Everything You Need to Know | Go Ape FAQs

How do I book?

Either book online using our quick booking tool (it will only take a few minutes) or give one of our friendly team a call.

When should I book?

We recommend that you book in advance as our courses tend to get booked up - especially during weekends and school holidays.

When are you open?

Opening times vary dependent upon which of our locations you plan to explore. It varies from adventure to adventure so it’s best to check where you want to Go Ape.

Do you offer group discounts?

If you're looking to book a team building day during the week at one of our adventures then please contact one of our friendly Corporate Events team.

How old do I need to be to Go Ape?

Take a look below to see which adventure is right for you.

Do I need to be fit and strong?

Doing Go Ape (Tree Top Adventure, Tree Top Junior and Zip Trekking) does require a degree of physical fitness but if you can climb up a rope ladder you should be fine. Our Forest Segways require you to be standing for an hour - do that and you'll be fine!

I might need additional support

At Go Ape we want to welcome everyone. However, whilst our courses are designed to be accessible to most people they do offer a degree of physical and mental challenge. For some persons this may mean that additional equipment, adjustments to our training, and/or levels of supervision will be required for safe participation. For others, the risks of injury may still be too great despite taking such additional measures, preventing their use of the course. Please read our participants with additional needs guide by clicking on 'Accessibility' in the footer below. Please contact us on 0333 433 0902 or at [email protected] to notify us of or discuss your requirements.

What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

The staff at Go Ape are not medically qualified and so are not in a position to assess the capacity of participants to undertake a course. It remains your responsibility to undertake such an assessment prior to use of the course. We advise you to visit the course prior to booking to undertake your own risk assessment.

Can I do Go Ape if I'm pregnant?

The Go Ape policy recommends pregnant women do not take part on the course (as it is a robust forest adventure and therefore, has associated risks). However, we do not want to be discriminatory and ultimately the choice is yours. We are not medical experts and therefore suggest you seek advice from your doctor on the matter. If you decide to proceed, you will need to declare that you are pregnant and sign a disclaimer stating that: “I have made Go Ape aware that I am pregnant and as a result Go Ape has recommended that I do not take part on the course. However, I have decided to take part on the course in the full knowledge that this may incur risks to my unborn child”.

What are the supervision ratios for all of our adventures?

Take a look at our supervision ratios for all of our adventures below.

Please note: Supervision ratios vary at Go Ape Battersea Park (At Battersea Park, under 16’s must be supervised. An adult (over 18) must join every 4 children under 13 years on the course. 13 – 15 year olds require at least 1 adult per group of 8 to supervise on the ground (you’re welcome to join in on the course).

What about 16 and 17 year olds?

They can supervise themselves on our Tree Top Adventure but can not supervise others.

How old do adults need to be?

Adults need to be 18 years and over to supervise any of our adventures.

What should I wear?

We suggest that you wear something you don’t mind getting grubby. Dress for the weather, so bring along a mac if it’s raining! Make sure your stomach area is covered. Please wear appropriate footwear with soles with good grips. No sandals or slip-off shoes. You’ll need closed toe and heel shoes (with flat soles). Long hair must be tied back.

When do I need to arrive?

Make your way to the Go Ape cabin and be ready to get going on your Go Ape adventure at your booked time. Late arrivals that miss their session will be charged at full price.

Are there storage facilities?

Some sites are able to store small items that cannot be left securely in a vehicle, but there are limited spaces. Go Ape cannot accept liability of any items lost or damaged whilst in our care. We recommend you leave valuable items at home.
At Battersea Park, all loose items must be left on the ground either with a spectator or in lockers provided. If you need to take a camera or glasses they must be attached (which we may be able to assist with). This is due to the Battersea adventure being completely over public space (playground, café, Mini Golf).

Are there toilets?

Yes there will be, but they may be a little walk from the Go Ape cabin. Please allow some extra time for a toilet stop!

Can I bring a camera?

Phones and cameras are permitted, as long as they always stay attached to the participant. Lanyards are available to buy from the cabin, subject to availability.

Do I need to bring any paper work?

No. Just you and your tribe.

Can spectators watch and take pictures from the forest floor?

Yes – that’s a great idea to get them in the forest. The only adventure that states you can only have one observer is Woburn Safari Park, all other courses you can have as many of your pri-mates as you want capturing those swinging moments.

Can I smoke?

No. You won’t be able to smoke whilst on your adventure with us.

What is Tree Top Adventure?

Two to three hours of fun and adventure, including;
• A safety demonstration from our experienced Tribe
• A practice session before you head into the forest
• A totally unforgettable experience in the tree tops – and the certificate to prove it!

