If you’re looking for an exciting family day out in the Lake District, Go Ape Grizedale Forest should be high on your list. During the recent school holidays, we headed to Grizedale Forest to take on the Treetop Adventure Plus course, and it quickly became one of our favourite outdoor adventures of the break.
Exploring Grizedale Forest
Located just a 10-minute drive from Hawkshead in the heart of the Lake District, Grizedale Forest is packed with activities for families. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, woodland walks, or family-friendly attractions, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.
Alongside Go Ape, visitors can explore the popular Gruffalo Sculpture Trail, which is perfect for younger children, or enjoy a visit to the Observatory for a unique stargazing experience (more on that in a future blog post!).
Go Ape Grizedale Forest Activities
Go Ape Grizedale offers three different high ropes experiences, catering to a range of ages and confidence levels:
- Zip Trekking Adventure
- Treetop Challenge (recommended for ages 10+)
- Treetop Adventure Plus (ideal for children aged 6+)
For our visit, we chose the Treetop Adventure Plus course, which is designed specifically for younger adventurers aged 6 to 10.
Our Experience on Treetop Adventure Plus
The Treetop Adventure Plus course features three exciting sections filled with rope bridges, climbing nets, balance obstacles, and some fantastic zip wires back down to the forest floor. It offers the perfect balance of challenge and fun, all set amongst the stunning woodland scenery of Grizedale Forest.
Our 8-year-old daughter, Erin, absolutely loved the experience. She was a little nervous before starting, but the Go Ape team were fantastic. The safety briefing was clear, reassuring, and helped build her confidence before heading up into the trees.
Knowing that the harnesses and safety systems were secure allowed her to focus on enjoying the adventure rather than worrying about the height. Watching her tackle each obstacle and confidently zoom down the zip wires at the end of every section was a real highlight of the day.
Is Treetop Adventure Plus Worth It?
Absolutely. The course is challenging enough to feel exciting and rewarding, while still being accessible for younger children. It’s an excellent introduction to high ropes activities and a great way to build confidence, coordination, and a sense of achievement.
Parents can accompany younger children on the course, making it a fantastic shared family experience.
Final Thoughts on Go Ape Grizedale Forest
If you’re planning a family day out in the Lake District, we would highly recommend Go Ape Grizedale Forest and the Treetop Adventure Plus course for children aged 6 to 10.
For older children, teenagers, and adults looking for a bigger challenge, the Treetop Challenge offers an even more adventurous experience.
With woodland walks, sculpture trails, cycling routes, and plenty of other activities nearby, Grizedale Forest makes it easy to turn your visit into a full day out. We’ll definitely be returning, and next time we might even take on the bigger course ourselves!
Quick Information
Location: Grizedale Forest, near Hawkshead, Lake District
Activity: Go Ape Treetop Adventure Plus
Recommended Age: 6–10 years
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Best For: Families, outdoor adventures, school holiday activities, and active days out in the Lake District
