Mumbler Reviews Go Ape! at Temple Newsam

For those of you not sure what Go Ape! entails my daughter’s summary to her Grandma sums it up well “a big adventure park in the trees!” By the end of our session, we had enjoyed wobbling over bridges, climbing through tunnels, scrambling along nets and whizzing down zip wires!   If you’re looking for a new challenge, something fun, or a family activity that burns some energy, then Go Ape!  is for you!

Post Lockdown Opening Update:

We visited Go Ape for the first time since lockdown was eased today (18th July 2020) and were very impressed with the measures in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.   I have detailed the measures Go Ape have taken below but due to the nature of the experience, you can regulate your own social distancing very easily.

• Group sizes have been reduced so pre-booking required
• New online check-in system in place (You must complete and sign the wavier form prior to arriving) this helps to speed up check in process and reduces contact
• Make sure you arrive 15 minutes prior to your slot to get checked in and to get your harness on
• All staff wore visors
• Hand sanitiser at each of the challenges
• Hand washing station at the entry and exit
• Gloves are available to purchase or you can take your own (not compulsory to wear but we did) and again your choice if you wear a mask
• Harnesses are sanitised after each use
• There are social distancing signs displayed for spectators
• Toilets are available at the Walled Garden

The rest of the experience remains the same and the kids had a brilliant time and enjoyed the freedom, a run and swing around the trees was just what they needed!

For more details on the different experiences have a read of our review below.

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Go Ape! is situated in Menagerie Woods at Temple Newsam Estate, opposite the play park.  Temple Newsam is ideal if you have younger children who aren’t tall enough to climb as they can use the play park or visit the farm.  There is plenty of parking but just check ahead before you visit whether there are any events on at Temple Newsam as this can impact the traffic in the area and you may need to allow extra time (as we found)!

On arrival for our time slot we went to the reception cabin and filled in a few forms and were given a wristband to identify which level course we were doing and starting time.  If you have personal belongings you don’t want to climb with you can leave these securely in the cabin.   We then went to get harnesses fit (Tip: make sure you have asked if kids need the toilet before they get their harness on!).  The staff were very helpful, helping children and adults get kitted out. We then had a safety briefing which was delivered in a really interactive way by the instructors meaning children really concentrated. The system works on a continuous ‘belay’, so once you’re attached you are away to have fun (and there’s no chance of falling to the ground)!  There’s a short practice trail, just a few centimetres off the ground, where you can get a feel for the belay system.

There are three adventure courses which take you higher and higher into the trees, each getting more daring and difficult as they progress. The adverntures are not restricted by age but there is a minimum height for each and the entry height is 1 metre.  This was great for my youngest as it meant even at 5 he could have a go on some of the more challenging courses and he felt very proud at the end that he had done the same as is elder sister!

Treetop Adventure and Treetop Adventure+ start from a central point, Millers Stairs, which was good when you are watching multiple children as means they always come back to the same point to start again!  All the loops end with a zip wire which gets more challenging as you progress through the levels.  (*Please check out the adult to child ratios needed for the different levels here)

Treetop Adventure: Minimum height 1.0 metre.  Is three different loops of obstacles and crossings. It includes an introductory level, one metre off the ground, which sets you up for two different routes in the tree-tops. It includes tunnel crossings, flying carpets, stepping stones, Tibetan bridges, and ends with a zip wire. This course takes approximately an hour to complete. (*Please note there is an adult to child ratio of 1 adult participating to two children under 6 on this level )

Treetop Adventure +: Minimum height 1.2 metres.  Includes all the fun of Treetop Adventure plus an additional trail where you climb through a Fisherman’s Trap to take on a whole new series of high-wire crossings. The course has a great mix of things to do, from small stepping logs/platforms to zig zagged harder ones which require greater care and more concentration. This course takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

Treetop Challenge:  Minimum height 1.4 metres.  This is the ultimate challenge 15 metres high in the trees! (I was quite thankful my daughter didn’t meet the height requirements but she can’t wait until she can give it a try!)  As well as more challenging loops it also includes the Plummet, where you literally step off the ledge and discover the fastest way back down to the ground!

An eager 8 year old and a more apprehensive 6 year old and parents set off on the course!   My eldest was in her element and did not stop smiling for the 90 minutes.  Treetop Adventure+ loops were challenging in places, especially some of the stepping stones but very do-able for most.  Our 6 year old navigated his way from tree to tree across bridges, nets and ropes (albeit slowly!).   There are instructors around to help if anyone needs it and give encouragement and advice if needed at certain crossings.

The crossings vary in difficulty and only two people are allowed on a crossing at one time, so at busy times you do have to be patient and wait for those ahead of you.  After each loop of the course there is a zip wire, this did prove a bit daunting for a few children on level two but the instructors were very helpful and encouraging.  The eldest mini Mumbler thought that the zipwire was one of the best bits and loved hurtling down into the wood chips below (TIP: Keep your knees up!)