100 days to go… on your marks, get set and go!

To mark the 100-day countdown to the Olympic Games, VisitEngland has compiled its top five winning activities, fit for champions and amateurs alike. So… on your marks… get set… and go on your own Olympic inspired trip!

Set sail in Weymouth

The 2012 Olympic sailing events are taking place in Weymouth, home to the best sailing waters in Northern Europe, according to the Royal Yachting Association. You can take to the waves yourself with SailLaser, where classes range from beginners to race training. Who knows – you could be rivalling Ben Ainslie in no time!  Click here for information on sailing in Weymouth.

Show your canoe do attitude at the Lee Valley White Water Centre

Newly built for the Olympics, the Lee Valley White Water Centre on the edge of the 1,000-acre River Lee Country Park in Hertfordshire will host the canoe slalom competition. The two new courses will be open to the public after the games allowing us amateurs to experience the thrills of Olympic-standard wild rapids, drops, holes, eddies and boils. Purists can stick to canoeing, but adrenalin junkies might prefer the white water rafting option. You can register now for Autumn 2012 sessions at Visit Lee Valley.

Put your oar in at Rudyard Lake

Remember you’re not racing for gold, so swap Eton Dorney’s world-class training facilities for a leisurely row on Rudyard Lake. This haven of peace and tranquillity in the Staffordshire Moorlands started life two centuries ago as a reservoir to feed the Midlands canal system before evolving into an area of natural beauty. The two and a half mile piece of water is now the perfect spot for a romantic rowboat rendezvous. For more information, click here.

Giddy up on a horse-riding holiday in Dartmoor

Where better to jump into the saddle and try your hand at horse riding than in Dartmoor, the inspiration behind the phenomenon of War Horse and home to its own breed, the Dartmoor pony? Equestrian Escapes offers 2 to 7-night breaks to the area, exploring its rolling hills and stunning moorland. Prices start from £245 per person, including two nights’ accommodation, two lessons and two hacks.

Go by the bike on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight has been voted by Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 cycling destinations in the world, thanks to its varied terrain. Over half of the island is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and there are nearly 30 miles of Heritage Coast, so cycling is the perfect way to go slow and savour the scenery. Wight Wanders has 3, 4 and 5-night self-guided cycling tours costing from £269 per person and including bike hire, three nights’ accommodation and luggage transfer.

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