Brockhole Visitor Centre, the Lake District

A few weekends ago we visited the lake district for a long weekend of family adventure before the return to school.  We were really lucky with the weather so tried to do quite a lot of exploring and sitting in the sun, but we also spent a lot of time at Brockhole, Windermere which describes itself as the Lake District Visitor centre.  We really enjoyed everything they had to offer and could definitely recommend a visit.  Firstly they have a great adventure play area, for little ones and older children, which was free to use, and being on lake Windermere there was plenty of opportunity for exploring the lake.  They have boats to hire and lake cruises but we had hired a motorboat on Derwent Water the day before, so didn't take to the lake.  They also offered pony trekking (I had an unfortunate experience once with a stubborn horse, so I've been put off for life, but I guess some people would like it!)

The thing we were really excited about was the Treetop Nets.  We had never seen anything like it before and we were all able to go on, as it is suitable from 3 years old.  We didn't book in case the little ones took a wobbly and refused to go on but I think it does get busy during holidays and weekends.  Basically, it is a collection of interconnected trampolines in the sky, with tunnels and slides, all made out of net.  Stepping on to the net my stomach did drop and it took a while to get used to but before long we were running and jumping through the trees and enjoying the surreal experience.

Three of us also completed the full Treetop Trek the next day, which was really exhilarating, if a bit scary.  It consisted of a treetop obstacle course, finishing with a huge zip line back to earth.  After a safety brief we were let loose to complete the challenge in our own time, wearing a harness that was (thankfully!) constantly attached above your head.  There were all sorts of people, young and old, little and large completing the course, and it really was reassuringly safe so I would definitely recommend giving it a go.  Despite years of climbing, I really don't like heights but this was manageable!  We did the full trek, taking around two hours and suitable for over sevens, but there is also the one hour long mini trek for the over fives. 

The only downside, however, was that the activities were pretty expensive, especially for a family of six.  The Treetop Nets for six cost over £70 and the trek for three was £74.  We budgeted for it ahead of our trip and once there decided that it was worth it for us so we went for it, and weren't disappointed.  We ate in the cafe which was nice and there was a charge for parking so all in all, it was an expensive experience but fun and not something we'll get a chance to do again anytime soon!

Has anyone else taken to the treetops for a bit of adventure?