The “No Way!” Gift Guide for Dads!

These aren’t your average dad gifts. These are the kind that make him pause, squint at the voucher, and ask, "Wait… is this real?" Then comes the smile.

Because once he realises he’ll be swinging through the sky, driving a Big Rig, or learning to skateboard—he won’t be able to wait!

Unforgettable, unexpected and undeniably brilliant—here are the experiences that’ll make this year’s gift a talking point for years to come.

London:

1. Giant Swing Experience

• Location: Kent
• Price: From £22.00
• Overview: This adrenaline-pumping adventure suspends participants 24 metres above the ground on a giant swing. Suitable for groups of up to six, it offers a thrilling 30-minute experience amidst Bluewater’s beautiful lakes 

2. Learn How to Make Sushi

• Location: Central London
• Price: £79.90 for two people
• Overview: Ideal for culinary enthusiasts, this masterclass teaches the art of crafting nigiri and salmon maki under expert guidance. Participants also sample four premium sakes and delve into the rich history of these Japanese traditions.

3. Learn How to be a Spy

• Location: London
• Price: £178.00
• Overview: This immersive 3.5-hour experience lets participants step into the world of espionage. It includes a guided tour of iconic secret agent film locations, breakfast in a historic Whitehall pub, a sample of a spy's preferred fragrance, and a classic 'Vesper Martini' cocktail .

South East:

1. Full Day Deep Sea Fishing

• Location: Brighton 
• Price: £95.00
• Overview: Set off from Brighton Marina for an unforgettable day of deep sea fishing. Under the guidance of an experienced skipper, you'll venture into the open waters to fish for species like cod, bass, and plaice. The experience includes the use of rods and reels, with bait and tackle available for purchase. 

2. American Big Rig Truck Driving Experience

• Location: Ardingly
• Price: £148.00
• Overview: Experience the thrill of driving a legendary American big rig, such as a Peterbilt or Kenworth truck. This 20-minute driving session offers one-on-one tuition, allowing you to get behind the wheel and navigate these massive vehicles under expert guidance. It's an ideal gift for motoring enthusiasts looking for a unique and memorable driving experience.

3. Create Your Own Radio Show

• Location: Norfolk
• Price: £99
• Overview: Step into the world of radio broadcasting with this immersive experience. You'll have the opportunity to create and host your own radio show, learning from industry professionals and operating a real radio desk. Choose your music, share stories, and take control of the mic. With your permission, your recorded show will be broadcast across Norwich, King’s Lynn, and Cambridge, both online and on smart speakers. It's a unique gift for music and radio enthusiasts.

South West:

1. Haunted Ghost Prison Tour

• Location: Shepton Mallet Prison
• Price: £25 
• Overview: Embark on a 1.5-hour torch-lit tour through some of the UK's most haunted prisons. Explore eerie corridors and hear chilling tales of past inmates, executions, and reported ghost sightings.

2. Cops & Robbers Driving Experience

• Location: Chippenham
• Price: From £98.00
• Overview: Experience the thrill of driving both a police car (UK Interceptor or US-style) and a high-performance supercar. Drive 3 miles in each vehicle, with options available for participants aged 10 and above.

3. Skateboard Lesson

• Location: Cornwall
• Price: £60 for two people
• Overview: This private session caters to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skaters. An experienced instructor tailors the lesson to your abilities, covering a variety of skills. The facility features a unique rope system—the only one of its kind in the UK—to help build confidence and reduce the risk of injury. All equipment, including helmets, kneepads, and skateboards, is provided, though you're welcome to bring your own. After the lesson, enjoy 20 minutes of free practice time in the indoor skatepark. 

West Midlands:

1. Zombie Survival Day 

• Location: Nottingham
• Price: From £149
• Overview: Step into a live-action horror scenario where you'll be equipped with realistic gear and face off against stunt actors in full SFX makeup. Navigate through eerie settings, solve puzzles, and make critical decisions to survive the undead apocalypse.

