Go Ape – Moors Valley & Itchen Valley Country Parks

Go Ape has two fantastic locations in Hampshire: one nestled within Moors Valley Country Park (near Ringwood) and another at Itchen Valley Country Park (Southampton). Both sites offer an exhilarating escape into the treetops, perfect for anyone looking to swap the pavement for the canopy.

What to Expect

These attractions are high-ropes courses built into the natural woodland. You can expect to tackle wobbly bridges, intricate crossings, and heart-pumping zip wires.

• Moors Valley: Known for its massive zip wires and a separate “Nets Adventure,” which is a giant network of bouncy nets and tunnels high in the trees.
• Itchen Valley: Offers a classic forest adventure with a mix of challenging platforms and beautiful views of the surrounding water meadows.

Duration and Suitability

Most visitors spend between 2 to 3 hours on the courses, though you can easily make a full day of it by exploring the surrounding country parks.

• Best Suited For: Active families, groups of friends, and thrill-seekers. It’s a brilliant confidence builder for children and a great team-bonding exercise for adults.
• Who Might Be Bored: If you have a severe fear of heights or prefer sedentary activities, this likely isn’t for you. Those who enjoy peace and quiet may find the busy, high-energy atmosphere a bit much during peak times.

Timing Your Visit

• Quiet & Peaceful: Mid-week during school term time is the golden hour. You’ll have the course almost to yourself.
• Fun & Atmospheric: Weekends and school holidays are buzzing, which adds a sense of shared excitement but can lead to slight queues at the zip wires.
• Weather: Overcast, dry days are actually the most comfortable for climbing. If it rains, the tree canopy provides a natural umbrella, and the adventure feels even more rugged!

Budget and Value

Go Ape can be a significant investment, but there are ways to make it more cost-effective:

• Special Interests: They often support the Blue Light community and military personnel with specific discounts; it is always worth verifying your status upon booking.
• Memberships & Loyalty: While Go Ape itself focuses on individual bookings, using Tesco Clubcard points to trade for vouchers is a very popular way to cover the cost.
• Annual Passes: If you live nearby, an annual pass for the Country Parks (Moors or Itchen) is a smart move. While it doesn’t cover the Go Ape climb, it significantly reduces or eliminates daily parking charges, which can be pricey.

Pro-Tips for Visitors

• Clothing: Wear “sensible” clothes you don’t mind getting a bit of tree sap on. Secure, closed-toe footwear with good grip is mandatory. Gloves are highly recommended to protect your hands on the ropes.
• Food: Both parks have lovely on-site cafes, but they can get busy. Bringing a picnic is the best way to save money and enjoy the forest floor while watching others zip overhead.
• Arrival: Aim to arrive at the car park at least 30 minutes before your slot. Walking from the car to the Go Ape cabin often takes longer than you’d think!

Nearby Enhancements

• Moors Valley: After your climb, check out the narrow-gauge steam railway or the wooden play sculptures scattered through the woods.
• Itchen Valley: Take a stroll down to the River Itchen. There are several local pubs a short drive away in the West End area that serve hearty meals to refuel after your workout.

Unique Feature: The Nets Adventure at Moors Valley is quite rare—it’s one of the few places where toddlers and adults can bounce together in the trees without the need for harnesses!