Zip World in Windermere

Written by: Sam

Location: Windermere
Venue: Zip World
Duration: Half-day

As part of Cumbria Tourism’s 50th anniversary, the team are trying out 50 different tourism experiences throughout the year – to help inspire your own days out across the Lake District, Cumbria. This time, Molly, Ben and Sam visit Zip World in Windermere to get high up in the air and experience this unique location from a different perspective.

On a sunny Tuesday morning two colleagues and I took on the challenge of the high ropes, obstacles, zip wires and nets that make up the family fun attraction of Zip World Windermere.

At first glance, the thought of traversing through trees some 32 feet up in the air is truly terrifying, however, what soon becomes apparent is how safe this is and it’s only our personal fears that need to be overcome.  As someone who is celebrating a milestone birthday this year (incidentally the same age as Cumbria Tourism!) I’ve decided that taking on new challenges is a great way to mark the occasion.

Zip World Windermere is located in a lovely spot, just off the A591 and overlooking the magnificent Lake, incidentally the largest body of water in England. The staff here are lovely and well trained to ensure that throughout the morning we feel in very capable hands from the outset.  With harnesses adorned we headed up the steps to the first challenge which literally throws you right in it with a zip wire to the first ‘tree’.

It’s certainly an exhilarating way to begin but once you’re clipped in by one of the Zip World team, you stay attached to the safety wires throughout so you’re never once going to find yourself in an awkward situation.

Over the next hour or so we traversed from tree to tree via all sorts of means, from tightrope style logs and balancing boards to enclosed nets and a sort of flying skateboard! 

The adventure concludes with a huge 250 metre zip wire from the main tower down to the lakeside.  With three adjacent zip wires, this section allows participants to ‘race’ their fellow team members to the finish.

Also at Windermere is the newly opened Tree Top Drop, a nerve testing 32-foot free fall drop!  We didn’t opt for this on our visit but for those brave enough it certainly looks fun and if you really love the thrill of the fall (which I should say finishes with a safety feature that at the end lowers users safely to the ground), you can purchase these drops in bundles of one, two or three.

Following on from the Tree Top Trek, we tried out hands at the Tree Top Nets.  Generally more aimed at younger visitors (although open to anyone), the nets were hilarious!  They are essentially like a continual trampoline in which you climb, slide and bounce your way around a fully enclosed giant net.  What I didn’t expect was how easy I found it to stay upright on these.  I’d assumed that I’d mostly bounce around on my hands, knees and bum.  However, what ensued was what I can only describe as the funniest way to walk as we found ourselves bouncing from step to step.

For anyone of my generation and older, it felt almost like we were creating our very own versions of Monty Python’s Ministry of Silly Walks.  I loved it!  Plus, there was the additional bonus of the whole day feeling like something of the most fun and exhilarating workout I’ve ever done.  Beats the gym any day!
 

Zip World Windermere is open year-round with adult prices starting from £23 for the nets and £38 for the full trek. 

For more information visit:

The Zip World Windermere website

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