer cliff with just a parachute between you and certain doom. Not for the faint-hearted—but definitely for the adrenaline junkies.

9. Hot Air Balloon Ride 

Watch the sun rise from a hot air balloon as you drift high above breathtaking landscapes. Make it even more extreme with a glass-bottomed floor, giving you a thrilling view straight down! An unforgettable experience, offering serenity, adventure, and a perspective like no other!

10. Tackle the Fastest Zip Wire in the UK 

Hold on tight and soar through the air at incredible speeds on the UK’s fastest zip wire! Feel the wind rush past as you zip over stunning landscapes, reaching speeds that will leave your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping.

Water-Based Adventures

If you’ve always felt more at home in the water than on land, these adventures are for you. From diving into the deep to gliding across the waves, you’ll be at one with the water. Just don’t worry about the crinkly hands—it’s a sign you’re having fun!

11. Swim with Sharks 

Nothing says ‘living on the edge’ quite like coming face to face with one of nature’s most fearsome predators. Whether it’s in a cage or out in the open, this is the ultimate underwater thrill—and these will definitely be your new favourite photos!

12. White Water Rafting 

Forget relaxing river cruises—this is pure adrenaline. White-water rafting will have you navigating wild rapids, dodging rocks, and holding on tight as you race through the water, all while trying to stay dry!

13. Scuba Dive a Shipwreck 

Experience the thrill of scuba diving as you venture into the eerie, mysterious world of sunken ships, where history and marine life collide. Just try not to imagine the ghost stories…

14. Night Kayaking 

Paddle under the stars and glide across moonlit waters for a truly magical experience. Whether it’s the glow of lantern-lit shores or city lights reflecting on the water, night kayaking guarantees unforgettable memories like no other!

15. Surf a Huge Wave 

Take surf lessons, paddle out, and chase the perfect swell, riding it like a pro—or wiping out in the most spectacular way possible. Either way, it’s an experience to remember!

16. Powerboat Experience 

Feel the thrill of high-speed adventure as you race across the water, skimming waves and feeling the raw power beneath you. This powerboat experience is a great idea for adrenaline seekers looking for an action-packed ride!

17. Jet Ski 

Skim across the water with the wind in your face, the throttle wide open, and a huge grin as you carve through waves like a high-speed waterborne daredevil.

18. Cave Diving

Explore the pitch-black depths of underwater caves, squeezing through tight passages and swimming beneath eerie rock formations. Not for the claustrophobic!

19. Canyoning Adventure 

Leap, slide, and abseil your way through rugged gorges and rushing waterfalls in this adrenaline-fuelled descent. Canyoning combines climbing, swimming, and free-falling, turning nature into the ultimate adventure playground!

20. Cliff Jumping

Few things give a bigger rush than standing on the edge of a towering cliff, taking a deep breath, and leaping into the unknown. Just make sure there’s enough water below…

Land-Based & Speed Extremes

Start your engines, lace up your shoes, and get ready to take on some serious challenges! Whether you’re racing through dirt tracks, scaling rock faces, or pushing your limits with high-speed adventures, these land-based thrills are all about testing your strength, speed, and courage. 

21. Supercar Driving Experience

Ever wondered what it feels like to drive a supercar? Slip into the driver’s seat of a Ferrari or Lamborghini for a supercar driving experience and feel the raw power, the intense acceleration, and the thrill of the open road. It's an experience that’ll make you feel like you're in a high-speed action movie!

22. Take on the World’s Scariest Rollercoasters 

The bigger the drop, the faster the launch, and the more upside-down loops, the better. Strap in and scream your lungs out.

23. Hovercraft Experience 

Glide across land and water in a hovercraft experience, feeling the thrill of this unique and incredible machine. It’s a fun and exciting adventure that’ll leave you with a new appreciation for hovercrafts as you zoom across different terrains with ease!

24. Go Off-road Rally Driving 

Forget smooth tarmac—this is all about skidding through mud, flying over jumps, and leaving a trail of dust in your wake.