I'm afraid of heights!

If you’re worried about your knees knocking and your arms trembling – never fear; Go Ape is here and we are proud to have helped lots of people conquer their fear of heights. Why not give it a try – you might surprise yourself!

Is there a time limit to complete the course?

No, you can go at your own pace and let people ‘overtake’ if you fancy taking a little more time over an obstacle or section.

Is there an instructor with you on the course?

You will receive a 30 minute safety briefing and training from an instructor before you start the course. After that you’re on your own, free to swing through the trees. Of course, instructors are always on hand, regularly patrolling the forests.

What safety system is used?

We operate self belay at 29 of our Tree Top Adventures (all except Battersea Park) – it’s our traditional safety system. The customer is actively involved with the equipment throughout their time in the trees and manages their own safety after training from our instructors. On self belay courses you must always stay attached.
We operate a continuous belay system at all our Tree Top Junior adventures and at Battersea Park for all participants. The customer doesn’t take an active role with the equipment, instead an instructor attaches participants on to the safety system, from the ground, and they remain attached throughout their tree-time. On continuous belay courses you will always be attached.

What harnesses do you use?

The type of harness used depends on the activity and the safety system and to a smaller extend the size of person. Our safety system and brief allows just a sit harness to be used, this gives greatest flexibility to users. The course and safety system was designed around using a sit harness and all our equipment is fit for purpose as designated by current European Ropes Course Standards. We do have some additional Full Body Harnesses which we can use for people of a particular size or shape.

Do you wear a helmet?

Go Ape has consulted widely whilst risk assessing the benefits or disadvantages of Go Ape participants wearing helmets. We decided that the disadvantages of participants wearing safety helmets outweigh the minimal benefits.

What is Tree Top Junior?

It’s a fun filled hour of canopy exploring, trail blazing and obstacles for all to enjoy. You’ll negotiate crossings and finish on a high (literally) with an awesome zip wire.

How long does it take?

The Go Ape Tree Top Junior adventure can take up to 1 hour to complete (if you’re speedy it will take less time) and that includes your safety briefing.

How many adults should I bring?

Our Tree Top Junior courses are in an open forest environment. Our instructors are more than equipped to look after all our customer’s needs up in the trees. However, we do not have spare staff on the ground to look after anyone who may not want to take part, finishes early, needs to use the facilities or any other eventuality you may have on a family day out. We therefore recommend you bring enough adults in your tribe to accommodate for these situations.

Can I go on as an adult?

If you want to join your little monkeys then just book yourself on. Bear in mind the course is designed for children so the safety cable won’t be quite where you'd like it.

Do you wear a helmet?

Go Ape has consulted widely whilst risk assessing the benefits or disadvantages of Go Ape participants wearing helmets. We decided that the disadvantages of participants wearing safety helmets outweigh the minimal benefits.

I'm afraid of heights!

If you’re worried about your knees knocking and your arms trembling – never fear; Go Ape is here and we are proud to have helped lots of people conquer their fear of heights. Why not give it a try – you might surprise yourself!

What is Forest Segway?

You’ll enjoy getting off the beaten track on our epic off road segways. Your experience with us lasts an hour, and that includes a brief bit of safety and instruction before you head out into the forest with us.

Do you wear a helmet?

Yes. All of our helmets are registered from first use and undergo thorough regular inspection.

I am unable to wear a helmet due to religious headwear. Can I still take part?

Yes. However, we strongly recommend that you wear one of our helmets. However we do not want to be discriminatory and should you decide not to wear a helmet for religious reasons then we will require you to complete an additional disclaimer.

Can I wear my own helmet?

No. You can not wear your own helmet. It is imperative that we know the history of any helmets used on our sessions.

What is Zip Trekking Adventure?

Zip Trekking Adventure is a network of seven parallel zip lines that traverse the sky-scraping Douglas Firs at Grizedale Forest. A 2-3 hour exhilarating experience you'll never forget.

What else should I know?

From the training area (situated behind the Go Ape Cabin) there is a twenty minute walk up the hill (forest walk along the Ridding Wood Trail, past forest artworks). This walk can be strenuous and although it is only 20 mins, suitable shoes must be worn and you must have a reasonable fitness. Once at the top of the hill you are met by the vans where you are whisked along winding forest roads, up to site 1, the training Zip. The views are great and the zips are great (and fast). The walk between the zip wires has some steep areas within the course too. It is genuine adventure in a stunning part of the forest. Zip 8 delivers you back into the car park where you can then walk back to the cabin to get out of your harness.

