Gift Cards & Certificates

Top Experience Gift Cards & Vouchers in the UK: Ideas, Where to Buy, and How to Choose

Overview

Looking for a present that actually sparks joy instead of cluttering a cupboard? Experience gift cards and vouchers are the secret weapon of modern gifting — they give someone a memory, an adventure, or a well-earned escape. In the UK you can buy vouchers for everything from adrenaline-fuelled theme park days to cosy hotel breaks with afternoon tea, and even pub walking tours that double as a history lesson with a pint. This guide rounds up the best stores and voucher types, including popular names like Menkind, Freedom Of Movement, and Virgin Experience Days, and gives practical tips so your gift lands perfectly every time.

What counts as an experience gift?

In plain terms, an experience gift is anything that creates a memory rather than a thing. Think tickets, memberships, lessons, and packaged experiences — a two-person visit to Thorpe Park, a paintball day for a group, or a two-night hotel stay with afternoon tea. These can be sold as named vouchers for a specific activity or as flexible gift cards the recipient can redeem against a range of options. The best part? Many experiences can be tailored by budget, taste, and distance, making them surprisingly practical as well as emotional.

Why choose an experience gift card?

Why not pick a sweater and call it a day? Because experience cards beat material gifts on several fronts: they’re often more personal, they don’t take up space, and they create stories people still talk about months later. A voucher can be a nudge to try something new, a promise of quality time, or a solo treat for someone who needs a break. Plus, in many cases you can buy something affordable like a £50 voucher and let the recipient upgrade to a pricier option — it’s like giving the first chapter of an adventure and letting them write the ending.

Menkind: quirky finds and curated experiences

Menkind is often associated with fun gadgets and novelty gifts, but it also lists curated experience bundles that make great presents. From themed collections like "I Love You" or "Happy Birthday" experience sets to specific day-out vouchers such as a Thorpe Park visit for two, Menkind tends to mix high-energy days out with playful packages. If you want a voucher that feels less generic and more tailored to personality — perhaps a thrill-seeker or a foodie — Menkind’s themed collections can be a smart pick. They often package ideas that spark a smile before the experience even begins.

Virgin Experience Days: classic quality and wide choice

Virgin Experience Days is one of the best-known names for experience vouchers in the UK, and for good reason. They offer flexible gift cards in set values — for example, a £50 or £150 card — and an immense catalogue of experiences, from fine dining and spa days to hotel breaks like the Barn Hotel two-night stay with afternoon tea. If you want breadth and reliability, this is a convenient route: recipients can choose from hundreds of experiences across the country, whether they’re after a short city break or a full-on adventure weekend.

Freedom Of Movement: flexible and modern gifting

Freedom Of Movement focuses on giving recipients the freedom to choose how they spend their voucher. Their gift cards tend to offer simplicity and flexibility — perfect if you’d rather not book a specific date or activity. This is ideal when you know someone wants an experience but you don’t know their schedule. Freedom Of Movement gift cards work well for couples or groups who need to coordinate diaries, and they can also be used to supplement larger gift schemes when you want to chip in toward a bigger experience.

Other UK stores to consider

Beyond the names above there are several other reputable UK sellers specialising in experience vouchers. Buyagift and Red Letter Days are household names with packages ranging from afternoon teas and spa days to driving experiences and scenic flights. Groupon Experiences often lists discounted options if you’re hunting a bargain, and platforms like Tinggly offer international-style experience gift boxes that work well for people who love travel-inspired adventures. Each retailer has its strengths, so pick based on selection, flexibility, and whether you want a themed package or an open-value gift card.

Theme parks and thrill-seeker vouchers

For adrenaline junkies, theme park vouchers are a go-to gift. A Thorpe Park visit for two is a perfect example: it’s an instant dose of thrills that suits birthdays or celebration gifts. Many theme parks offer season passes or day tickets as vouchers, so they’re easy to gift and redeem during school holidays or long weekends. If you’re buying for someone who lives within, say, 30 miles of a major park, a voucher that covers entry is a great value option — it removes the hassle of planning and focuses purely on the fun.

