This past weekend, my son and I decided to shake up our usual routine with something a bit more exhilarating – the Go Ape Treetop Challenge at Thetford Forest. If you’ve ever wanted to unleash your inner child, this is the way to do it! Swinging through the trees like Tarzan, balancing on wobbly bridges, and zooming down thrilling zip lines made for a day filled with joy and a dash of competitive spirit.

What surprised me most was the diverse crowd in our group, with couples of all ages. From twenty-somethings to lively sixty-year-olds. It turns out, Go Ape isn’t just for adrenaline junkies; it’s a hit for a wide range of ages, and who knew outdoor adventure could make for such a memorable date?

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What Is Go Ape?

Go Ape is the UK’s No.1 outdoor adventure company. They boast 37 stunning forest locations, each offering a unique experience designed to get your heart racing and your laughter echoing through the treetops. Think of it as the ultimate high ropes playground for adults and kids alike, where you can challenge yourself, enjoy some fresh air, and maybe even conquer a fear of heights!

The Activities at Go Ape

When you think of Go Ape, the first thing that probably comes to mind is high ropes. They have several courses available:

• Treetop Adventure: Perfect for kids over 1m tall, this course is just the right mix of fun and challenge for younger adventurers.
• Treetop Adventure Plus: For the slightly braver (and taller) kids, aged 6+ and over 1.2m, who are ready to take things up a notch.
• Treetop Challenge: Aimed at those 10+ and over 1.4m tall, this course will have you sweating as you navigate through 2-3 hours of thrilling obstacles.
• Treetop Challenge Plus: If you’re really up for a test, this physically demanding course. (Available at select locations, including Thetford). It’s not for the faint-hearted!

But the fun doesn’t stop there. If dangling from trees isn’t your thing, Go Ape also offers:

• Forest Segways: We saw groups zipping through the forest on purpose-built tracks, looking like they were having a blast!
• Zip Trekking: A seven-zip line adventure for those who just can’t get enough of that soaring sensation.
• Nets Adventure: Imagine treehouses with bouncy nets for the kids – they’ll be entertained for hours.
• Axe Throwing & Archery: For those who want to channel their inner Robin Hood.
• Mini Land Rovers: Available at the Coventry location, I’m just sad this isn’t for adults LOL.

Basically, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a fun day out.

What to Wear to Go Ape

Dressing for Go Ape is all about comfort and practicality. Gym wear is ideal since you’ll be climbing, balancing, and generally working up a good sweat. A word to the wise: wear something with zip pockets if you plan to take photos – you don’t want to risk your phone taking a tumble from the treetops!

You’ll also want gloves. Trust me, with all the clipping and unclipping of safety lines, your hands will thank you. I wore woollen gloves, which did the job, but something with a bit more grip would have been better for those rope ladders.

Highlights of the Day

The Tarzan Swing was a definite highlight – it’s not every day you get to leap off a platform into the unknown and then scramble up a rope net. It’s much harder than it looks, but oh, so satisfying once you’ve done it! And then there were the swinging rings. If you ever watched Gladiators, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Trying to keep your balance while moving from ring to ring is no easy feat – cue lots of laughter and a few near-splits!

Is Go Ape Safe?

Absolutely! Safety is their top priority. They’ve even been awarded the RoSPA Gold Award for Health and Safety Practices six years in a row. Before you start, you’ll get a thorough safety briefing, and the first few obstacles are closely monitored by the guides to ensure you’ve got the hang of it. You’re responsible for clipping yourself in and out of the safety lines as you go. Under 18s need to be supervised by an adult, which adds an extra layer of safety for younger adventurers.

Thetford Forest: A Perfect Picnic Spot

One of the things I loved about Thetford Forest was the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. We saw plenty of families setting up camp with BBQs, camping chairs, and picnic blankets, ready for a full day of fun. With acres of space to explore, bike hire, ping pong tables, trampolines, and even ice creams parlours on hand, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular destination.

Parking at Thetford

Parking at Thetford isn’t the cheapest, but it’s reasonable given the stunning surroundings and the facilities on offer. We paid around £12 for 3.5 hours, which is on par with city parking fees. And honestly, it’s worth every penny for the access to such a beautiful location. There is no other cost for entry.

The Perfect Gift for Couples

If you’re looking for a unique and memorable gift for a couple with a sense of adventure, Go Ape is the perfect choice. It’s a fantastic way to bond, with just the right mix of competition and teamwork. I’d 100% go back with a date! In fact, I’m already eyeing up the Treetop Challenge Plus for next time!

Go Ape; Gifts for Couples – You can find gift vouchers here.

How Much Does Go Ape Cost?

For adults, the Treetop Challenges start at £34 per person, and it’s a solid 2+ hours of fun. At the time of writing, they’re also running a Sunday Funday promo with 15% off for families, which is a nice little bonus.

Find a Go Ape Near You

With 37 outdoor activity centres across the UK, they’ll be a Go Ape near you. So, it’s time to unleash your inner adventurer and make some unforgettable memories!

Happy adventuring! Please do let me know in the comments what you thought about it! I’d love to hear from you x

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