The UK’s passion for sports and outdoor adventure is growing stronger every year, with forecasts showing a significant rise in spending on performance gear.
The UK sports apparel market generated USD 405.0 million in revenue during 2022, with projections indicating growth to approximately USD 604.8 million by 2030. This trend isn’t just about market growth; it reflects a nationwide commitment to getting active and having the right kit to do it well.
Having the best equipment is fundamental for anyone participating in outdoor activities, be it winter sports or summer sports. As fitness and exercising become more woven into our daily lives, we rightly expect our gear to deliver on performance and durability, whether we’re hitting the trails or heading to the gym.
With so many of us choosing to shop online more, especially since the outbreak of the pandemic, the internet has become our primary source for sports equipment. However, the sheer volume of choice can be overwhelming, making it difficult to find retailers that genuinely offer quality products, reliable service and value for money.
This guide is here to help you navigate that crowded market. We’ve put together a curated list of 12 top-rated UK outdoor sports stores, from household names to specialist suppliers. Here, you’ll find a clear breakdown of what makes each one stand out, helping you choose the right gear with confidence.
Disclaimer – All details listed are based on the latest information available at the time of publication. The retailers are ranked according to their ratings from highest to lowest.
1. JD Sports – 4.8 Stars with 512.5K Apple Store Ratings
Website: https://www.jdsports.co.uk/
JD Sports is a British multinational retailer specialising in sports-fashion and performance wear. The company serves as the official kit supplier and sponsor for multiple football clubs, including AFC Bournemouth and Charlton Athletic, with sponsorship agreements dating back to 2008. Employing over 53,000 staff globally as of 2024, it operates as both a sports equipment retailer and a prominent football sponsor while maintaining its core focus on performance footwear and technical apparel.
Sports & Activities Covered
JD Sports caters to running, football, gym training, trail running, and urban outdoor wear, alongside American football, boxing, MMA, swimming, tennis, motorsport, golf, rugby, basketball and baseball.
Stands out for
- Operating 3,320 stores globally
- Offering same-day click & collect for orders placed by 2 pm
- Extensive range of performance footwear from top brands
- Combining streetwear style with outdoor-ready functionality
Offers & Discounts
- 10% JD Cash reward on first JD STATUS purchase
- Earn 1% JD Cash on all subsequent purchases
- Free standard delivery for orders over £80
- Gift cards available (£5-£300) for in-store and online purchases
Get the Mobile App
2. Sports Direct – 3.2 Stars with 286K Trustpilot Reviews
Website: https://www.sportsdirect.com/
Sports Direct was established in 1982 with a single shop in Maidenhead, specialising in sporting and skiing goods. The retailer has since expanded to operate hundreds of stores across the UK, Europe, and Malaysia, employing over 20,000 staff. As a sports and outdoor retailer, it supplies equipment, footwear, and apparel to both professional and recreational users.
Sports & Activities Covered
Hiking, running, gym training, football, cycling, camping, and general fitness.
Stands out for
- Extensive retail network with approximately 700 UK and European stores
- Including around 170 EU-based Sports World locations specialising in sports apparel
- Strategic expansion into premium and lifestyle sportswear segments
Offers & Discounts
- Daily discounted deals with savings up to 90%
- Digital gift vouchers available from £5
Get the Mobile App
3. Go Outdoors – 4.8 Stars with 226K Trustpilot Reviews
Website: https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/
Go Outdoors offers both a digital storefront and physical superstores, tailored to outdoor & sports enthusiasts from casual walkers to mountain expeditioners. Each store features a dedicated tent display zone and bike servicing station. The brand aligns with UK outdoor education by supplying kit lists recommended by schools and outdoor centres. The company is part of the JD Sports Group and shares logistics infrastructure for faster deliveries.
Sports & Activities Covered
Backpacking, wild camping, freshwater angling, equestrian, mountain biking, snow gear, climbing, canoeing, running apparel.
Stands out for
- Pay later options with Klarna
- Free boot fitting and rucksack adjustment in-store
- Bike workshop services, including assembly and repair
- Extensive DofE Award support, stock and kit guides
Offers & Discounts
- By becoming a member, users can enjoy 12 months of benefits for just £5.
- Free UK delivery for orders over £80
Get the Mobile App
4. Decathlon UK – 4.6 Stars with 182K Google Play Reviews
Website: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/
Decathlon UK is a multi-sport retailer, operating both online and through multiple nationwide stores. Its site is structured to help customers find equipment based on activity level and environment, whether urban, outdoor, or competitive. The company has received B Corp certification, highlighting its focus on sustainable practices. Its in-house sports labels like Quechua, Kalenji, and Domyos ensure affordability without sacrificing quality. Decathlon UK also supports inclusive fitness, with adaptive gear for people with disabilities and educational kits for schools.
