Are you a certified adrenaline junkie? Have you had more than your fair share of cycling, skating and rock climbing? In that case, it might be time to take on the UK’s hottest new craze: zorbing.
You’ll probably already know that zorbing is the pursuit of rolling down a gentle hill in a giant transparent plastic orb. The balls tend to be about 10 feet in diameter and are made of a lightweight, flexible plastic. A layer of air is sandwiched between the smaller orb and the bigger one, acting as a shock-absorber between you and the hillside.
There are basically two types of zorbing: harness zorbing and hydro zorbing. With harness zorbing, you’re strapped into a harness and turned upside down as the ball rolls down the hill with you in it. Hydro zorbing is more about trying to stay upright in an orb filled with slippery water as it tries to turn without you!
Both kinds are cool, although harness zorbing is a bit more action-packed. Far from being solely the pursuit of adrenaline junkies, a day out zorbing could make the perfect stag or hen do activity. Here are three of the best places in the UK to get your fix. But be warned, zorbing tends not to be a year round activity; most centres have a season running from spring through to autumn.
1. Pod London
Salmons Lane, Whyteleafe, Surrey CR3 0HB
For thrill-seekers based in the capital, Pod London offers one of the longest and most exciting zorbing tracks in the country. You can get there by train in just 35 minutes from London Bridge or Victoria, and they have a hair-raising 160m long zorbing run.
The area’s called Whyteleafe and located in the picturesque woodland of Surrey. There’s also a great viewing area where reluctant party members can snap photos of you in action.
2. Zorbing South
Pine Lodge Farm, Ilsington Road, Bockhampton, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8QN
Over in the West Country, Zorbing South is Dorchester’s home to the oldest zorbing experience in theUK – it’s been running for 13 years! The centre offers the chance to try harness zorbing or hydro zorbing, and makes a great day out as part of a longer stay in Dorset.
What better way to supplement some fossil-hunting on the Jurassic Coast and a mealin a nice seafood restaurant than with a spot of crazy rolling?
3. North East Outdoor Pursuits Centre
Castlewood Farm, Helme Park, Tow Law, County Durham DL13 4NN
‘A bungee jump and rollercoaster ride mixed into one.’ That’s how the North East Outdoor Pursuits Centre describes their zorbing experience – and they’re not far off the mark. This internationally-renowned centre prides itself on being one of the cheapestplaces in the UK to try the crazy sport.
It’s easily reachable from Newcastle, Durham and Sunderland. While you’re there, you might want to try some other outdoor pursuits such as clay shooting, archery or paintball. Prices start at £29 for two people one roll and £39 for two people two rolls (forwards and backwards). What a bargain!