Food, drink, and local experience vouchers

If your giftee loves food and socialising, consider vouchers for pub walking tours, tasting sessions, or high-quality dining. The Drink London pub walking tour for two adults turns a night out into a local discovery tour, blending culture with a few well-chosen stops. Food-and-drink vouchers are especially handy for groups or couples, and they often come in flexible packages so the recipient can pick the date that suits them. These make for memorable evenings without the pressure of dressing up for a Michelin-starred meal — unless they want to, of course.

Outdoor and adventure experiences

From forest paintballing days for four with pizza lunch to water-sports and climbing sessions, outdoor experiences are brilliant for social groups and families. They usually include group logistics such as safety briefings and basic kit, so you’re giving not just the activity but the structure that makes it enjoyable. These vouchers are ideal for hen and stag parties, birthday groups, or just a weekend with friends. If you pick something group-based, be sure to check the minimum age and any weight or height limits in advance so no one gets left out.

Spa days, hotel breaks, and chill-out vouchers

Not every gift needs to spike a pulse. Spa days and hotel stays give recipients the space to relax, recharge, and treat themselves. Packages like a two-night stay with afternoon tea pair accommodation with a pampering element, which feels indulgent without being ostentatious. These vouchers are popular for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, and thank-you gifts. If you’re unsure about the recipient’s availability, choose a flexible gift card so they can book when it suits them best.

How to choose the right voucher value

Determining the right voucher amount depends on the experience and your budget. A £50 gift card might cover a casual tasting session or contribute toward a fuller package, while £150 and above can unlock overnight stays or premium activities. Think about whether you want the voucher to fully cover an experience or act as a contribution toward a larger one. If you’re pooling money with friends, choose a middle-value card and let the recipient top up for something fancier — it’s a thoughtful compromise that often leads to the best memories.

Personalising the experience

Personalisation turns a good gift into a great one. Add a handwritten note explaining why you picked the experience, or choose a themed collection like "I Love You" or "Happy Birthday" if the retailer offers it. Some providers let you include a photo or a message with the voucher, which can make the moment of unwrapping feel special. If you know the recipient’s hobbies, personalise the experience around that — a brewer will love a tasting tour, while someone who enjoys heights might prefer a scenic flight or climbing session.

Redeeming and planning the voucher day

Once the recipient redeems a voucher, the real fun begins. Encourage them to book early, especially for popular summer dates or holiday weekends — weekends can book up fast, and the best slots go within weeks. Many vouchers are valid for a year or more, but some shorter-term offers exist, so double-check expiry dates. Also, factor in travel time: if the best experience is 50 miles away, consider combining it with an overnight stay to make a full weekend out of it. That way the voucher stretches into an entire mini-break.

Buying tips and common pitfalls

Before you click “buy,” do a few quick checks. Confirm the voucher value, whether the card is open-value or tied to a specific activity, and if there are blackout dates. Read the fine print on age limits and any health or mobility requirements. For group experiences, check the minimum and maximum group size — some activities need a minimum number to run. Lastly, check whether the voucher can be transferred or upgraded; that flexibility can save awkwardness if plans change.

How to maximise the gift experience

Want to turn a voucher into an unforgettable occasion? Pair it with small extras that enhance the experience — a hand-drawn itinerary, a suggested packing list, or a matching playlist for the drive. If it’s a shared experience, coordinate with others to ensure everyone can make the date. For solo gifts, consider adding a little local guidebook or a map of nearby attractions so the recipient can build a whole day around the main event. Small touches make a voucher feel like a fully formed plan, not just a voucher in an envelope.

Conclusion

Experience gift cards and vouchers are an increasingly popular way to give something meaningful without contributing to clutter. Whether you opt for a high-energy day at Thorpe Park, a forest paintballing session for friends, a relaxing two-night hotel stay with afternoon tea, or a flexible Freedom Of Movement gift card, there’s something to suit every personality and budget. Shop around between retailers like Menkind, Virgin Experience Days, Buyagift and Red Letter Days, and tailor the voucher to the recipient’s interests. With a bit of thought and a dash of personalisation, you’ll be handing over memories rather than things — and that’s a gift that keeps on giving.