My dad said our last minute activity was the best Father's Day gift ever

Daily Mirror

14-06-2025

If you're looking for last minute Father's Day presents, booking an activity to spend quality time together is perfect – and you can currently save up to 75% at Virgin Experience Days
With Father's Day inching closer, those of you who are a little less organised are probably scrambling around looking for the perfect last minute gift to give him. Rather than the usual whisky or tie or box of chocolates, this year I decided to try something different. I booked us both an activity with Virgin Experience Days, which not only saved me from next day delivery fees and wrapping paper, but also meant I got to create a fantastic memory with my dad.
There were so many things to choose from, and there's even better news for you last minute panic buyers like me – because there's currently up to 75% off selected activities, as well as a 20% saving on almost every experience when you use the code DAD20 between now and Father's Day on Sunday.
My dad is a major foodie, so for me booking something meal adjacent was a must. I managed to track down a nine course tasting menu at one of our favourite restaurants in Newcastle – SIX Rooftop at the Baltic Art Gallery.
Having already enjoyed a meal there earlier this year with my mum for Mother's Day, after seeing my dad's disappointment at missing out the first time I knew it was something he'd love. It was so simple and straightforward to book, you just chose the date that you wanted (I also highly recommend booking the chef's table, where the chefs talk you through each course and how it was made), pay at checkout and you're done.
Although I booked it to coincide with actual Father's Day, you could just as easily book your activity for a future date, and show him the Virgin Experience Days booking confirmation on Father's Day itself – that way you both still have something fun to do together to look forward to. This means it's perfect for those last minute gift ideas, as you can have it booked and ordered in minutes, and your dad gets double the celebrations.
It also means when it comes to it, you don't need to worry about paying or putting money to the side for it as it's already sorted, so you can just get on with enjoying the day together. After our super indulgent meal together, my dad informed me that not only was it the best Father's Day present he's ever had, but one of the best things he's ever done – like, ever.
He also said it meant more to him because it was all about us spending time together (doing something he enjoyed, naturally) and the memory of it would be something he'd really treasure… much more impactful than a pair of socks and some beers! So, not to toot my own horn, but I think I nailed it this Father's Day.
There's also so many other activities out there, from brewery tours and driving simulators for the lads dads, but also cooking classes, spa trips, fine dining and amazing excursions to suit the dads who prefer something a little more low key. There's even things like golf lessons with a pro and football stadium tours for sports lovers, sky diving lessons for daredevils, and historical tours for history buffs.
Things will vary depending on your area, of course, but there is definitely no shortage of things to choose from even for us living in the North East, and there's something to suit any budget. Everything is booked and organised for you via the site, so it makes it easy and stress free too – ideal for doing in a hurry at the last minute!
Of course there's other activity-focussed sites to shop around on too, including BuyAGift from Moonpig, Red Letter Days and the Activity Superstore. They all also feature the kind of activities any dad would love, from race car driving and theme park tickets, to overnight luxury yacht stays and paintballing.