Ever wondered what it’s like to be a hamster? Zorbing gives you the chance to find out.

The zorb is a transparent inflatable sphere about three metres tall that get inside to roll down a hill.

Sounds crazy but it’s not really as dangerous as you would think: zorbonauts are strapped into the inner sphere before being pushed from the launch pad down the zorb run at up to 50 km per hour.

There’s also the option of hydro zorbing, where two buckets of water are thrown inside the zorb to create a cross between a rollercoaster and a waterfall. However, with hydro zorbing, there’s no harness.

If you have the energy you run all the way down the course, staying upright, although it is possible to just sit and slide all the way down.

If you’re feeling particularly brave you can ask for the water to be extra cold.

The best known zorb operator in the UK is Zorb South UK, based in Dorset. The rides are quite expensive but it is the longest man-made zorbing course in the country.

Hydro zorbanauts who manage to run all the way down can win a free T-shirt.

You can also try zorbing with two or three people inside the zorb at the same time – the ultimate in teamwork.

Zorb South UK allows children over the age of six to participate though there are height and weight restrictions.

To try zorbing visit the website of Zorb South UK at www.zorbsouth.co.uk

Click here to download a PDF of the 'Z' page of the ABC of Family Adventures