Here’s a taster of some National Trust places where you can get away from it all this August bank holiday by taking to the treetops:
Croome, Worcestershire
Tree Climbing, 22 August, 10.30am – 4.30pm
Spend an hour or two with some highly-skilled instructors this summer holiday and you’ll be taking in the views from the tops of the trees in no time. Professional instructors will teach you how to use ropes, knots, carabineers and harnesses to climb as high as you can and zip wire back down again. Afterwards take a break in the RAF themed playground and take on the parachute swing, aeroplane slide and see what you can spot from the lookout tower.
This is activity is led by The Great Big Tree Climbing Company.
Price: £15.50 (ages 4+) plus a small booking fee (booking essential)
For more information, please call 0800 055 6760.
Fell Foot Park, Cumbria
Big Tree Climbing 19, 20, 26 & 27 August, 10.30am – 5pm
Reach new heights and enter a tree's canopy using ropes, knots and carabineers. Once at the top of the tree if you're feeling brave you can take the zip wire back down again. Situated at the very southern tip of Lake Windermere, Fell Foot Park is a great, family friendly location to play, explore and relax in after an adventurous day in the trees. Sweeping lawns offer plenty of space for games, picnics and gentle walks, while easy lake access makes the park perfect for paddling, swimming and boating.
Minimum age: Six years old
Length of session: one hour
Price: £15 plus a small booking fee (booking essential)
Book online
Polesden Lacey, Surrey
Big Tree Climbing, 24 – 25 August, hourly from 10.30am – 4.30pm
Climb in the canopy of the big tree in Preserve Copse with the supervision of highly skilled and friendly instructors and get a bird's eye view of Polesden Lacey and beyond, and if you're brave enough take the zip wire back down again. If you fancy stretching your legs and getting your feet firmly back on the ground again, there are acres of grounds to explore and perfect spots to sit back, relax and enjoy the views.
One hour sessions limited to seven children per session. Suitable for children from age six years (no height restriction) Full tuition, safety equipment and harness will be provided.
Price: £15.50 per hour session (booking essential, free entry to grounds for participant, plus one accompanying adult if child is under the age of 16).
For more information, please call 0800 0556760
Book online
Stourhead, Wiltshire
Learn, discover and climb with our tree climbing experts, 22 & 29 August, 11am – 3pm
This year Stourhead is offering some sky high fun with Forest Fridays. Join the arboreal gardeners Alan, Mark, Emily and Joe to explore the secrets of caring for Stourhead's tree collection. With a head for heights and the help of lots of rope, they'll show you how they inspect and maintain even the tallest of trees. You'll have the chance to climb as high as you can and experience Stourhead as never before. Afterwards, see if you can find the tallest oak tree in the UK, standing at a whopping 40.4 metres tall in the grounds.
Price: Normal admission fee applies, plus £5 (per climb)
For more information, please call 01747 841152
Leigh Woods, near Bristol
Great big tree climb, 21 August, hourly from 10.30am – 4.30pm
Two highly skilled and friendly instructors will teach you how to enter a tree's canopy using ropes, knots and karabiners, whilst being securely attached in a harness at all times. Enjoy the amazing experience of life in the tree tops before bravely zip wiring to the ground. Leigh Woods is a great place to explore and play or build a den. Let off steam in the natural play area or bring a picnic and enjoy a game on the plain. Each session contains a maximum of seven people to ensure a unique and intimate experience for everyone.
Price: £15.50 (booking essential and suitable for ages 6 years and above)
For more information, please call 0800 0556760
The Vyne, Hampshire
The Big Tree Climb, 22 – 23 August, 11am – 5pm
Two friendly instructors help all ages reach new heights and to climb an oak tree deep in the woodland. You will learn how to use ropes, knots and karabiners, whilst being securely attached in a harness. Once at the top of the tree you will gain an experience which can't be found anywhere on the ground and if you're feeling super brave you take the zip wire back down again. Once your feet are back on terra firma test your skills with an orienteering trail, take a stroll in the woodlands or experience the Hidden Realm play space.
Price: £15 (booking essential)
For more information, please call 0800 0556760