Do you wear a helmet?

Go Ape has consulted widely whilst risk assessing the benefits or disadvantages of Go Ape participants wearing helmets. We decided that the disadvantages of participants wearing safety helmets outweigh the minimal benefits.

What is Tree Top Adventure?

Two to three hours of fun and adventure, including;
• A safety demonstration from our experienced Tribe
• A practice session before you head into the forest
• A totally unforgettable experience in the tree tops – and the certificate to prove it!

What is Forest Segway?

You’ll enjoy getting off the beaten track on our epic off road segways. Your experience with us lasts an hour, and that includes a brief bit of safety and instruction before you head out into the forest with us.

One of the team is afraid of heights!

If someone is worried about their knees knocking and arms trembling – never fear; Go Ape is here and we are proud to have helped lots of people conquer their fear of heights.

How long does it take?

You can join us for a half day or a full day, but we can tailor the event to suit your needs – typically our days start at 10:00 and are finished by 16:00 and include preferential parking, catering and two activities or more.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of people to hold a Corporate Event?

Generally, we can arrange fun days out for 10 – 300 people! Just give us a call or fill in our quote request form and one of the Events Team will be in touch.

Is there a time limit to complete the course?

No, you can go at your own pace and let people ‘overtake’ if you fancy taking a little more time over an obstacle or section.

Where is the BBQ or Picnic served?

Our caterers will set up in the Forest Shelters and whichever Forest Feast you choose, we will have it prepared and ready for the agreed time to include any individual dietary requirements!

Are conference facilities available?

We have a few courses that can provide on site meeting rooms, but at every location we have negotiated good rates at a Conference Venue within 5-10 minutes drive. If you need to have a company gathering of any sort before the fun starts, we can arrange this for you – we also have a Forest Shelter at most sites which could also be suitable depending on your requirements.

What happens in bad weather?

Go Ape is an excellent wet weather activity! The course remains open in all weathers, except when it is icy, stormy, in high winds or during lightning. Rain makes the course muddier than usual – which all adds to the fun! Don’t forget to dress for the weather. Sometimes, unfortunately, we might need to close the course for reasons beyond our control.

What is your cancellation policy?

You can pay a 25% deposit to secure all your activities and you can amend numbers or cancel the booking up to 10 working days prior to your event date.

How much does it cost?

Tree Top Junior is £13 per person participating on the course. That’s for school groups Monday – Friday term time.

Tree Top Adventure and Forest Segway for Schools and Colleges:
If you’re a school or college looking to Go Ape, you can save 20% on our Tree Top Adventure and Forest Segway (excluding Tree Top Junior). This is for a group of 10 or more students Monday – Friday in term time only.

Just call one of our friendly team to receive your discount.

How do I book?

Just call one of our friendly team to receive your discount as a school or college.

What happens in bad weather?

Go Ape is an excellent wet weather activity! The course remains open in all weathers, except when it is icy, stormy, in high winds or during lightning. Rain makes the course muddier than usual – which all adds to the fun! Don’t forget to dress for the weather. Sometimes, unfortunately, we might need to close the course for reasons beyond our control.

What should I wear?

We suggest that you wear something you don’t mind getting grubby. Dress for the weather so bring along a mac if it’s raining! Make sure your stomach area is covered. Please wear appropriate footwear with soles with good grips. No sandals or slip-off shoes. You’ll need closed toe and heel shoes (with flat soles). Long hair must be tied back.

Are there toilets?

Yes there will be, but they may be a little walk from the Go Ape cabin. Please allow some extra time for a toilet stop!

Is it safe?

Whilst there is inevitably a small risk of injury when undertaking such activities, all participants receive a safety briefing from a trained instructor at the start.

Is Go Ape insured?

Yes; Go Ape holds £10m of public liability insurance covering all of its courses.

What happens in bad weather?

Go Ape is an excellent wet weather activity! The course remains open in all weathers, except when it is icy, stormy, in high winds or during lightning. Rain makes the course muddier than usual – which all adds to the fun! Don’t forget to dress for the weather. Sometimes, unfortunately, we might need to close the course for reasons beyond our control.

Can I amend my booking?

Yes, just call the booking line.

What is your cancellation policy?

You can cancel your adventure but need to do this at least 48 hours before the booked start time by calling the booking line. You will be fully refunded. Go Ape might need to cancel your booking. If this happens, we’ll refund you in full.
*Please note that Corporate Events require cancellation notice by 10 working days prior to the event, due to the inclusion of vendor services.