Find out which is the best Go Ape location in this comparison of every Go Ape ropes course in the world. Compare all of the Go Ape rope bridges, Tarzan swings and crossings so that you can see which Go Ape locations will be best for your treetop adventure in the UK.
What is Go Ape?
Go Ape is the award winning tree top forest adventure where you can swing in the treetops and speed down thrilling zip wires. Established in 2002, Go Ape is still growing UK-wide and you can also Go Ape in the US.
Go Ape has over 30 locations in the UK where they have tree-top high wires, tricky crossings (using ladders, walkways, bridges and tunnels made of wood, rope and super-strong wire) and wind-in-your-face zip wires. Apart from Go Ape London, all of the locations are in natural settings of lush, green forest with a healthy dollop of breathtaking scenery.
The Go Ape experience gets the adrenaline pumping, gets people out of their comfort zones and above all it’s just great fun.
In this guide you can find out what Go Ape is like, use the Go Ape course comparison to see which are the best Go Ape locations, how to book, buy Go Ape gift vouchers and subscribe for Go Ape offers and deals.
How Long Does Go Ape Last?
Go Ape lasts for up to three hours of tree top adventure, depending on how quick you are at completing the crossings.
Go Ape Opening Times
Go Ape is open daily from April to October (and weekends in February and November!). Every year Go Ape opens for the February half term week, then on every weekend until April. From April, Go Ape is open every day until the end of October.
Go Ape opens at 930am, and the last session is at 430pm.
You can get early bird sessions from 8am, with the last Go Ape session at 4pm. During the summer, there are more sessions available due to the longer daylight hours.
It is best to book Go Ape online before you go. You can just turn up and book on the day if there are spaces available. It’s best to check the Go Ape website for details (or call the booking line on 0845 643 9215, please note there will be a £1.50 booking fee.)
How much does Go Ape cost?
Go Ape prices
Gorillas (18yrs+) – From £30.00 *
Baboons (10-17yrs) – From £20.00 *
Restrictions
Minimum age 10 years, minimum height 1.4m (4ft 7in) and maximum weight of 20.5 stone. Under 18yr olds must be supervised by a participating adult. One participating adult can supervise EITHER two under 18 year olds (where one or both children are 10-15 years old) OR up to five 16-17 year olds.
Go Ape Vouchers
If you are ever having problems finding a gift for someone, get them a Go Ape gift voucher and you will definitely give them a gift they will remember. It is easy to do. Select how much the voucher is for, pay online, then email or print out your gift voucher.
Buy Go Ape gift vouchers directly from Go Ape.
Current Go Ape Discounts and Offers
You can currently save 15%on a Go Ape Tree Top Adventure/Forest Segway adventure by showing your course completion certificate when booking again.
How will I know what to do at Go Ape?
When you turn up at Go Ape, you are provided with a climbing harness, and helped with fitting it. When everyone is ready for your session, your instructor shows you exactly how the safety system works. You get to try it for yourself at ground level. The instructor then takes you to the practice area, where a low level crossing and zip wire is demonstrated. Everyone gets to have a go and the instructor makes sure that you know how to attach yourself to the safety system and stay attached. After that, you head off on your own. Instructors walk around the entire course at ground level, so if you ever get stuck, all you have to do is shout for help and someone will be there within a minute.
Each of the Go Ape locations is split into 5 or 6 separate zones. Up in the canopy, there is an assortment of spectacular rope bridges and Tarzan swings. An exhilarating zip wire brings you back down to the forest floor at the end of every section, usually ending up with the bark chips from the landing zone going down your pants!
Go Ape is for anyone who likes to live life adventurously – you don’t have to be a seasoned explorer to have a Go Ape experience! There’s no greater thrill than the great outdoors, so whether your tribe is looking for stag do ideas, birthday party, corporate team building event or simply a day out with the kids, Go Ape make their courses as fun and as accessible as possible. Every Go Ape location has a cafe or restaurant so that you can get food and drink before or after your treetop experience. It is also useful for those who are just going to watch.
Which is the Best Go Ape Location?
