Devon Among UK’s Top 10 Biggest Fans Of Outdoor Adventure In 2021

Analysing 2021 clothing and equipment purchases (per capita), outdoor gear specialists Cotswold Outdoors reveal the UK’s biggest fans of outdoor adventure, overall and per each activity.

Upon analysis of clothing and equipment sales for Hiking, Climbing, Camping, Swimming and Snow Sports, Devon has been revealed as the home to the 8th biggest fans of outdoor adventure in 2021.

The county’s apparent affinity for all activities across the board is more than evident, as they not only rank as the 4th most avid Skiers but they also rank in 5th for most Swim and Climbing gear purchases this year.

Due to limitations placed on international travel for the majority of the last year and a half, UK tourism has seen quite the boom. Alongside this influx of Brits exploring their home country, interest in outdoor-based adventures has also seen a pick-up in interest, with searches for outdoor activities including the likes of Camping, Climbing and Hiking seeing a 152% increase, compared to 2019 (pre-pandemic).

Looking at the remaining activities analyzed in the study, those in the county of Devon still rank among the top 15, coming in 9th for most Camping-related purchases and 11th for Hiking gear.

Overall, the place found to be home to the UK’s topmost outdoor adventurers is Wiltshire, England. Following behind as the 2nd most avid outdoor activity lovers are those in Stirling, Ranking as third most adventure-loving, is the county of Bristol.

Taking a view by each country, in England, Wiltshire continues to reign as the topmost outdoor adventure lovers, followed by Bristol and Dorset in the 2nd and 3rd place.

Meanwhile, the topmost  ‘outdoor-sy’ in Wales can be found in Conwy, Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff, respectively.

Arguably possessing the most opportunities and locations for outdoor adventure, Scotland’s most avid outdoor adventurers are found in Stirling, followed by Aberdeen and Glasgow.

Finally, In Northern Ireland, Ards & North Down take 1st place for ‘top adventurers. Those living in Newry Mourne & Down follow behind in 2nd and in 3rd, comes the capital of Belfast.

In-line with Brits’ new appreciation of the wonders the UK has to offer for exploring, it’s clear their appetite for adventure has definitely had a boost in 2021. Considering all the positive effects spending more time outdoors and keeping active can have, the increase in popularity of outdoor activities throughout the UK this year, is accurately reflective of Brits finding alternative ways to keep healthy, both mentally and physically.