25. Conquer an Extreme Assault Course 

Think mud, fire, freezing water, and sheer physical endurance. You’ll be bruised, exhausted, and grinning ear to ear.

26. Police Interception Driving Challenge 

Ever wondered what it’s like to drive like a high-speed officer? Join this exciting challenge and race against the clock, trying your best to intercept a getaway driver. A perfect day out with your friends to test your driving skills!

27. Take a Bike Ride on an Extreme Trail 

Tackle a challenging off-road trail, navigating rocks, mud, and tough terrain. Push your biking skills to the limit as you conquer sharp inclines and slippery paths, feeling the adrenaline rush with every turn.

28. Quad Bike Experience 

Hop on a quad bike and race through off-road trails, tackling muddy terrain and obstacles. It’s the perfect adventure for you and your friends to get your adrenaline pumping and have a blast together!

29. Run an Ultra-marathon 

If 26 miles is too easy, why not try 50? Or 100? Ultra-marathons separate the casual runners from the true endurance junkies.

30. Rock Climbing 

Step outside your comfort zone as you tackle rock faces, using strength and strategy to conquer each climb. Whether you're scaling indoor walls or outdoor peaks, rock climbing pushes you to new heights—both physically and mentally!

Extreme Nature & Survival

Ready to take on nature’s wild side? From conquering mountains to surviving in the great outdoors, these adventures will push your limits and test your survival skills. If you’re up for a challenge where only the boldest thrive, this is for you!

31. Sleep Overnight on a Mountain Ledge 

A tent? Luxury. Try dangling off a sheer rock face in a hanging bivvy for the ultimate ‘room with a view.’

32. Fan Dance Hunted 

Take on the legendary 24km SAS selection test, following the exact route through the rugged and unforgiving terrain of the Brecon Beacons. As you push yourself through the grueling Fan Dance hike, you’ll be hunted by elite forces, testing your endurance, strength, and resilience in a true challenge of survival!

33. Apocalypse Paintballing 

Immerse yourself in a post-apocalyptic battlefield where survival is key. With paintballing at the forefront, it’s fun, fast-paced, and filled with action, providing an exciting experience like no other.

34. Climb an Active Volcano 

Feel the heat, dodge the steam vents, and watch molten lava bubble just metres away. Safety briefing highly recommended.

35. Take a Cold Plunge 

Jump into a cold lake, river, or the sea for an exhilarating, nerve-shocking experience. Feel the instant shock of the cold as it awakens your senses, giving you an adrenaline rush that leaves you refreshed and energised. 

36. Snowboard or Ski Off-Piste

No groomed slopes, no safety barriers—just untouched powder and the thrill of carving your own path down the mountain. Warning: This is for experienced riders only—off-piste terrain can be dangerous and requires proper skills and equipment.

37. Go Storm Chasing

Forget watching the weather on TV—get up close and personal with nature’s raw power as you track tornadoes and lightning storms. Warning: Storm chasing is risky and should only be attempted with expert guidance and safety precautions.

38. Tiger Experience 

Get up close to majestic tigers in a safe, controlled environment and feel the rush of being in the presence of these incredible big cats. This is one of the most thrilling animal experiences that’ll fill you with awe and a lifetime of memories!

39. SF Base Camp 

Step into the world of special forces training with a real-life boot camp and SAS experience. Test your physical and mental limits in this exciting challenge that will push you to your absolute edge.

40. Hike to a Remote Waterfall 

Seek out hidden waterfalls on a challenging hike through rugged terrain. Traverse dense forests, climb rocky paths, and navigate steep inclines as you make your way to a secluded spot where the roar of the waterfall awaits.

So whether you’re a few years into your thirties and ready to turn the excitement up a notch, or looking for a way to take your 40th birthday to the next level, we hope these forty things will inspire you to create the ultimate bucket list. For even more inspiration, check out our Ultimate Bucket List blog post, and get ready to push your boundaries, make unforgettable memories, and experience life in the most thrilling way possible!