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A unique experience for everyone
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, child-minder, sibling, group of friends, couple or activity leader; it’s always tricky to think of something different and exciting to do on the weekend or in the school holidays. So why not try Recreational Tree Climbing? Our pre-bookable event days are the most popular and convenient way to tree climb with us.
Tree climbing is suitable for almost anyone; however the below criteria does apply:
• Seven years old or over (there’s no maximum age limit)
• A healthy BMI (tree climbing does involve lifting your bodyweight with your arms and legs)
• Haven’t been advised by a doctor not to take up strenuous exercise
For individuals with a disability or learning difficulty please contact us in advance so we can advise you on suitability of our sessions.
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A guide to our session format
Our pre-bookable event days are usually run via an hour slot format. Each session contains a small number of participants, between 6-8 per group and two instructors teaching the session. Your session will start with a meet and greet, introduction of the session aims and health & safety elements. After everyone is equipped with a harness and helmet you will make your way over to the base of your tree. Once the instructors have securely attached you to your climbing system the tuition will begin. The components of the climbing system will be explained and our traditional technique will be taught to everyone at the same time.
After five minutes you will understand the technique, at which point the instructors will let you gain your confidence and begin climbing up the rope. You will notice one of the instructors climbing alongside you, offering support where needed. Once in the canopy of the tree the instructors will adapt their tuition to suit your confidence level. Some participants may be encouraged to climb right to the top of their rope or even taught more complex techniques. Remember to leave time for photos, at 50ft up it’s no good asking someone on the ground to take one!
Time flies and once the hour is almost up everyone will abseil out of the tree with their fellow instructor. Hopefully you will have gained a real sense of achievement but still have some questions to ask, such as; ‘how did you get the first rope up?’ or ‘I saw you use a different technique, what’s that called?’. High fives and handshakes will in order to congratulate you on your first tree climb and we will definitely hope to see you again. Oh and… try to remember the type of tree you climbed!
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It’s quick and simple
All of our events are listed on our events calendar; please see availability on the date you’re looking to attend. If you are able to attend one of our pre-organised events at a National Trust site or other location, the cost is typically between £15.50 and £19.00 per person and you can book online through us through our Latest Events page. At some sites you may also need to pay your entrance fee in addition to this.
If you wish to have a private session, containing just members of your group, please book all seven slots in an hour. This is very common for family gatherings, birthday parties or work activity trips.
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Frequently asked questions
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Please see below for a list of frequently asked questions. If you cannot find you answer here please do contact us.
Upon arrival
What time should I arrive?
Please arrive at the Visitor Reception 30 minutes before the time stated on your ticket. This will allow you enough time to follow the signs to the tree.
What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
Onsite parking is available and free of charge.
Do I have to pay an entry fee to the site?
For non-National Trust members an additional entry fee applies. National Trust members enter the site under their membership. At other sites an entry fee may apply. Please check the host sites website for details.
Age suitability
What is the minimum age to enter the event?
We recommend participants be six years old or above. The technique taught is slightly complex and younger children are unlikely to grasp the concept.
I am accompanying my children, do I have to buy a ticket for myself?
No, you only need to buy one if you are planning to participate in the climbing. If you plan just to watch you do not need a ticket.
Is it suitable for adults?
Yes it most definitely is. Furthermore we thoroughly recommend adults participate alongside the children they are accompanying.
Physical requirements
How physically demanding are the activities?
Our climbing technique does require you to have a reasonable level of physical fitness. The majority of work is done with your legs but participants are required to be active and healthy.
Disabilities
I or my child has a disability or learning difficulties, are these activities suitable?
We are very keen to be as fully inclusive with our activity as we can.
Please contact the event organiser in advance through [email protected] or phone 0800 0556760 discuss your situation.
Group bookings
How can we book this for a birthday party?
If you wish for your birthday party to be completely private then you should book all seven spaces in the hour slot, regardless of if you have less than seven people participating in that hour. If you wish for the party to last two or three hours book all of the slots in those consecutive hours. Groups should contain a maximum of multiples of seven, depending on the number of consecutive hours they have booked.
Photos
Can I take photos on the day?
Of course you can! We encourage you to share your best ones on our Facebook page too. If you sign our photo permission slip we may take photos of you or your children and put them on Facebook.
Weather conditions
What if the weather is poor on the day?
We will only postpone the day in the event of high winds, thunder or lightening or extreme weather conditions. In such a case an alternative date will be offered. Those who are unable to make this date will be offered a full refund.
Payment
I’m struggling to complete payment, why is this?
Some buyers have experienced problems when booking on smartphones or tablets.
It could be possible that the online booking system has closed. It generally closes 90 minutes prior to the start of an event day. Or the event may be full.
Do I have to pay with paypal?
Unfortunately we are unable to process advance bookings with anything other than paypal. It takes only minutes to set up and is extremely secure.
Tickets
Can I get a refund once I have purchased my ticket?
Unfortunately once you have bought your ticket we cannot offer refunds unless we have cancelled or postponed the event. If you or your child has decided they no longer wish to do the activities we cannot offer any refund.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
You can save the confirmation email on your smart phone or tablet. If you do not have one of these a printed confirmation is required.
The name on the registration/ticket doesn’t match the attendee. Is that okay?
That is fine. As long as you can quote the name of the individual who bought the ticket.
Can I change my ticket for another time or date?
Due to the high volume of bookings we receive we are unable to alter ticket dates or times.
What if I want to book a last minute slot?
Please contact the event organiser on 0800 0556760 . If the event is not sold out he/she may be able to take manual bookings over the phone.
Still stuck?
Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?
Either email [email protected] or phone 0800 0556760. Please do not expect an immediate reply. It is likely our event organisers are onsite at your time of calling so please allow some time for them to respond to voicemails or emails.
