Last month, we headed to Go Ape at Sherwood Pines to try out their Tree Top Junior course—and as first-timers, we had no idea what to expect. But from the moment we arrived to the final exhilarating zip wire, we had an amazing experience that we’ll be talking about for a long time. Even our youngest, who was a little hesitant at first, ended up absolutely loving it!
What is Go Ape?
Go Ape is the UK’s number one treetop adventure, offering a range of outdoor experiences suitable for all ages. Set in beautiful forest locations across the country, it’s a chance to climb high into the trees, navigate challenging obstacles, and finish with a thrilling zip wire ride.
With 33 locations nationwide, there’s a good chance there’s a Go Ape near you. We visited the Sherwood Pines course, nestled in the heart of the iconic Sherwood Forest. It’s a beautiful setting and really adds to the adventure vibe.
Tree Top Junior – A Perfect Family Challenge
Go Ape offers various courses and activities—from Zip Trekking to Forest Segway, but we opted for Tree Top Junior, which is designed for children over 1m tall. It was ideal for our family because it allowed everyone (yes, even us grown-ups!) to take part together.
“Tree Top Junior is a jam-packed hour of wobbly bridges, intricate crossings, and an awesome zip wire finale.”
Our Experience
Upon arrival, we were greeted by friendly staff who helped us into our harnesses and gave a short but thorough safety briefing. Then it was time to head up into the trees!
Our youngest, Evie, looked a bit unsure at first—it’s quite a height once you’re up there!—but to our surprise, she mustered up the courage and tackled the first course like a champ. Max, on the other hand, couldn’t get up there fast enough. He flew around the course with no hesitation at all.
And me? Well, let’s just say I had to not look down.
The zip wire at the end of the course was a bit intimidating (even for the adults!), but again, the kids amazed us by jumping right in and absolutely loving it. Their faces at the bottom said it all—pure joy!
You can repeat the same course once you’ve finished, or try a more challenging route if you’re feeling brave. Max and Dad took that challenge, but Max had a little wobble when he slipped and dangled briefly from the rope—thankfully, the harness kept him safe and secure. It gave him a bit of a scare, but he bounced back and finished the course strong.
A Lovely Touch
At the end of the session, the kids received a certificate, which was such a lovely little keepsake and a great way to reward their bravery.
Pricing
The Tree Top Junior course is priced at £18 per person, so for a family of four, you’re looking at £72 for a one-hour adventure. While that’s a bit on the pricier side for a regular outing, we think it’s worth it for a special treat—perhaps a birthday or a holiday activity. It’s not something we could afford to do regularly, but for the experience and memories, it delivered great value.
Final Thoughts
We had an absolutely fantastic time at Go Ape Sherwood Pines. The Tree Top Junior course was the perfect balance of fun, challenge, and family bonding. We came away proud, exhilarated, and already talking about when we might go again.
If you’re looking for a unique and active family day out, we’d highly recommend giving Go Ape a try. It’s a great way to get outdoors, build confidence, and have a whole lot of fun—just don’t forget to bring your adventurous spirit (and maybe a pair of gloves!).