To make things easy for you, here is my Go Ape course comparison that lists all of the Go Ape locations on one page so you can see which is the best. You can see stats like height, distance and number of zip wires.
How high is Go Ape?
The highest Go Ape course is at Glentrees and is 48 metres above ground at its highest point. Typically, Go Ape courses are about 12 metres high, but the highest Go Ape platform is 18m above ground at Go Ape in Grizedale Forest. This is my favourite place to Go Ape.
So, with over 29 Go Ape locations to choose from in the UK alone, which one is the best? It all depends on whether you want height, long zip wires, or challenging obstacles.
The best Go Ape location depends on what you are looking for:
- Best Go Ape location for scenery – Grizedale;
- Longest Go Ape zip line in the UK – Aberfoyle 420m;
- Highest Go Ape rope crossing – Glentrees 48m;
- Biggest Go Ape rope swing – Swinley Forest has a double rope swing;
- Longest Go Ape course – Cannock Forest 1465m.
The difficulty of all the Go Ape courses is similar, as they are designed for you to be able to get across, albeit with some difficulty. But each Go Ape location has its own unique character.
Below is a list of all of the Go Ape courses in the UK, with key details of features that will help you to decide which is the best Go Ape location.
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David Marshall Lodge, Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, nr Aberfoyle, Stirling
Longest Zip Line. Go Ape Aberfoyle opened on the 26thMay 2007 and is situated in southeast Perthshire on the upper reaches of the River Forth. It is a key centre in both The Trossachs and the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and as such has become a tourism centre. Go Ape in Aberfoyle has two of Britain’s longest zip wires, each stretching over 400m long, flying customers 150 feet above the ground and over a 90 foot waterfall!
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 426 metres
Longest Crossing – 11.5 metres
Total Length – 1,171 metres
Number of Crossings – 35
Highest Point – 14 metres -
Alice Holt Woodland Park, Surrey
Go Ape is set within the ancient forest of Alice Holt, famous for its oak trees which once supplied timber for navy ships. Recently Alice Holt oak has been used to build a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre in London. Whether you have come to walk, cycle, picnic, or see the wildlife, there is something at Alice Holt for everyone who loves the countryside.
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 126 metres
Longest Crossing – 20 metres
Total Length – 664 metres
Number of Crossings – 41
Highest Point – 14 metres -
Go Ape London in Battersea Park
If you want to try Go Ape London, there is a unique high wire tree top adventure in Battersea Park in the centre of London. This is the first Go Ape location in the centre of any UK city. There is another Go Ape course in London but further away from the city centre, located at Cockfosters.The highest obstacle crossings are double the height of most Go Ape courses, and many are twice as long as usual, making them extra wobbly and challenging. It also has zip wire bark chipping landing zones up in the air on platforms instead of the bark chipping pile on the ground.
Number of sections – 3
Longest Zip Wire – 50 metres
Longest Crossing – 11.5 metres
Total Length – 730 metres
Number of Crossings – 43
Highest Point – 12 metres -
Bedgebury Forest, Kent
Bedgebury is located in Kent and is incredibly popular with people of all ages. Walkers, runners and cyclists all enjoy this tranquil forest and kids of all abilities can spend time having fun in the adventure play area. Bedgebury’s National Pinetum allows for scenic views throughout the whole year.
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 170 metres
Longest Crossing – 20 metres
Total Length – 812 metres
Number of Crossings – 36
Highest Point – 13 metres -
Black Park
Set in 530 acres of beautiful woodland with a centre-piece lake. Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, Buckinghamshire,
SL3 6DSNumber of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 140 metres
Longest Crossing – 24 metres
Total Length – 787 metres
Number of Crossings – 37
Highest Point – 10 metres -
Swinley Forest, Bracknell, Berkshire
Biggest Rope Swing. This Go Ape location has the first Double Tarzan Swing on any of the Go Ape courses. Set in Swinley Forest, Bracknell, a great place to let off steam in the great outdoors. Take in a variety of plants and animals and explore a fabulous science discovery centre and free adventure play area. Popular for mountain biking and a hit with corporate teams.