Sports & Activities Covered
Trekking, road cycling, paddleboarding, snowboarding, yoga, trail running, strength training, basketball, archery, scuba diving.
Stands out for
- Custom-fit bike assembly for online orders
- AI-powered sizing guides and comparison tools
- Certified carbon-neutral product ranges
- Store stock checker to locate local availability
Offers & Discounts
- Offer up to 50% off on 800+ products
- 10% discount for students & graduates
- Gift card available between £10 and £200
Get the Mobile App
5. Millets – 4.8 Stars with 96K Trustpilot Reviews
Website: https://www.millets.co.uk/
One of Britain’s outdoor retailers, Millets, has been kitting out adventurers since 1893. Catering primarily to family campers, sports persons, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, it offers practical and affordable gear without technical extremes. The retailer balances its own-value ranges with trusted brands like Hi-Gear and Trespass across clothing, footwear and equipment.
Sports & Activities Covered
Camping, caravanning, walking & hiking, cycling, dog walking, climbing, horse riding, running, travel, skiing, fishing, picnics, watersports, workwear
Stands out for
- Being the official kit supplier for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme
- Carrying an extensive range of outdoor clothing and equipment
- Stocking products suitable for various skill levels and ages
- Maintaining regular promotional offers throughout the year
Offers & Discounts
- Free delivery on orders over £60
- Ultimate Gift Cards available (£5-£300), valid across Millets, Blacks and other outdoor retailers
6. Blacks – 4.7 Stars with 64K Trustplot Reviews
Website: https://www.blacks.co.uk/
Blacks is a UK sports & outdoor retailer with a heritage dating back to 1861, specialising in camping and hiking equipment. The company operates both online and through select high street locations, focusing on affordable outdoor essentials for casual adventurers.
Sports & Activities Covered
Camping, hiking, cycling, climbing, trail running, skiing, and outdoor exploration
Stands out for
- A curated selection of premium outdoor brands, including Berghaus, Rab and The North Face
- An extensive range featuring technical outdoor equipment and apparel
- Incorporation of advanced fabric technologies like GORE-TEX and DryVent
- Focus on performance-driven products for various weather conditions
Offers & Discounts
- Free standard delivery on orders over £80
- Buy one, get one free promotions
- An additional 15% discount for Duke of Edinburgh participants
- Extra 20% off for Duke of Edinburgh leaders
7. Alpinetrek – 4.6 Stars with 52K Trusted Shops Reviews
Website: https://www.alpinetrek.co.uk/
Alpinetrek is a specialist online retailer for technical outdoor & sports gear in the UK, founded in 2006. Based in Germany but shipping throughout Europe, the company have more than 700 employees. The company prioritises sustainability, with a dedicated eco gear section and a commitment to carbon-neutral operations. Their site features highly detailed product filters, reviews from professional athletes, and gear-specific guides.
Sports & Activities Covered
Walking, climbing & bouldering, cycling, running, mountaineering & expedition, winter-sports, camping & travel, trekking, fitness & yoga
Stands out for
- Premium climbing & mountaineering gear
- 500+ leading outdoor brands
- 140,000+ products in stock
- 100-day no-quibble returns
- Expert gear guides & checklists
- Carbon-neutral UK shipping
Offers & Discounts
- Free 3-5 day delivery on orders £75+
- £5 welcome discount valid on orders of £40+ (after returns)
8. SportPursuit – 4.7 Stars with 48K Trustpilot Reviews
Website: https://www.sportpursuit.com/
SportPursuit is a UK-based members-only online retailer specialising in discounted premium outdoor and sports gear. The platform operates on a flash-sale model, offering time-limited deals on technical apparel, footwear, and equipment from leading brands.
Sports & Activities Covered
Road cycling, hiking, running, skiing, mountain biking, triathlon and golf.
