Adventure Awaits: Unforgettable UK Staycations

It’s not just the size that will impress you. It’s the diversity. Here, amidst nearly 30,000 acres of trees, you’ll find everything from ancient oaks to Douglas Firs, as well as bike trails, playgrounds, wildlife reserves and a sculpture park. Exploring such a big forest, and discovering its many landscapes and moods, is a fascinating experience: and you can supercharge the sense of adventure by tackling our two Go Ape centres at Mallards Pike and Beechenhurst.

If you’re new to Go Ape, or have young children (who are at least 1m tall) then Beechenhurst is the place to start, on our Treetop Adventure or Treetop Adventure Plus (for those over 6 years and 1.2m tall). Those looking for a tougher and higher course should head to Mallards Pike for Treetop Challenge or a stunning Forest Segway experience. All of these adventures will open your eyes to the woodland environment, and you’ll enjoy the rest of the forest even more as result.

Be sure to check out the mysterious and tangled landscape of the Puzzlewood - which has starred in movies ranging from Star Wars to the Secret Garden. And don’t forget your bikes (or hire some at Cannop, close to our Beechenhurst centre). The forest is home to a nine-mile family cycle trail, as well as tougher downhill and enduro courses.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay then why not try the ultimate forest retreat and head to Forest Holidays? They have a range of cabins nestled in the forest as well as a children’s play area and forest ranger activities to keep all the family entertained. They have 10 other locations across the UK all in beautiful forest locations for the perfect staycation.

Is there a lovelier playground than Dartmoor and South Devon? Here, the sparkling seaside gives way to lush farmland and deep river valleys, before the vast bulk of Dartmoor takes over.

For an energetic and adventurous family, the possibilities are almost endless. Big walks on the moor are a given: spiced up, perhaps, with a rock-climbing course.

Meanwhile paddleboarding along the River Dart is the perfect way to explore one of our leafiest estuaries. And if you’re looking for a quiet stretch of coastline, can we suggest burrowing into the South Hams? Its narrow, winding roads can be maddening. But not the crowd-free coves at the end of them, such as gorgeous Gara Rock beach.

Then, when your senses are sharpened and you’re ready for a real challenge, it’s time to take on Go Ape Haldon. There are two tree top courses to tackle, set in a 3,500-acre forest park, with big views onto Dartmoor and the nearby Jurassic coast. The hilltop-to-hilltop zip wire is a classic; and with five bike trails (and a bike rental centre) on offer in Haldon Forest, it’s easy to fill a whole day with high-octane fun.

Why aren't the North York Moors more famous? After all, there aren’t many places that can match its combination of plunging sea cliffs, windswept moorland and evocative history. Staycations here offer an almost endless sense of variety: with steam railways, sandy beaches, fossil-hunts and roof-of-England walks all on the menu. Plus, the dark allure of Count Dracula, whose first port of call in England was the pretty harbour town of Whitby.

Whatever else you’ve got planned, our Dalby Go Ape centre will get your holiday off to a flying start. Set on the southern edge of the national park, it’s home to Treetop Adventure, as well as a Treetop Challenge that’s a must for anyone in search of proper, white-knuckle thrills. The highest part of the course is set at a dizzy 115ft, so you’ll need a steady nerve and a head for heights.

Bring bikes (or rent them) if you can. Dalby Forest covers 8,000 acres and is home to 55 miles of trails, which range from an easy 8-mile family circuit to a white-knuckle World Cup MTB descent. If you’re not sure what kind of trail is right for you, take a spin in the cycle skills area.

Feeling brave? It might just be time to launch yourself off Go Ape’s biggest Tarzan Swing: a giant leap of faith that ends in a wall of netting - and adrenaline-soaked laughter. You’ll find it at Go Ape Margam in Margam Country Park, between Swansea and Cardiff. The course has been likened to a rollercoaster in the trees and will add extra fizz to any South Wales holiday, whether you’re surfing on the Gower Peninsula, or exploring the wild, open uplands of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

There’s plenty more to do at the country park. Margam Park Adventure offers everything from mountain bike hire to lessons in bushcraft, and even a gentle walk in the 800 acres of parkland is a treat: with an 19th-century gothic castle and a herd of 400+ deer as the backdrop.

Those in search of experiences to match the Tarzan Leap might also like to visit Bike Park Wales, Britain’s largest and most diverse selection of downhill mountain bike trails. It’s a 40-minute drive from Margam Park, near Merthyr Tydfil. This isn’t expert-only terrain. The guided Ticket to Ride experience is based on a three-mile, single-track downhill course that’s tailor-made for beginners.