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 160 metres
Longest Crossing – 12 metres
Total Length – 704 metres
Number of Crossings – 35
Highest Point – 13 metres -
Poole’s Cavern, Buxton, Derbyshire
One of the highest Go Ape locations above sea level, close to a 2 million year old natural limestone cave. Buxton is a spa town at the heart of the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire. It has been a popular holiday resort for centuries and blessed with stunning scenery.
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 159 metres
Longest Crossing – 19 metres
Total Length – 733 metres
Number of Crossings – 32
Highest Point – 11.4 metres -
Cannock Forest, Staffordshire
Longest Go Ape Course. With the longest Go Ape location and only a short drive from Birmingham, Cannock Forest sits on Cannock Chase, the smallest area of outstanding natural beauty on mainland Britain.
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 260 metres
Longest Crossing – 16 metres
Total Length – 1,465 metres
Number of Crossings – 38
Highest Point – 14 metres -
Coed-Y-Brenin
This is a lovely tree top adventure based in the heart of Coed-y-Brenin Forest, North Wales. Coed-Y-Brenin, Dolgellau, Gwyrew, Wales, LL40 2HZ
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 140 metres
Longest Crossing – 20 metres
Total Length – 679 metres
Number of Crossings – 31
Highest Point – 13 metres -
Crathes Castle
Set in the grounds of the historic Crathes Castle, this Go Ape course has skateboard zip wires.
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 125 metres
Longest Crossing – 92 metres
Total Length – 592 metres
Number of Crossings – 28
Highest Point – 8.6 metres -
Crawley, Tilgate Park, Sussex
This was NEW for 2013. The Go Ape adventure in Sussex can be enjoyed by all. Not only can the over 10’s enjoy the classic Tree Top Adventure, but anyone over 1 metre can get off the ground and up in the trees with Tree Top Junior.
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 142m
Longest Crossing – 14.3m
Total Length – 737m
Number of Crossings – 34
Highest Point – Unknown -
Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire
The Go Ape at Dalby Forest has hilltop-to-hilltop zip wires and a plunging valley below. Dalby Forest is situated on the southern slopes of the North York Moors National Park. The southern part of the forest is divided by a number of valleys creating a “Rigg and Dale” landscape whilst to the north the forest sits on the upland plateau. Enjoy great walks around Staindale Lake and Haygate with views over the valley. A network of forest roads including the 9-mile Dalby Forest Drive provides access to this outstanding landscape.
Number of sections – 6
Longest Zip Wire – 250 metres
Longest Crossing – 15 metres
Total Length – 888 metres
Number of Crossings – 37
Highest Point – 35 metres (over Zip 4) -
Delamere Forest, Cheshire
The course in Delamere has the second longest zip wire of any Go Ape site, stretching 200m. The facility is located adjacent to the Linmere Bridge with views of Blakemere Lake.
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 212 metres
Longest Crossing – 14 metres
Total Length – 760 metres
Number of Crossings – 42
Highest Point – 12 metres -
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Set in one of the most distinctive forest settings in Britain with a seductive charm all of its own, this new Go Ape adventure course is one of the most exciting of the seven sites around the UK. The circuit boasts crisscrossing zip wires in a forest that covers some 35 square miles with picturesque views of the lakes.
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 180 metres
Longest Crossing – 18 metres
Total Length – 806 metres
Number of Crossings – 39
Highest Point – 15 metres -
Glentrees Forest, Peebles
Longest and Highest Rope Crossing. Built on the hillside within the beautiful Glentress Forest, the Peebles adventure makes good use of the valley for some jaw dropping exposure, and features the highest Go Ape! zip wire over the reservoirs in the valley.
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 325 metres
Longest Crossing – 13.5m
Total Length – 933m
Number of Crossings – 36
Highest Point – 48m -
Grizedale Forest, Cumbria
Highest Go Ape Platform. Grizedale has the highest Go Ape platform at 18 metres. Newest obstacles are the Parrot Ladder and the Victoria Falls Crossing. Grizedale is a stunning location particularly great for families – take in the wash of bluebells in June! You can even go on a 200m zip wire that goes across the road leading up to Go Ape, waving at the cars driving to Grizedale Forest.