Stands out for
- A focused selection of technical gear for serious enthusiasts
- “Ready to ship” items are dispatched within 2 working days
- Royal Mail tracked delivery for all UK orders
- No-quibble 30-day returns policy
- Best price guarantee on all deals
Offers & Discounts
- Earn £5 credit when sharing with friends who sign up
- Members save up to 70% on outdoor and sports gear
Get the Mobile App
- Download on iOS
9. Cotswold Outdoor – 4.7 Stars with 23K Feefo Reviews
Website: https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/
Cotswold Outdoor is a trusted British retailer established in 1974, offering premium sports equipment and outdoor gear for adventure seekers & sports enthusiasts across the UK. With over 70 stores nationwide and a robust online presence, it has built a reputation for expert advice and high-quality brands. The brand partners with world-leading technical brands like Arc’teryx, Salomon, Ayacucho, The North Face, and many more, offering gear for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Sports & Activities Covered
Hiking, trekking, trail running, climbing, camping, skiing, mountaineering
Stands out for
- Free 3-year extended warranty
- 100-day returns policy
- In-store boot and rucksack fitting services
- Over 250 top-tier brands
- Expert advice from trained outdoor staff
Offers & Discounts
- 10% student & graduate discount
- Free next-day delivery on orders over £125 placed, Sunday to Friday
- Outdoor gift cards between £5 and £1000
10. Mountain Warehouse – 4.4 Stars with 14K Trustpilot Reviews
Website: https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/
Founded in 1997 as a branded stock clearance business, Mountain Warehouse has evolved into a predominantly own-brand outdoor retailer with over 330 stores across the UK and internationally. The company introduced its technical Mountainlife Extreme range in 2010 to compete with premium brands like The North Face and Berghaus. In September 2024, Mountain Warehouse expanded its North American presence through the $10 million acquisition of Eastern Mountain Sports.
Sports & Activities Covered
Walking, camping, cycling, running, and rock climbing, alongside beach activities, water sports and skiing. The range also extends to travel gear, fitness equipment, yoga accessories, golf and fishing supplies
Stands out for
- 60-day returns policy
- In-house technical fabric development
- Next-day delivery option
Offers & Discounts
- Mid-season sale with discounts up to 60% off
- Free delivery on orders over £50
- Digital gift cards available (£10-£100) in various nature-themed designs
Get the Mobile App
- Download on Android
11. Net World Sports – 4.2 Stars with 12K Trustpilot Reviews
Website: https://www.networldsports.co.uk/
Net World Sports is a UK-based sports equipment retailer specialising in team sports and outdoor training gear. Operating from a 411,000 square foot warehouse, the company stocks over 15,000 products, 95% of which are own-brand items. It has received several business awards, including the Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Mid-Sized Business of the Year (2023), FSB Expansion and Growth Award for Wales (2024), and many more.
Sports & Activities Covered
American football, archery, badminton, baseball, basketball, cricket, football, Gaelic sports, golf, handball, hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, netball, pickleball, rounders, rugby, tennis, gym equipment.
Stands out for
- Serving over 2 million customers as of 2023
- Expanding operations with WBCA and Net World 3PL ventures
- 14-day returns policy on purchases
Offers & Discounts
- Next-day delivery available for orders placed before 10 pm
- Flexible payment options, including Klarna’s Pay in 3 and Pay Later
Get the Mobile App
- Download on iOS
12. Trespass – 4.3 Stars with 5K Trustpilot Reviews
Website: https://www.trespass.com/
Trespass is a UK-based sportswear brand specialising in performance skiwear, waterproof jackets, walking boots and outdoor equipment. Established in 1984, the company shifted its focus to technical outdoor clothing and now distributes wholesale and retail products across the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe. In 2014, Trespass served as the Official Uniform Provider for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Sports & Activities Covered
Skiing, walking, camping, cycling, travel, festival gear, fitness, swimming, watersports, hiking, snow sports, and golf.
Stands out for
- Free standard UK delivery within 3-5 working days on orders over £50
- 21-day returns policy from the delivery date
- Free in-store returns are available across 200+ UK locations
- Over 70 years’ experience supplying businesses and consumers
- In-store expertise is available for product selection
Offers & Discounts
- Newsletter subscribers receive exclusive offers, including 20% off on their first purchase
- End of season sale with a 10% discount on all items
- 10% student discount available
- 12% discount for customers aged 55+
- 10% discount for armed forces and emergency services personnel
Equip Your Adventures: Our Trusted UK Outdoor Retailers Reviewed
Hopefully, you’ve been inspired by this list of some more uncommon sport equipment stores online offering a plethora of choices in the field of fitness, as well as help you steal some time away from your duties to get that fantastic vitality you’ve been looking for. We recommend you check them out and see which online store features the equipment right for you and your preferred sport or exercise regime.
Compare and explore the most suitable and desirable sports products and services that these stores offer. All significant areas, including categories, customer service, and other significant factors, have been thoroughly investigated so that the aforementioned stores are convenient and pleasant to shop in, so we give them a big thumbs up.
If you want us to add a suggestion here based on your experience, please get in touch with us!
