Go Ape Wendover

You'll be strapped into a harness before you know it, clipped onto a zipline, and suddenly the Chiltern beechwoods are rushing past below you. Go Ape Wendover is the kind of place that looks terrifying from the ground and becomes genuinely thrilling once you're up there. The course threads through the treetops with a mix of rope bridges, Tarzan swings, and ziplines - there's a real progression from easier circuits to proper adrenaline stuff, so families with younger kids and confident teens can all find their level.

It's best suited to anyone over about eight who doesn't mind heights. Adults often find it more fun than expected, especially if you go with mates rather than taking it too seriously. Allow two to three hours minimum - the actual course takes an hour or so, but there's briefing, queuing, and the fact you'll want to recover with a drink afterwards. The nearest town is Tring, which gives you a decent reference point, though the site itself sits well into the Chilterns.

If you're camping nearby at Hill Farm - just half a mile away - this makes a cracking afternoon activity when the weather's decent. Chiltern Yurts and Orchard View Farm Camping are also close enough for a short drive. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends. It's not free, and you'll need to book ahead during school holidays. The real question: is it worth the cost? For an action-hungry family or group, yes. For a gentle park holiday, probably not your priority.