New in 2014, Go Ape has introduced Zip Trekking. If you love Go Ape zip wires then this is for you. A set of 7 tandem zip wires where you can race a friend through the fir trees for 3km!
Number of sections – 6
Longest Zip Wire – 275 metres
Longest Crossing – 22.5 metres
Total Length – 908 metres
Number of Crossings – 39
Highest Point – 19 metres -
Haldon Forest Park, Devon
Go Ape’s first foray in the South West! Just 15 minutes from Exeter, Go Ape at Haldon and experience two incredible 230m zip slides flying you from hilltop to hilltop!
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 230 metres
Longest Crossing – 16 metres
Total Length – 775 metres
Number of Crossings – 39
Highest Point – 14 metres -
Leeds Castle, Kent
Take to the trees and speed down zip slides high above the Kentish hilltops. Featuring zip slides 250 metres in length, adrenalin is guaranteed! Take in the stunning views of Leeds Castle and its grounds – representing over 900 years of history, beauty and change. For a great day out in Kent, make a day of it by Going Ape and exploring the castle.
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 250 metres
Longest Crossing – 25 metres
Total Length – 775 metres
Number of Crossings – 38
Highest Point – 12 metres -
Margam Country Park, South Wales
In the springtime we’ll be opening our very first Welsh course, located in Margam Country Park (near Port Talbot), which boasts splendid landscapes and the largest deer herd in Wales.
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 167 metres
Longest Crossing – 18.5 metres
Total Length – 744 metres
Number of Crossings – 39
Highest Point – 13 metres -
Matfen Hall Hotel
Matfen has 300 acres of historic parkland to enjoy a great day out near Newcastle.
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 160 metres
Longest Crossing – 16 metres
Total Length – 755 metres
Number of Crossings – 38
Highest Point – 11 metres -
Moors Valley Country Park, Dorset, Hampshire
A challenging trail with some 35 hanging bridges, scramble nets and zip wires at heights of up to 30 feet off the forest floor. Enjoy the meadows, small woodlands and Crane Lake. An adventure play area is perfect for younger children and a special castle and sand area ideal for toddlers. Witness the picturesque Moors Lake or take a ride on the narrow-gauge steam railway – the perfect end to a Go Ape day out.
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 166 metres
Longest Crossing – 25 metres
Total Length – 1,000 metres
Number of Crossings – 39
Highest Point – 11 metres -
Rivington, Lancashire
With its rugged hills, picturesque reservoirs and woodland Rivington is hailed as Chorley’s mini Lake District… the perfect location for enjoying a 200 metre long Zip Wire over the Edge of the Rivington Reservoir.
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 198 metres
Longest Crossing – 17.5 metres
Total Length – 924 metres
Number of Crossings – 35
Highest Point – 10 metres -
Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Nottinghamshire
Set within Sherwood Pines Forest Park, changes for 2006 include an expanded course of seven sites. New additions include Stepping Stones, a new Balance Beam and a great new cabin. Sherwood is famed as the only Go Ape location in the UK with treetop-to-treetop zip wires! Set deep in the heart of the Nottinghamshire countryside, Sherwood Forest boasts beautiful woodland and is probably the most famous forest in the world. The forest is a great place to walk, cycle, or horse ride (Keep your eyes open for the merry men!)
Number of sections – 6
Longest Zip Wire – 140 metres
Longest Crossing – 64 metres
Total Length – 909 metres
Number of Crossings – 41
Highest Point – 8 metres -
Southampton, Itchen Valley
Tucked away in 440 acres of beautiful woodland and meadows close to the River Itchen
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 193 metres
Longest Crossing – 21 metres
Total Length – 927 metres
Number of Crossings – 40
Highest Point – 14 metres -
Thetford Forest, Suffolk
Newest obstacles are the Tank Trap crossing and Turtle Crossing, the first of their kind to be developed on any Go Ape course. Two sites have been merged to form a new supersite now compromising of 16 obstacles. All zip wires have been extended by 50%.
