It's the nearest you can get to a real-life flying dream, that feeling of floating effortlessly into the air and then soaring out over the landscape. The smooth, steep slopes of the Wiltshire Downs are made for paragliding. Beginners start with tethered flights and end up with a short solo. Sound dull?"It's as if the gods were thinking me across the sky," said one friend, coming down breathless and elated. I found it scarier, yet addictively so. Remember to wear boots with ankle support.

Trip Facts
Difficulty rating: Moderate
When to go: Year-round

England Adventures Explore Scotland - Highlands hiking and countryside bike rides Top Europe Trips - Walk through Tuscan hilltowns or bike through Provence