Bear Grylls Reveals His Absolute Favorite Destinations In The UK

Ex-SAS trooper, survivalist, urine-drinker, TV presenter, author. There are a lot of words and phrases out there to describe Bear Grylls and what he does to the astonishment of his millions of viewers. Because whether he's eating a raw moose heart, swimming naked in below-freezing temperatures, or using a camel carcass as a blanket while hosting one of his TV shows, no expedition is ever too extreme and no challenge is ever too daunting for the experienced adventurer.

Luckily, however, his favorite destinations don't necessarily involve going that far to have a good time. Speaking to National Geographic, Grylls revealed that his favorite U.K. destinations have less to do with wilderness survival and more to do with his family, taking a break, and recharging his energy so he's well-suited for his next less-than-ordinary excursion.

So, where does the avid traveler like to spend his time when he's back home in the United Kingdom? Simple: he prefers splitting his free time between Wales and the Isle of Wight.

Grylls' number one destination in the U.K. is Wales, per his interview. According to him, his family actually owns an island off the northern coast of Wales — which means he has even more of an excuse to visit the rugged country when he's looking to unwind and, as he said, "isolate" in peace. Equipped with renewable energy, a rainwater collector, and no other humans in sight, the off-grid home is Grylls' idea of the perfect getaway.

For travelers who don't have the luxury of owning a house — let alone an entire island — there are still plenty of spots worth hitting up to make the most of your trip to Wales. Especially if, like Grylls, all you want is a little tranquility and enough space to de-stress. First stop: Snowdonia National Park. Covering more than 500,000 acres, the park is home to nine mountain ranges, 74 miles of coastline, and nearly 1,500 miles of trails. A great spot for camping, swimming, hiking, and cycling, Snowdonia is a must-visit destination for adventurous travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Plus, it's also pet-friendly — just in case you do end up wanting some non-human company!

Alternatively, along the country's western coast, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park stretches over more than 150,000 acres with imposing limestone cliffs, valleys, and beaches dotted along the way. Ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting, nothing screams freedom like the untouched natural beauty ahead of you.

As for his other favorite destination in the U.K., Grylls says he absolutely loves spending time in the Isle of Wight. Even though his idea of a vacation involves a 4x4 Jeep, camping gear, and paraglider, it's also about venturing out into nature for a much-deserved break from... well, pretty much everything.

If you're not the type of person to jump off cliffs during a holiday, you're also in luck. After all, the Isle of Wight's main attractions are picturesque, easily accessible, and steeped in natural beauty. The Needles Rocks, for example — known as some of the "most photographed rocks in the world" — stretch out into the sea to form a truly iconic landmark. Although you can see them from the coast, boat trips are also available for a closer look. Other nearby activities include walking along Alum Bay and hopping aboard the chair lift to travel down toward the beach. Plus, don't miss a quick stop by the U.K.'s oldest amusement park, Blackgang Chine, for a fantasy-themed day out.

And if you do want to follow in Bear Grylls' footsteps and jump off cliffs, High Adventure Paragliding is a locally owned and operated school that's perfect for beginners looking for an adrenaline rush. Just don't attempt to do it on your own if it's your first time — he's a professional for a reason.