Go Ape – Staffordshire

Go Ape in Staffordshire is a massive woodland adventure hub located within the Birches Valley Forest Centre at Cannock Chase. This isn’t just a standard climbing frame; it features the longest combined crossing of any Go Ape location in the country, stretching nearly 1,500 metres through the canopy.

The Main Attractions

• Treetop Challenge: The “big one” for thrill-seekers. It’s packed with wobbly bridges, Tarzan swings into cargo nets, and five long zip wires.
  • Best for: Confident teenagers and adults.
  • Requirements: Minimum age 10; minimum height 1.4m.
  • Time: Expect to spend 2 to 3 hours here.
• Treetop Adventure & Plus: Designed for younger explorers to build confidence. The “Plus” version adds higher platforms and longer zips.
  • Best for: Primary school-aged children.
  • Requirements: Adventure is for those over 1m tall; Adventure Plus is for those over 1.2m and at least 6 years old.
  • Time: Usually takes about 1 hour.
• Forest Segway: If you prefer keeping your feet (mostly) on the ground, these heavy-duty, all-terrain Segways take you on off-road trails through the forest.
  • Best for: Anyone wanting a unique way to see the scenery without the climb.
  • Requirements: Minimum weight 7 stone (45kg); maximum weight 18.4 stone (117kg).
  • Time: Lasts about 1 hour.

Supervision & Suitability

• For Parents: This is a very “hands-on” activity for parents with younger children. For those under 6, you must participate and climb with them. For older kids (6–15), you can often supervise from the ground, giving you a bit of a breather while they burn off energy.
• Teenager Appeal: Most teenagers will find the Challenge course genuinely exciting, especially the high zip lines. It’s unlikely they’ll be bored unless there are long queues on the course.
• Safety: Instructors give a full safety brief and watch you on a trial circuit first. Once you’re on the main course, you are responsible for your own safety clips, though staff patrol the ground.

Planning Your Budget

• Discounts: Keep an eye out for family discounts (often around 20% off for Treetop Challenge when booking 3–6 people). They also typically offer discounts for Blue Light Card holders and sometimes “Sunday Funday” deals for larger groups.
• Parking: The car park is managed by Forestry England and is famously pricey. Expect to pay a significant hourly rate, often reaching double digits for a full afternoon.
• Food: There is an onsite café, but it can be expensive and busy. Many visitors recommend bringing a picnic to enjoy at the outdoor tables to keep costs down.

Nearby Highlights

You can easily make a full day of it by combining Go Ape with other forest activities:

• Cycling: You can hire mountain bikes onsite to tackle the famous “Follow the Dog” or “Monkey Trail” routes.
• Walking Trails: There are themed trails for younger children, like the Gruffalo Trail, and plenty of free-to-access woodland paths.
• Play Area: A large adventure playground is located right next to the visitor centre, which is great for kids to blow off any remaining steam.