Fun family things to do
Ropes Course at Holkham
Swing from the trees and testyour head for heights.
Amazing views await those brave enough to make the climb.
Looking for outdoor things to do or a fun family activity in North Norfolk? Head to Holkham, and make sure an adventure on our high ropes course is part of your day out!
Begin your trail of discovery through the treetops, over wobbly crossings and swinging bridges before getting your feet safely back to the ground with a descent down our two ziplines.
You’ll be in safe hands with our fully trained team who will fit your harness, give you a thorough introduction to the equipment, and guide you over the short induction course before the real fun begins!
You’ll head high up into the woodland and see Holkham from a completely unique perspective.
The course should take around one hour to complete, so join us, don a harness, and have some fun in the great outdoors!
Accessibility
For accessibility information, check out our Detailed Access Guide on the AccessAble website.
Who can go on the ropes course?
To complete our tree-top adventure, you must be over one metre in height and weigh less than 20.5 stone.
Children under 1.25 metres in height or under six years of age must be accompanied by an adult aged over 18 years on the course. Each adult can accompany a maximum of two children in this age/height bracket.
Children between six and 16 years old must be supervised by an adult either on the course or from the ground. Adults can supervise up to six children in this age bracket.
Please be sure to pop on a pair of closed-toe, flat, and secure footwear that won’t slip off. If you have long hair, you’ll need to tie it back.
Opening times
The 2025 opening dates and times for the ropes course are below. As we’re sure you’ll appreciate, as this is an outdoor activity, the ropes course may need to be closed at short notice due to adverse weather.
Summer Holidays
Monday 30th June – Tuesday 22nd July – open daily 10am – 4pm (last admissions 3.00pm)
22nd July – 31st August – open daily 10am – 5pm (last admissions 4.00pm)
September
Weekends 10:30am to 3:30pm (last admissions 2:30pm)
October
Weekends 10:30am to 3:30pm (last admissions 2.30pm)
And if you’re looking for more family friendly things to do as part of your day out at Holkham, browse our events and attractions.
Birthday parties and large groups
Ready for a tree-mendous party? We’re happy to host birthday parties and large groups on the ropes course.
The birthday person’s rope session is complimentary and you are more than welcome to bring your own birthday cake (no cakeage)!
If you are interested in organising your party with us, please get in touch.
FAQs
What should I wear on the ropes course?
Please wear closed, flat shoes and if you have long hair you’ll need to tie it back. We recommend sleeved tops and trousers. Adventures around the trees can sometimes be muddy and dirty so please dress for the woods.
What if the weather is bad?
A little bit of rain can be fun! We’ll only shut the course if the weather is really bad, for example in high winds, if there are storms or lightening, or if it gets really, really cold. Please dress for the weather and feel free to give us a call to check we’re open if you’re unsure.
I have a problem with my booking, can I change it?
The best thing to do is gives us a call or drop us an email and we’ll be happy to help 01328 713 939 / adventure@holkham.co.uk
Do I have to pay to park?
Yes, there is a car park right next to the Ropes Course which is £6 for the whole day.
How fit do I need to be?
Our Ropes Course is adventurous, but you don’t have to be super fit to take part. You’ll be on your feet for around an hour and there is a good deal of climbing up stairs, crouching, bending over and balancing on wobbly crossings.
What are the height and weight restrictions?
All participants must be over 1m tall and weigh less that 20.5 stone / 130kg. Participants under 1.25m must have an adult accompanying them around the course.
What are the supervision ratios?
All participants under 6 years old must have an adult over 18 accompanying them on the course. (Maximum of 2 children under 6 per adult).
All under 16 year olds must have a supervising adult. Every adult (18+ years) can supervise no more than 6 children (6-15 years old)
Adults can supervise from the ground or on the course.
How safe is it?
Whilst there is some associated risk when undertaking activities such as these, we provide all participants with a safety briefing by our fully trained staff, and provide high quality and well maintained equipment. We use a continuous belay system which means you never come detached from the safety line whilst you are up on the course.
Can I join in if I am pregnant?
We recommend that you do not take part in the activity as, although minimal, there is still a small risk of injury. However, if you do wish to take part it is your choice. We highly recommend you seek advice from a medical professional if you do decide to take part and you will need to declare that you are pregnant and accept all associated risks participating may cause you and the unborn baby.
I have a disability, can you help with accessibility?
At Holkham we take pride in sharing our activities with as many people as possible. Our courses are designed to be accessible, but they do offer a degree of physical and mental challenge. This may mean that adjustments could be required for safe participation. We have quiet sessions available and we can allocate one to one support throughout so you can both have a wonderful time.
If you think you’ll need additional support during your adventure, it’s really important that you let us know as soon as you can. We want you to get the most out of your time with us. If you’ve booked already, please give us a call or email us.
If you haven’t booked yet but would like to run a few accessibility questions by us, we’d be happy to talk things through. Please give us a call on 01328 713939, or email adventure@holkham.co.uk
I have a pre-existing medical condition, can I still take part?
Our instructors aren’t medically qualified so we encourage participants to carry out their own risk assessment before taking part in the activity, ultimately the responsibility and decision is yours. You may want to seek professional medical advice too before taking part.
If I’m supervising from the ground, can I have my dog with me?
Yes, well-behaved dogs on leads can be with adults supervising from the ground.
More outdoor family friendly activities at Holkham
If you’re looking for more ways to get outside into nature during your next visit to Holkham, take a look at what you could get up to while you’re here…
Cycling at Holkham
-
Open daily until 30th October. -
Adult bike prices from £14
Hop on your bike and follow our way-marked routes to explore all corners of the park, passing many landmarks such as the Obelisk, the Ice House and the Monument on your way. Our Cycle Hire offers a great range of bicycles, electric bikes and trailers – there’s even one for your dog! Currently, pre-booking is available for full day hire only. Shorter hire periods are available in-person on the day.
Walled Garden
-
Open daily until 30th October.
Visit the newly renovated Samuel Wyatt Vinery, before stepping through the Venetian gates to discover what lies within the sun trapped walls of the garden.
Boat Hire
-
Open daily between 20th July-31st August (weather dependent)
-
£16 per boat (45 mins)
Enjoy a slower pace and take in the stunning views as you while away a pleasant afternoon on Holkham Lake. Hire one of our rowing boats and relax as you admire the passing wildlife.
Walking and cycling routes
Our way-marked routes are the ideal way to enjoy scenic strolls or cycles around Holkham Park.
Holkham Beach & Nature Reserve
What makes Holkham National Nature Reserve so special? Is it the glorious stretch of golden sand, the haven for wildlife or the feeling of freedom as you step onto the bay? Perhaps it’s all three.