Daytripper: Go Ape! Sherwood

You're going to be the king of the swingers

What is it?

Deep in the forests of England huge new family-friendly commando courses are springing up, offering fun and exhaustion. The latest opens in Nottinghamshire this Wednesday. It's a chance for fathers to prove they really can swing through the trees like Tarzan – while attached to a wire – and mothers to play GI Jane.

Where is it?

At the Sherwood Pines Visitor Centre in Nottinghamshire, not far from Mansfield, just off the B6030 between Old Clipstone and Ollerton.

Something for the children?

Children over 4ft 7in and more than 10 years old, referred to here as "Baboons", are hooked to a safety wire which gives them the chance to play Indiana Jones-style games without harming themselves. Ex-army instructors are always on hand to demonstrate how each scramble-net, zip-wire or rope-swing works, and the 34 traverses are graded according to their level of difficulty (black, red, blue and green), so no one need feel daunted. At any stage children can opt out or take an easier way down.

Something for grown-ups?

You bet. Each child under 18 has to be accompanied by an adult, so mums and dads, designated "Gorillas" at the check-in desk, have a real chance to show off. The less actively inclined can just walk the route 30ft below, watching their children dangling from a safety harness. Go Ape! is also very popular with corporate management types who want a break from the office while working on their team-building skills.

I'm hungry

The attraction is situated at the Sherwood Pines Visitor Centre which has a restaurant offering breakfasts of bacon, sausage, egg, beans, tomatoes and toast from £3.25 until 11.30am, lunches from £3.80 and cream teas from £2.50. A children's menu costs £1.75 and includes sausage and chips, jacket potatoes, etc. Vegetarian options are available

Can we buy a souvenir?

The visitor centre also has a shop where you can buy Sherwood key rings for £1.99 or Robin Hood T-shirts from £3.50. As yet, no Go Ape! merchandise is available.

How do we get there?

You need a car. To find the Sherwood Pines Visitor Centre, take the B6030 between Old Clipstone and Ollerton and follow the signs. You will have to pay a small amount towards parking on Forestry Commission land.

Will there be queues?

No, because booking has to be done in advance (0870 4445562; www.goape.cc). Fourteen is the maximum number of Gorillas and Baboons allowed in every half hour. Go Ape! opens seven days a week between 9.30am and 5.30pm.

Admission: £14.50 for Gorillas and £9.50 for Baboons. There are no family tickets.

Access for all?

There is disabled access to the visitor centre. To use the course you must be able to climb rope ladders.