Go Ape

Go Ape in the Royal Forest of Dean is a multi-site adventure destination offering high-ropes courses and off-road experiences across England’s largest oak woodland. Uniquely, it is split into two distinct locations just 10 minutes apart: Beechenhurst for younger children and Mallards Pike for older thrill-seekers and adults.

Activities & Duration
Visitors can choose from various adventures depending on their age and height:
Treetop Adventure (Beechenhurst): An entry-level high-ropes course with wobbly bridges and a zip wire finale.
Duration: 1 hour in the trees; allow 1.5–2 hours total for safety briefings and harnessing.
Treetop Adventure Plus (Beechenhurst): A step up with higher platforms and longer zip lines for older kids.
Duration: 1 hour in the trees; allow 1.5–2 hours total.
Treetop Challenge (Mallards Pike): The most demanding course featuring two Tarzan Swings and over a quarter-mile of zip wires.
Duration: Typically 2–3 hours.
Forest Segways (Mallards Pike): All-terrain electric Segway tours through beautiful forest trails.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Best Suited For & Best Times to Go
Target Audience: It is ideal for families, school groups, and stag/hen parties. Beechenhurst is best for children over 1m tall, while Mallards Pike requires a minimum height of 1.4m and age 10+.
Best Times:
Autumn: For “Sundown Adventures,” where you can tackle courses lit with colourful lights after dark.
Winter: Offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds and fresh forest views, though advance booking is essential as availability is limited.
Weather: The site is an all-weather activity, remaining open in rain but pausing for high winds or lightning.

Unique Features
Dual-Site Location: The separation between “junior” (Beechenhurst) and “challenge” (Mallards Pike) sites is unique, allowing each area to cater specifically to different skill levels.
Literary Inspiration: The ancient woodland setting is said to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
Variable Difficulty: At Mallards Pike, you can adjust the difficulty of certain loops while on the course.

Benefits, Offers & Membership Tips
Go Ape Annual Pass: Provides one adventure every day for a year at 35 UK locations.
Perks: 15% off for up to 5 friends/family (code ANNUAL15), 10% off merchandise, and 10% off food and drink at Go Ape kiosks.
Family Discounts: Save 20% on Treetop Challenge bookings for 3–6 people (including at least one adult and one child) from Sunday to Friday.
Sunday Funday: Save 20% on Treetop Challenge for groups of 4+ on Sundays.
Combo Deal: Save £10 when booking two different activities at the same location on the same day.
YHA Membership: Members receive 10% off adventures (excluding Saturdays).
Forestry England Membership: Local members may receive specific site benefits; check via Forestry England.
Booking Tip: Always check your sat nav for “Beechenhurst Lodge” or “Mallards Pike Lake” rather than the postcode, as rural postcodes can lead you to the wrong site.