High ropes course
Min age 6yrs and 120cm height+
Free parking
Dogs welcome on leads
Close to Charmouth and Lyme Regis
Pre-booking essential
Open every day except Tuesdays in the summer holidays. During off peak times check the website for up to date opening hours – generally closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
ALL PHOTOS CREDITED TO TUNNEL TREE TOPS
Tucked away just off the A35 between Axminster and the Charmouth/Lyme Regis Roundabout is the Tunnel Tree Tops high ropes course. Set in beautiful woodland, this is a fun and exciting outdoorsy activity for children aged 6 years + (and more than 120cm tall), tweens, teens and adults of all ages!
No climbing ability or previous experience is needed – but a decent head for heights is an advantage.
After getting kitted out in a harness and helmet, you’re briefed, clipped onto the safety wire, and let loose on the course high up in the tree tops to test your nerve, balance and skill. With three zip wires and several challenging sections of ropes, nets and wobbly gangways there’s plenty to entertain your group, young and old. Or if you want to leave the kids to it, you can spectate from the safety of the forest floor!
If you’ve time to go around the circular course more than once, try the harder variations on how to cross each section (displayed on a poster on each platform) – e.g. crossing the wobbly bridge without holding on, etc!
Great fun for everyone – speaking as a newly converted zip-wire fan.
Cost:
Adults (18+) £17.50
Juniors (6-17) £12.50
Family (2 Adults + 2 Juniors) £54.00
Sessions must be prebooked in advance and last 1 hour. Sessions will still run in wet weather, but not in high winds.
How to get there?
Take the Wootton Fitzpaine turning off the A35, not far from the Charmouth/Lyme Regis roundabout, then pick up signs for The Tunnel Tree Tops (one minute from the A35.)
Practical stuff:
The minimum height restriction is for harness safety but also because children shorter than 120cm may struggle to manoeuvre their safety rope around the overhead wire (the thing you’re clipped to at all times in case you fall off!) At each section, you’re required to guide your safety rope roller over a bracket and onto the next section of wire which sometimes requires a bit of a wiggle – tricky for younger or shorter participants. Instructors are on hand at all times to supervise and assist anyone who is struggling, but I would suggest accompanying 6 year olds depending on their height and ability around the course. Though, note that only one person can attempt a section of course at a time, so once your child is on the section you will not be able to physically help them.
The upper weight limit is 18stone.
What to wear? Something comfortable and suitable for physical activity – sports gear and trainers ideally. A light waterproof jacket on wet days. No sandals or impractical footwear. All jewellery has to be removed.
Facilities are basic, there’s a portaloo, and refreshments for sale such as bottles of drinks and crisps. There is a picnic bench for spectators, and dogs on leads are welcome.
Free parking on site leads down a short slope to the reception cabin and the course itself.