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 140 metres
Longest Crossing – 26 metres
Total Length – 739 metres
Number of Crossings – 36
Highest Point – 12 metres -
Trent Park, Near Cockfosters in London
With one of the higher Go Ape courses at 16 metres above the ground, at last, you can take to the trees in London. If you want to know where there is a Go Ape in London, go to Trent Park.
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 120m
Longest Crossing – 32m
Total Length – 662.7m
Number of Crossings – 40
Highest Point – 16m -
Wendover Woods, Buckinghamshire
Set high up on the crest of the Chiltern Hills; enjoy the spectacular views and wild landscape across Aylesbury Vale from high up in the trees. Jon & Amy run a great café in the woods; pop in and indulge in one of their homemade cakes.
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 140 metres
Longest Crossing – 20 metres
Total Length – 685 metres
Number of Crossings – 40
Highest Point – 11.5 metres -
Whinlatter Forest Park, Cumbria
Set in the North of the picturesque Lake District; the home of outdoor adventure. Whinlatter is the highest course above sea level, (rising to 790 metres), making it a real high altitude experience. Soak up the spectacular views across the Lake District and into Scotland.
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 89 metres
Longest Crossing – 24 metres
Total Length – 601 metres
Number of Crossings – 39
Highest Point – 14 metres -
Woburn Safari Park, Bedfordshire
In March 2009 we’re opening a brand new course at Woburn Safari Park… we can’t wait! So why not join us, and combine the excitement and thrill of Go Ape with the fun of Britain’s largest drive through and Foot Safari…
Number of sections – 6
Longest Zip Wire – 156 metres
Longest Crossing – 15.5 metres
Total Length – 804 metres
Number of Crossings – 37
Highest Point – 8 metres -
Wyre Forest, Worcestershire
Wyre Forest, home to some of the most ecologically significant woodlands in England. So why not Go Ape in one of Britain’s largest remaining ancient woodlands…
Number of sections – 5
Longest Zip Wire – 160 metres
Longest Crossing – 17 metres
Total Length – 567 metres
Number of Crossings – 40
Highest Point – 14 metres
Groups
Get in touch with our Go Ape Events Team to get your tribe in the trees – from Aberdeen to Wyre, 10 to 280 people, for adults and children – We can tailor a day that you and your gang will never forget.
Team Building Groups and Events at Go Ape!
Go Ape Tree Top Junior
Under 10s were complaining about not being able to Go Ape, so there is now a growing tribe of Junior Go Ape treetop experiences being built across the country. A fun filled hour of canopy exploring, trail blazing and obstacles for all to enjoy. You’ll take on 20 crossings over 3 trails and finish with one awesome zip wire. Go Ape Junior is for all abilities so explorers can uncover the forest canopy from 4 years (over 1m) to 104.
Forest Segway With Go Ape!
If you don’t fancy swinging through the trees, you can test your balancing skills by riding on the two wheeled Segways. The forest segway experience is at 10 Go Ape locations in the UK. Get off-road and explore the forest on all-terrain segways. It’s a totally unique way to tackle the trails in the forest.
Go Ape Zip Trekking
If you love the zip wires but can’t be bothered with all the obstacles to get to them, then you really need to visit the Go Ape Zip Trekking experience in Grizedale Forest in the Lake District.
Find Out More About Go Ape
For the ideal gift, you can get Go Ape vouchers. Occasionally, Go Ape do have discounts and offers. If you have been to one of the best Go Ape locations in the UK, your certificate you get at the end gives a 15% voucher off your next Go Ape adventure. This applies to any Go Ape location.
So whatever your confidence and ability, if you love the outdoors and fancy taking on zip wires, Tarzan swings, rope ladders, high wire crossings and more, grab your tribe and head to the best Go Ape location near you for up to three hours of tree top fun and adventure. No two Go Ape experiences are the same.
Visit GoApe.co.uk to start your adventure.