Do You Fancy Playing Tarzan & Jane, Why Not Go Ape!! (Go Ape! Thetford Forest)

Member Name: bubbles12

Product:	Go Ape! Thetford Forest
Date:	19/05/08 (649 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fun day out, a real giggle for groups of familys.

Disadvantages: I FORGOT THE CAMERA. :O(

Recently it was a friend's hen party and we were unsure of what to do, and how to celebrate it. A group of us got together and came up with suggestions. These were the usual night out in Blackpool, weekend in London, a four day drinking session in Benidorm, limousine for the night but we wanted to do something that would suit everyone.

Many of our friends are short of money and have commitments, so the trips away were a no go. Then on a trip to the local supermarket one of my friends picked up a flyer for Go Ape.

This was it everyone agreed to the go ape adventure and then a night out in our town, this way it saved money for those who were short of money and those who couldn't leave children. The problem was solved and the bride to be was over the moon.

WHAT IS GO APE.

Go ape first opened to the public 2002, in the thetford forest. Since this date sixteen other Go ape attractions have opened around the UK.

Go ape in the newly award winning high wire adventure obstacle course. That spans the Thretford forest, with high wires, Death ropes, rope ladders, rope bridges, Tarzan swings and even zip slides.

So if you fancy some high flying, Tarzan swinging adventure set over a one mile radius then this is the place.

All of these activities at all set high in the forests tree tops. So if you are afraid for heights I would not recommend you try this, even I struggled with the height issue and I am not usually scared.

When you arrive at Go ape you will be given a full induction on you safety gear and how to navigate the course safely, each group is issued with their own go ape host who is fully trained so you can ask any questions you have either before you start the course or during the course.

The whole course is split into six sections and varies from easy to very difficult, so this is a great place that even the kids can enjoy.
Go ape is popular for people of all ages, but there are certain restrictions that need to be accounted for.

The minimum age is 10 years old, with minimum height of 4 foot 7 inches and there is also a weight limit of 130kg, 20.5 stones.

SAFETY ELEMENTS

If you a wondering about the high wires and how you are attached then don't, you will have your own harness and full induction on the safety procedures, so you can not fall out of the tree tops.

Instructors are located on certain areas of the course so if you are ever in doubt, you can just ask one of the many fully train personnel.

LOCATION

The Go Ape is located in the Thetford forest and can be reached from the A11 then the A14 onto the A134 from bury, continue through Thetford and then follow the B1106 to the thetford high lodge forest centre.

PRICES

The prices are for three hours continuous adventure.

Gorillas (over 18 years old) 25.00
Baboons ( 10-17 years old) 20.00, but they must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Children under 10 are unable to go on the Go ape adventure, but they can still stand and watch, there is even a play area for the younger kids, this is free of charge.

BOOKING

As the Go Ape is very popular it is essential that you per-book to avoid disappointment.

You can book online at www.goape.co.uk or you can telephone 0845 643 9086.

A 1.00 booking fee will be charged to a debit of credit card, upon booking and the full amount will need to be paid in full on the day.

OPENING TIMES

Although opening times may vary, it is usually 14th March until 31st October, every day of the week. Plus weather permitting November weekends.

I do advise that you check online at www.goape.co.uk to confirm as the weather is a major factor, and certain parts of the obstacle course will close during bad weather.

CAR PARKING

The forestry commission car park has a small charge of 3.50 for the full day.

It has limitations and the car will need to be gone when the park closes, otherwise you will have a very expensive clamping charge. And an uncomfortable night's sleep in the car.

OTHER GO APE UK LOCATIONS

If you like the sound of this go ape adventure, then you may have a location near to you here are the sixteen go ape attractions that are currently open to the public.

1) Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, Stirlingshire
2) Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire
3) Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Nottinghamshire
4) Leeds Castle, Kent
5) Bedgebury Forest, Kent
6) The Look Out, Swinley Forest, Bracknell
7) Alice Holt Woodland Park, Farnham Surrey
8) Wendover Woods, Aylesbury Bucks
9) Moors Valley Country Park, Ringwood
10) Haldon Forest Park, Exeter Devon
11) Mallards Pike, Forest Of Dean
12) Delamere Forest, Chester
13) Poole's Cavern, Buxton, Peak District
14) Grizledale Forest, The Lake District
15) Whinlatter Forest Park, North Lake District
16) High Lodge Forest Centre, Thetford Forest, Suffolk

OPINION

At first I had reservations about this as I am not exactly fit, but I managed fine. Yes there is a certain degree of strength and fitness needed, but if you can climb a ladder you will be fine.

Upon arrival you get all of you safety instructions and codes, which allow you to enter the sections of the adventure course, through a turn stile.

I liked the way the whole adventure is split into sections, there are six sections in total the first section being the easiest just consisting of ropes and bridges. Then as the sections more along they get harder, so level six is the most extreme with the high wires and tree top ropes.

We took a picnic and beer package, but only three people drove so they couldn't drink. After the 3 hour adventure we all sat in the sunshine and ate the picnic with a few drinks on top.

It was a lovely day and even the bride's mother joined in she really enjoyed it, I just wish we had taken a camera to capture the day, that was my only downside.

This is a great adventure that can entertain the whole family even those who are not taking part, can watch all the excitement from below.

Summary: We loved it, one of the best hen parties ever experienced.