Not by nature an outdoor adventure person, Stacey-Lee Christon throws herself in to all sorts of adventures at How Stean Gorge, in the Yorkshire Dales

As half term looms, grown-ups on the look-out for the perfect place to tire out energetic teens should consider How Stean Gorge, not far from Harrogate, in North Yorkshire. Adults should join in too – while scrambling through a gorge and exploring natural caves might not be every person's cup of tea, jump in and give it a go. You might, like me, surprise yourself.

There’s something very refreshing about visiting a new place and doing something completely different. When the opportunity arose to visit How Stean Gorge to try a Big 5 outdoor activity day of canoeing, abseiling, gorge walking, caving and a via ferrata – a climbing route with fixed wires and ladders to hang on to – I was unsure, but my husband and nephew couldn’t have signed up any quicker.

The activity centre is based in Nidderdale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so starting the day with a drive through Yorkshire’s rolling countryside on a bright and crisp Sunday morning was wonderful.

We arrived just before 9.30am. How Stean is easy to find and well signposted. Danny, our instructor for the day, met us with a warm smile and within five minutes we were en route to a local reservoir with a trailer full of kit ready to start our first activity.

A mile or two down the road is Scar House reservoir, built by 1,250 men shortly after The First World War. Danny’s local knowledge is impressive and he told us all about how the workers built a temporary village around the site to live there until the limestone structure was finished. The remnants of several buildings are dotted around the landscape.

We visited the reservoir to try canoeing. It was a team effort to get the boats off the trailer, down an uneven stone filled bank and into the water. (By "team" I mean everybody else. Canoes are the most awkward things to carry and I was rubbish at it). My 15-year-old nephew Kieran and husband, Jamie, 29, can be quite mischievous together so when Danny told me they’d be going in their own canoe I was convinced they’d be trying to tip each other out before they got a paddle in the water. To my surprise, though, we all managed to stay dry, and enjoyed an hour or so of pretty chilled canoeing. It was down to us how hard we wanted to work, and knowing we had a full day ahead, we all took it easy.

After paddling around the reservoir, we stopped off on the way back to explore a natural cave. Out of all of the activities planned, caving was the one I was most nervous about. But after donning a red cave suit, wellies and a head torch, I managed to make it through without any screaming or other embarrassing behaviour. It was every bit as dark, cold and wet as you could imagine, but completely fascinating and the small, confined spaces I was worried about were limited. The hardest part was taking those first few steps and waving goodbye to daylight, but once we were in, I wanted to explore. Danny knows the cave like the back of his hand and I felt completely safe. He was able to direct Jamie and Kieran through a slight detour on the way back to the entrance whilst walking me through the original, easier route.

Morning activities over, we were driven back to the site where a hot lunch was provided. Those taking part in the Big 5 enjoy homemade soup, a selection of sandwiches and chips, which went down very well with my teenage nephew who has hollow legs.

After lunch it was time for the via ferrata, something I knew nothing about before visiting How Stean Gorge. Meaning ‘iron way’ in latin, this is a high-wire adventure that tests your balance, coordination and courage. It’s like rock climbing, but following a set course that is marked out with wire rope and has aids along the way. It was the first time we got to see the gorge properly and, honestly, it’s stunning. Nestled in between steep rocky walls and sheltered by a canopy of tree branches, the gushing water is mesmerising and you could spend hours watching.

Children as young as seven can take part in the Big 5, and it was made clear to us throughout the day that the activities could be as easy, or as difficult, as we wanted. My upper body strength isn’t great but I managed to complete the full via ferrata with only a little help from Danny. We climbed, crawled and zip-wired from one side of the gorge to the other, and loved every minute of it.

How Stean Gorge’s motto is "experience the thrill of nature" and there is no better way to do that than to abseil off a bridge and descend 40 feet into water below. The most exhilarating activity was definitely saved until last and left us all buzzing. The water was cold, there was no escape from it, but the wetsuits were fantastic and we warmed up quickly. After being lowered one by one into the gorge, we set off scrambling and it was a barrel of laughs from start to finish. Kieran and Jamie were diving into the water and competing with one another to complete the challenges Danny set them. I couldn’t keep up with them, but I was happy to play the role of photographer. We spent about an hour in the water sliding around and having a scream, the best way to finish off a jam-packed and unforgettable day.

I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did, and the trip has given me the confidence to consider taking part in other physical outdoor activities. How Stean Gorge offers a completely different and unique experience that the whole family can enjoy, regardless of fitness level. The instructors are professional, patient and encouraging and you are guaranteed a good, fun day outdoors with memories that will last a lifetime. Kieran and Jamie are already planning their return and I am happy knowing I scored cool aunty points and successfully entertained a teenager for a full day.

  •  How Stean Gorge, Stean, Lofthouse, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5SY. Visit howstean.co.uk
  • Prices: Gorge admission costs £5.75 for adults, £3.50 for children aged 5-16 and under fives are free. Any half-day activity costs £45pp. Schools get up to 40 per cent discount midweek, excluding school holidays. A full day including lunch, any two half-day activities or the Big 5 costs £95.