Things to Do
Go Ape Dalby Forest
By Jon Cosson · Updated 17 October 2026
High in the canopy of Dalby Forest, near Pickering, Go Ape is one of the North York Moors' great adrenaline days out. Treetop crossings, wobbly bridges, Tarzan swings and zip lines soaring across the forest valley. There's a bigger course for teens and adults and a gentler one for younger children, so it works for most of the family. Here's what to expect and how to book.
High in the Dalby Forest canopy: the Treetop Challenge walkway stretches away between the larches, with the forest trail winding far below.
Go Ape Dalby at a glance
- Where
- Within Dalby Forest, near Pickering. You drive in via the Dalby Forest Drive
- Two courses
- Treetop Challenge (ages 10+) and the family Treetop Adventure (younger children)
- Booking
- Book ahead on the Go Ape website, especially in school holidays
- Important
- The Forestry England hourly parking charge is separate from your Go Ape ticket
- Dogs
- Welcome around the site, kept away from the zip landing zones
Treetop Challenge (for teens and adults)
The main event is a self-guided high-ropes course through the forest canopy, taking roughly two to three hours. Expect six sections of wobbly bridges, crossings and rope ladders, two of Go Ape's famous free-fall Tarzan swings, and a series of zip lines, including a long cross-valley zip high above the forest floor. It's built for adults and older children: you need to be at least 10 years old and 1.4 m tall, with a maximum weight of around 130 kg (20.5 stone). An adult supervises children aged 10 to 15. Check the current age, height and supervision rules when you book.
Treetop Adventure (for younger children)
For younger adventurers, Treetop Adventure is a gentler introduction. Around an hour of crossings, wobbly bridges and a couple of zip-wire finales, designed for children roughly 4 to 10 years old and over 1 m tall, with an adult supervising (and participating for the youngest). It's a brilliant confidence-builder and a genuine family favourite.
What to wear and bring
Wear closed-toe, flat-soled shoes (no sandals or slip-ons) and clothes you don't mind getting grubby, and dress for the weather. The course runs whatever the sky's doing. Long hair tied back, pockets emptied. There's a café and gift shop at the Dalby Forest Visitor Centre nearby for afterwards.
Getting there, tickets and booking
Go Ape sits inside Dalby Forest, reached via the Dalby Forest Drive, and remember a Forestry England hourly parking charge applies on top of your Go Ape ticket. Book your session in advance on the Go Ape website, particularly during school holidays and sunny weekends when it's busiest; that's also where you'll find current prices, age and height limits, opening times and any seasonal courses.
Make a day of it
Go Ape is just one corner of a big forest, pair it with Dalby's walking and cycling trails, the play areas and Staindale Lake, or stay after dusk for the dark-sky observatory. See our full Dalby Forest guide to plan the rest of the day, our guide to the Moors with kids for more family ideas, and where to stay if you're making a weekend of it.
This is an independent visitor guide and is not affiliated with Go Ape.
Go Ape Dalby Forest FAQs
What age do you need to be for Go Ape Dalby Forest?
The main Treetop Challenge is for ages 10+ and at least 1.4 m tall; the family Treetop Adventure suits children from around 4 and over 1 m tall. Check current limits when booking.
Do you have to pay Dalby Forest parking as well?
Yes: a Forestry England hourly parking charge applies in addition to your Go Ape ticket.
Do you need to book Go Ape Dalby in advance?
Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially in holidays and at weekends, via the Go Ape website.
How long does Go Ape Dalby Forest take?
The Treetop Challenge takes around two to three hours; the younger Treetop Adventure around an hour.
Where to stay in the North York Moors
Self-catering cottages, village inns and farmhouse boltholes right across the moors, from the southern villages to the coast.
Browse places to stay