While travelling through France with their young daughter, Rebecca and Tristram Mayhew spotted families swinging through the trees — all laughing together. They quit their jobs, sold everything, and brought that idea home.

In 2002, they launched the first Go Ape site in Thetford Forest. Since then, we’ve welcomed over 10 million adventurers across more than 35 locations, helping people discover the joy of life outdoors.

In 2021, Becs and Tris passed the baton to the Tribe, transferring 90% of Go Ape into employee ownership — so every team member, from full-time to seasonal, is now a co-owner of our business.

Our Values

Keeping the "adventure" in adventure

We believe zero risk equals zero development. Without an element of developmental risk, it isn’t an adventure, it’s a ride. We boost confidence and risk management skills and get a buzz turning "I can't" into "I can". We aim to challenge, surprise and excite, designing for customer wow.

We support the Campaign for Adventure and champion a spirit of exploration, adventure and enterprise.

Be socially and environmentally responsible, but not preachy

Adventure isn’t just thrills — it’s about living boldly and embracing new experiences. As a purpose-driven, employee-owned company, we’re committed to unforgettable adventures and positive impact. We create worthwhile careers, treat everyone with fairness and respect, and work to leave our corner of the forest better than we found it. Our co-owners are proud to be a force for good in our communities and beyond.

Do the right thing

We want to do right. Ultimately, before finally green-lighting any decision, we ask, ‘is it the right thing to do?’. If we reflect that it isn’t, we won’t do it. As co-owners, we all take responsibility for doing the right thing every day by our customers, each other and the environment. Everything we do must be aligned with the mission, vision, and values that guide us.

Employee ownership gives us stronger checks and balances. Our Co-owner Council represents co-owners' views and influences leadership decisions, while our Trust Board safeguards our ethos, values and culture and ensures obligations to co-owners are met. Two elected Councillors sit on the Trustee Board, so co-owner voices shape decisions at every level.