2. Hovercraft Experience

• Location: Leicestershire
• Price: Varies by group size
• Overview: Experience the thrill of piloting a hovercraft over both land and water. This one-hour group session offers high-speed manoeuvres on twisty tracks, reaching speeds up to 35mph. Ideal for families or groups seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

3. Groom Some Cows

• Location: Shropshire
• Price: From £30
• Overview: Connect with nature in this heartwarming experience by meeting and cuddling Dexter cows, the smallest breed in Europe. Feed, pet, groom, and enjoy quality time with these gentle animals—a perfect gift for animal lovers seeking a unique and calming activity.

East Midlands:

1. Half Day Tank Driving Experience 

• Location: Northamptonshire
• Price: £369
• Overview: This adrenaline-fuelled experience allows participants to drive three authentic military vehicles: the Abbott SPG, the British 432 APC, and either the Springer ATV or the Stormer SAM. The day includes an armoury tour, and the top driver earns the rare opportunity to crush a car with a 15-tonne Chieftain tank, famously featured in Fast & Furious 6.

2. Sheepdog Training Experience

• Location: Worcestershire
• Price: £119
• Overview: Spend a day immersed in the traditional art of shepherding under the guidance of renowned trainer Nij Vyas. Participants learn intelligent sheepdog training techniques and work with a commercial flock ranging from 50 to 500 sheep. The experience is set against the picturesque backdrop of the British countryside. 

3. Paramotoring Trial Lesson 

• Location: Leicestershire
• Price: From £131
• Overview: Experience the thrill of personal flight with a paramotoring lesson, soaring thousands of feet above the Welland Valley. Guided by a certified APPI Tandem Pilot, participants can choose between a 30-minute or 1-hour flight. The adventure includes 360° in-flight photography, capturing breathtaking views and unforgettable moments.

North West:

1. Learn How to Pump Foil 

• Location: Merseyside
• Price: £90
• Overview: This two-hour private lesson introduces the exhilarating sport of pump foiling, where participants learn to glide above the water using body movement alone—no wind or waves required. Guided by an expert instructor, the session covers essential techniques such as safe dismounting, proper stance, and achieving the first successful "pump."

2. Forage and Feast Experience

• Location: Lake District
• Price: £150
• Overview: This full-day adventure immerses participants in the natural beauty of the Lake District, starting with a guided foraging walk to discover edible plants, wild berries, mushrooms, herbs, and flowers. The experience culminates in cooking the foraged finds over a campfire, creating a unique and delicious meal. 

3. Foot Darts Experience 

• Location: Chester
• Price: £45 for 6 people
• Overview: Combining the precision of darts with the fun of football, this 45-minute experience challenges participants to kick footballs at a massive 16ft inflatable dartboard. It's an entertaining activity that tests accuracy and aim, suitable for anyone aged 16 and over.

North East: 

1. Football Stadium Helicopter Tour Experience

• Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
• Price: From £149pp
• Overview: This 30-mile helicopter tour offers a bird's-eye view of up to three iconic football stadiums, such as Liverpool's Anfield, Manchester's Old Trafford, and Wolverhampton's Molineux, depending on the chosen location. It's an exhilarating experience for football enthusiasts, accommodating up to four people per flight. 

2. Top Gun Fighter Jet Simulator Experience

• Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
• Price: From £35
• Overview: Step into the cockpit of a fighter jet simulator and engage in air combat missions with advanced software and a 320-degree wraparound screen. Guided by experienced instructors, participants perform aerobatic manoeuvres and dogfights, experiencing the thrill of high-speed aerial combat. Suitable for ages 10 and up.

3. Superhero Driving Experience

• Location: Sunderland Circuit
• Price: £29pp
• Overview: Channel your inner superhero by driving a Batmobile-inspired vehicle around a high-speed race track. This three-mile driving experience doesn't require a driving licence and is available Monday to Friday, making it accessible for a wide range of participants.

