Last weekend I took my kids over the bridge to Go Ape at Normanby Hall to try out their Treetop Adventure course. We had an absolute blast….
Go Ape is set inside the Normanby Hall grounds; we parked in the main car park and it was a short walk through the courtyard and out to the wooded area. I’ve never done a Go Ape before (I went on a hen do to one once but I was pregnant so had to sit at the bottom and watch!). My kids have done a few high wire style activities but never an actual Go Ape so we really didn’t know what to expect. To be honest I was a little apprehensive!
The staff were fantastic and put us all at ease, they were very knowledgeable and really friendly. Firstly we all got our harnesses on and watched a safety brief and demo, then we tried a short section on the ground to get used to the mechanisms. This helped us all feel more confident with how it worked and we were ready to climb up the steps to course 1!
There are 3 courses at the Treetops Adventure, at the end of each one you come down a long zip wire then go back up to start another course. My 11 year old son took the lead and sped off ahead. My 7 year old daughter went next; I stayed next to her for the first few minutes then as soon as she had got the hang of it she sped off and left me too! So it was then me bringing up the rear of our party.
Each of the 3 courses goes one level higher, the obstacles on each course also seemed to get a bit trickier and more wobbly (but that could just be me!). You get a full hour on the courses, time starts as you climb up for the first one. I made it around all 3 in the hour, my speedy kids made it around all 3 twice so did 6 loops in all! Both of my children’s favourite part was the zip wire, they were very competitive both trying to land on their feet which they eventually did (I landed on my bum every time).
My kids didn’t stop smiling or laughing for the full hour. I loved watching them have such a good time and I did enjoy it too, I certainly felt a huge sense of achievement after completing each course. I was shattered by the end! My arms ached the next day so I know I had a good workout as well as a fun time.
It was great to be in the outdoors, doing something active and doing something all together. I’m finding it increasingly hard to find things that my eldest wants to do and that he enjoys, he loved this and came off saying it was the best thing he’s ever done. My youngest loved it too, her smile was enormous when she finished the last zip wire on her feet and she’s been asking when we can go again.
At the end we all got a certificate and then went off to play in the park at Normanby. Overall it was a great family day out, something very memorable, and I’d highly recommend a visit.
There are two activities at Go Ape Normanby Hall –
Go Ape Normanby Hall is open every day from 4th to 20th April for the Easter Holidays.
For people who are unsure or apprehensive, they are offering Go Ape’s first ever taster sessions 19th to 22nd May. Book onto the Treetop Challenge and Treetop Adventure for £4/£5 retrospectively, to experience a part of the adventure. These customers receive a voucher with a discount code to book their full experience at a later date.
Book here on the Go Ape website, follow Go Ape Normanby Hall on their facebook page, or contact them on questions@goape.co.uk.
