MUMBLER Reviews… Go Ape! at Temple Newsam PLUS Mumbler Discount Code
The Go Ape! Park Adventure at Temple Newsam Estate opened earlier this year and the North Leeds Mini-Mumbler’s were very excited (mummy was a little apprehensive!) to be invited along for family fun in the trees!
“For those of you not sure what Go Ape! entails my daughter’s summary to her Grandma sums it up well “a big adventure park in the trees!” By the end of our session, we had enjoyed wobbling over bridges, climbing through tunnels, scrambling along nets and whizzing down zip wires! If you’re looking for a new challenge, something fun, or a family activity that burns some energy, then Go Ape! is for you!”
**There’s a special discount code for Mumbler’s at the end of this blog post**
Go Ape! is situated in Menagerie Woods at Temple Newsam Estate, opposite the play park. Temple Newsam is ideal if you have younger children who aren’t tall enough to climb as they can use the play park or visit the farm. There is plenty of parking but just check ahead before you visit whether there are any events on at Temple Newsam as this can impact the traffic in the area and you may need to allow extra time (as we found)!
On arrival for our time slot, we went to the reception cabin and filled in a few forms and were given a wristband to identify which level course we were doing and starting time. If you have personal belongings you don’t want to climb with you can leave these securely in the cabin. We then went to get harnesses fit (Tip: make sure you have asked if kids need the toilet before they get their harness on!). The staff were very helpful, helping children and adults get kitted out. We then had a safety briefing which was delivered in a really interactive way by the instructors meaning children really concentrated. The system works on a continuous ‘belay’, so once you’re attached you are away to have fun (and there’s no chance of falling to the ground)! There’s a short practice trail, just a few centimetres off the ground, where you can get a feel for the belay system.
There are three levels of courses which take you higher and higher into the trees, each getting more daring and difficult as they progress. The levels are not restricted by age but there is a minimum height for each and the entry height is 1 metre. This was great for my youngest as it meant even at 5 he could have a go on some of the more challenging courses and he felt very proud at the end that he had done the same as his elder sister!
Levels one and two start from a central point, Millers Stairs, which was good when you are watching multiple children as means they always come back to the same point to start again! All the loops end with a zip wire which gets more challenging as you progress through the levels. (*Please check out the adult to child ratios needed for the different levels here)
Level One:Minimum height 1.0 metre. Level one is three different loops of obstacles and crossings. It includes an introductory level, one metre off the ground, which sets you up for two different routes in the tree-tops. It includes tunnel crossings, flying carpets, stepping stones, Tibetan bridges, and ends with a zip wire. This course takes approximately an hour to complete. (*Please note there is an adult to child ratio of 1 adult participating to two children under 6 on this level )
Level Two: Minimum height 1.2 metres. Level two includes all the fun of level one plus an additional trail where you climb through a Fisherman’s Trap to take on a whole new series of high-wire crossings. The course has a great mix of things to do, from small stepping logs/platforms to zigzagged harder ones which require greater care and more concentration. This course takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.
Level Three: Minimum height 1.4 metres. This is the ultimate challenge 15 metres high in the trees! (I was quite thankful my daughter didn’t meet the height requirements but she can’t wait until she can give it a try!) As well as more challenging loops it also includes the Plummet, where you literally step off the ledge and discover the fastest way back down to the ground!
An eager 7 year and a more apprehensive 5 year and parents set off on the course! My eldest was in her element and did not stop smiling for the 90 minutes. The level two loops were challenging in places, especially some of the stepping stones but very do-able for most. Our 5 year old navigated his way from tree to tree across bridges, nets and ropes (albeit slowly!). There are instructors around to help if anyone needs it and give encouragement and advice if needed at certain crossings.
The crossings vary in difficulty and only two people are allowed on a crossing at one time, so at busy times you do have to be patient and wait for those ahead of you. After each loop of the course there is a zip wire, this did prove a bit daunting for a few children on level two but the instructors were very helpful and encouraging. The eldest Mini Mumbler thought that the zip wire was one of the best bits and loved hurtling down into the wood chips below (TIP: Keep your knees up!)
The courses are very physical and whilst the eldest Mini Mumbler flew around the three loops in level two in record time and got the chance to have extra turns (as you can stay on for your full slot) the youngest Mini Mumbler was tired by the end of an hour and needed some energy snacks!
The Go Ape! Park Adventure is a great family activity and one you can do with children of all ages (over 1 metre high). It provides a good challenge without being scary, we all left very proud and happy that we had conquered the challenges! It was a really nice way to spend quality family time together and Mini Mumbler’s are already planning another adventure with cousins!
Wear comfortable loose fitting clothes, I noticed a few children had onsies on! It is physical and you do get hot so I would wear thin layers or on colder days, skins.
Wear shoes that are suitable for climbing e.g. trainers. No sandals, open toes or heels are allowed.
Gloves are recommended, you can buy fingerless Go Ape! ones at the shop.
If you’re all climbing take minimal personal belongings with you.
Adult (participating) to child ratios do apply especially for Level 1 so make sure you check these out before visiting.
Check with the kids if they need the toilet before the harnesses are fit as trust me it is a pain getting all the kit off and it eats into your time in the trees!
Go Ape! is a physical activity and I found that my kids were starving when they finished. There is a cafe within Temple Newsam Estate but if you don’t plan to go across make sure you take some snacks and refreshments.
There is free parking available within the grounds of Temple Newsam Estate but it can get busy if there is an event on so just allow extra time to get there.
You can make a day out of your visit to Go Ape! by visiting Temple Newsam Estate which has woodland walks, parks, farm with animals and ride on tractors, house and cafe to visit. In the school holidays, they often have themed events running.
**MUMBLER DISCOUNT CODE**
We have teamed up with Go Ape! at Temple Newsam to offer Mumbler’s a 10% discount on all bookings. To redeem use code NLMUMB10 (valid until 31st December 2018, excluding Saturday’s). To book click here.
Opening Times:
Level 1 & 2 – 10:00am until 15:00pm weekends and holidays
Level 3 – 9:00 am – 15:00 pm weekends and holidays
10:00 am – 15:00 pm Term Time – closed on Tuesdays
If you are travelling by bus the 19 and 19A buses run to Whitkirk, 1 mile from Temple Newsam House. The 10 bus runs directly to Temple Newsam House during school holidays from Easter to October half term.
Opening Times:
