Go Ape Battersea. Just hearing those words now brings a smile to my face and a slight ache to my arms. As a mum to energetic boys I’m always on the hunt for activities that get them off screens, out in the fresh air, and genuinely excited. So, when the opportunity arose to try out Go Ape in Battersea Park, I knew this was an opportunity not to be missed.
If you’re wondering if Go Ape Battersea is right for your family, read on for our honest review, packed with practical tips and personal tidbits.
What is Go Ape Battersea?
Go Ape is an outdoor adventure experience, primarily known for its treetop ropes courses, zip lines, and climbing challenges. The Battersea Park location is particularly unique as it’s right in the heart of London, offering a fantastic green escape within the city. They have different courses catering to various ages and abilities.
Our Experience
We opted for the Tree top Adventure+ course, which seemed perfect for my 7-year-old and my 9-year-old.
From the moment we arrived, the Go Ape staff were brilliant – friendly, professional, and incredibly thorough with their safety briefing. Before we started, there was a mini-training session where the instructor demonstrated how the safety harness attaches to the main course wire via a trolley mechanism. We were also shown the carabiner wire, which detaches, and we were responsible for clipping and unclipping this as we went around the course. Sounds terrifying right? but actually this hands-on responsibility really galvanised my boys, adding a wonderful sense of agency to their adventure.
I learnt so much about my boys’ characters during this activity. My 7-year-old was nervous but excited. (Admittedly the word torture was mentioned) And yet he did it anyway and soon found his rhythm. The challenges are progressive, so they start easier and gradually get a bit more tricky, which is great for building confidence. I made sure to place myself behind my youngest so I was able to help him when his trolley mechanism needed a gentle tug. If there is a child with you who needs some extra attention definitely place yourself reassuringly within reach!
My usually sensible and risk averse 9 yr old was unexpectedly in his element. He whizzed through the obstacles, relishing every wobbly bridge and net climb. The ultimate thrill for both of them, without a doubt, was the zip wire which in my opinion was the best bit.
I particularly loved seeing them problem-solve, encourage each other, and push their own boundaries. It wasn’t just about physical activity; it was about mental resilience and teamwork too.
As for me I wasn’t quite prepared for how high this experience actually is (about 12m up high from the adventure playground below). If you are scared of heights you might want to enrol an uncle or auntie for this activity. Whilst kids of a certain age are able to do the course alone I would personally recommend having an adult supervise in the treetops – especially for a first Go Ape experience. It can feel quite overwhelming up there and once you get started there are no staff other than at the Zip line.
I would also advise insisting that everyone goes to the loo beforehand as once you get started there is no going back and some of the courses take a while to get round.
Be prepared for a workout. This activity does require a level of physical (and mental) fitness. Expect sore muscles for a few days afterwards.
Practical Info for Parents:
Here’s a quick cheat sheet of everything you need to know before you book your Go Ape Battersea adventure:
- Ages & Courses:
- Treetop Adventure+: Minimum age 6 years, minimum height 1.2m. This is a Treetop obstacle course with wooden and net crossings and tree platforms. (This is the one we did!)
- Treetop Challenge: Minimum age 10 years, minimum height 1.4m. This is for more adventurous older kids, with higher platforms and trickier crossings and a slightly longer course.
- Booking: Essential! Go Ape gets booked up, especially during weekends and school holidays. Book online in advance to avoid disappointment.
- What to Wear: Comfortable clothes you can move freely in. Trainers or closed-toe sturdy shoes are a must (no sandals or crocs!). Tie back long hair. Gloves are recommended (you can buy them there or bring your own).
- Duration: Allow approx. 1-2 hours for Treetop Adventure+ courses, including briefing.
- Supervision:
- Treetop Adventure +: One adult can supervise up to 8 children aged 6-15 from the course or from the ground
- Treetop Challenge: One participating adult can supervise up to 4 children aged 12 and under or up to 8 children aged 13-15 from course or ground.
- Food & Drink: There are cafes and kiosks in Battersea Park if you want to grab something before or after. We packed some snacks and water.
- Toilets: Available on site.
- Gloves: These are sold onsite for £3.95. We didn’t use any and were fine.
- Parking/Travel: Battersea Park has paid parking. It’s also easily accessible by public transport (trains to Battersea Park or Queenstown Road, or various bus routes).
The Daily Mumtra Verdict:
Would we recommend Go Ape Battersea? Absolutely!
It’s a fantastic way to spend a few hours as a family, getting active and making memories. My boys were buzzing for days afterwards, proudly recounting their aerial exploits. It’s challenging enough to feel like an achievement but safe enough to put a parent’s mind at ease.
While it’s not the cheapest activity, (prices start around £28 pp) I think it is worth the investment for the experience and joyous sense of accomplishment. It’s a brilliant antidote to screen time and a fantastic way to build confidence and coordination.
So, if you’re looking for an exhilarating family adventure in London, definitely give Go Ape Battersea a go. Keep and open mind and enjoy stepping out of your comfort zone!
Planning a Birthday? Go Ape also makes for a great Birthday Party Activity. Other Go Ape locations include Alexandra Palace, Cockfosters, Chessington and Black Park.
We were gifted this Go Ape Experience and affiliate links appear in this review
READ NEXT: Bubble Planet London: Is It worth It?