Yorkshire:

1. Chef’s Table Dining Experience 

• Location: North Yorkshire
• Price: £220 for 2 people
• Overview: This intimate fine dining experience offers an eight-course tasting menu crafted by a Michelin-accredited head chef. Guests are seated at the Chef's Table pass, allowing them to watch each dish being prepared and cooked in front of them. The menu features seasonal aperitifs and showcases the finest local ingredients, providing an immersive culinary journey. 

2. Crime Scene Investigation Half-Day Experience

• Location: West Yorkshire
• Price: £74pp
• Overview: This hands-on experience immerses participants in the world of forensic science and crime scene investigation. Working alongside crime investigation experts, they learn techniques such as fingerprint lifting, blood spatter analysis, and suspect interviewing. The session provides a realistic insight into solving serious crimes like murder, kidnapping, and arson.

3. Sword Making Experience 

• Price: £335pp
• Location: Yorkshire Dales
• Overview: Participants spend a full day in a fully equipped forge, crafting a decorative sword from scratch. Guided by a skilled blacksmith, they learn to shape the blade, cross-guard, and pommel, experiencing the ancient art of sword making firsthand. No prior experience is required, making it an ideal gift for history enthusiasts and creative adventurers.

Scotland:

1. River Bugging Experience 

• Location: River Tummel, near Pitlochry, Perthshire
• Price: £60 per adult
• Overview: Navigate white-water rapids in your own inflatable river bug for a high-energy adventure! Suitable for ages 12 and up, it's ideal for teens and adults looking for a thrilling water-based activity. Full instruction, safety gear, wetsuit, and webbed gloves are provided before hitting the river. Sessions run from March to October. 

2. Haunted Vaults Walking Tour 

• Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
• Price: £22 per person
• Overview: Explore Edinburgh's dark history with a 60-minute guided walking tour through the city's haunted underground vaults. The tour starts at 300 Lawnmarket and ends at 45 Niddry Street, accommodating up to 36 people per group. Evening tours are available at 5pm and 7pm. 

3. Ride The Hogwarts Express Over The Glenfinnan Viaduct

• Location: Departs from Fort William to Mallaig, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Price: £105 per adult (standard class return)
• Overview: Embark on a magical journey aboard the Jacobite Steam Train, famously known as the Hogwarts Express. This scenic ride takes you across the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct, offering breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands. The experience includes a return trip, allowing you to soak in the stunning landscapes both ways.

Wales: 

1. Doctor Who Cardiff City Walking Tour

• Location: Cardiff, Wales
• Price: £15 per person
• Overview: Embark on a 2.5-hour guided walking tour through Cardiff, exploring iconic filming locations from the BBC's Doctor Who series. Starting outside Cardiff Castle, this unofficial tour takes fans to over 30 memorable sites featured in the show, offering behind-the-scenes insights and trivia. 

2. Two-Night Family Treehouse Stay 

• Location: Near Machynlleth, Mid Wales
• Price: £399 for a family of four
• Overview: Escape to a magical treehouse nestled in the woodlands on the edge of Snowdonia National Park. This off-grid retreat accommodates up to two adults and two children, featuring a wood-burning stove, fully equipped kitchen, and eco-friendly amenities. It's a perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity for a memorable family getaway. 

3. Aqueduct Canoe Tour 

• Price: £55 per person
• Location: Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Llangollen, North Wales
• Overview: Experience the thrill of paddling over the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, soaring 126 feet above the River Dee. This 2.5-hour guided canoe tour along the Llangollen Canal offers stunning views and a unique perspective of the Welsh countryside, suitable for all skill levels.

So, if you’re ready for Dad’s jaw to hit the floor, these one-of-a-kind, unique experiences are not only wildly unexpected—they’re the kind of gifts that turn stories into legends.