Go Ape Nottingham
Go Ape: Sherwood Pines, Nottinghamshire
Tucked away in the massive Sherwood Pines Forest Park near Mansfield, this is one of the most popular Go Ape locations in the country. It’s a proper woodland adventure that makes the most of the towering pine trees.
What’s the vibe?
It’s all about heights, ropes, and a bit of adrenaline. You’ve got a few different levels of intensity depending on how brave everyone is feeling.
- Treetop Challenge: The big one. High platforms, tricky crossings, and long zip wires. It’s designed for adults and older kids (must be at least 10 years old and 1.4m tall). Expect to spend about 2 to 3 hours navigating the canopy.
- Treetop Adventure & Plus: These are geared towards younger explorers and families. The “Adventure” is great for children over 1m tall, while “Adventure Plus” adds a bit more height and a longer zip for those who have found their “tree legs.”
- Nets Adventure: This is a massive network of bouncy nets and ball zones linked by tree houses. It’s perfect for burning off energy without needing a harness.
- Forest Segways: If you’d rather stay on the ground, you can hop on a heavy-duty Segway and head off-road through the forest trails for about an hour.
Who will love it?
This is a genuine whole-family destination.
- Younger kids will be obsessed with the Nets and the Adventure courses.
- Teenagers usually find the Challenge course legit enough to keep them from getting restless, especially the big zip wire finish.
- Adults get a decent workout and some genuine “don’t look down” moments.
The Parent Perspective
On the rope courses, children will need close supervision. Depending on their age, you might need to be up there with them or watching like a hawk from the forest floor. It is definitely not a “drop them and go for a coffee” situation, as they need to manage their safety clips. However, the Nets Adventure is a bit more “hands-off,” allowing parents to watch from the sidelines while the kids bounce themselves silly.
Planning the Day
- Parking: There is a large onsite car park managed by Forestry England. It’s not free, and the cost can creep up if you stay all day, so factor that into your budget.
- Food & Drink: There is a busy café on-site serving the usual burgers, sandwiches, and cakes. It can get pricey and very crowded on weekends. Many families bring a picnic—there are loads of benches and clearings nearby.
- Discounts: Keep an eye out for Blue Light Card discounts or student rates. If you live nearby, a Sherwood Pines parking pass is a great investment as it covers your parking for the year.
- Make it a full day: Since you’re already in Sherwood Pines, you can combine Go Ape with the walking and cycling trails. There’s a huge adventure playground (which is a significant attraction in its own right, not just a small add-on) and a Sand and Water play area that little ones love.