North East England is home to some of the UK’s most spectacular landscapes, coastlines and outdoor opportunities. We want to work with ambitious businesses to create authentic bookable experiences that help visitors connect with the beauty, culture and landscapes of the North East.

Destination North East England is seeking ten businesses in the outdoor sport, adventure, conservation and wellness sectors that are ready to grow. With expert support, you will create and launch a new product or service by spring 2026 that attracts more visitors to get outdoors and explore our region.

What you will gain

• Develop your ideas into a bookable visitor experience that is ready to sell online
• Test your offer with industry experts and receive tailored feedback
• Gain personalised mentoring to refine and grow your business
• Build your network of like-minded businesses who are developing outdoor experiences
• Advice on funding and routes to market

Support package

• Three inspirational half-day workshops in iconic outdoor spaces
• Up to 8 hours of one-to-one mentoring with a tourism product expert
• Membership of a peer network of businesses on a similar journey
• Support in finding funding for your ideas

Growing Outdoors is fully-funded by Destination North East England.

Who should apply?

We welcome applications from businesses and organisations that want to develop bookable visitor experiences in:

• Outdoor sport (eg. running, team sports, racket sports, golf)
• Adventure activity (eg. hill walking, watersports, climbing)
• Outdoor wellness (eg. nature connection, sauna, outdoor yoga)
• Nature, wildlife and environmental conservation (eg. wildlife experiences, hands-on conservation activities)

We also encourage applications from entrepreneurs, pre-start businesses and organisations in other sectors such as accommodation and hospitality who are looking to diversify into outdoor experiences.

Programme dates

Group coaching sessions will combine indoor and outdoor activity, delivered in locations across the region:

• Thursday 6 November, 10am–1pm, Tyne & Wear
• Thursday 20 November, 10am–1pm, Northumberland
• Thursday 4 December, 10am–1pm, County Durham

Mentoring will take place between November 2025 and March 2026. This can be one-to-one or in small collaborative groups depending on your preferences.

Your commitment

By Sunday 8 March 2026, each participating business must have at least one new product or service fully developed and bookable online.