If your kids like climbing, running, and bouncing, then they’ll love Nets Adventure at Black Park. We went with friends last weekend and the kids all had an awesome time. Plus, we got to explore the fantastic Black Park Country Park.
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Black Park Country Park, Buckinghamshire
Black Park isn’t our nearest country park but is one of only three locations where you can try Go Ape’s Nets Adventure. Other locations are at Sherwood Pines in Nottingham and Moors Valley Country Park in Dorset. Despite this, it was extremely easy to get to, as it’s close to the M25 and M4.
The Nets Adventure at Black Park is part of the Go Ape centre and is just inside the park entrance. We had pre-booked, but arrived early so we could explore Black Park Country Park first.
Walking in Black Park
With over 500-acres of stunning woodland and open heathland, Black Park Country Park is perfect for family walking. They have miles of way-marked walking trails which lead around the country park.
The 5-km orange trail is the route for the weekly park run and the and 4-km habitat trail is a nature trail through the woods. If you’re visiting with younger kids, they have several shorter routes too.
The tracks are wide and flat and are ideal for bikes and scooters. If needed, you can hire mountain bikes from the Go Ape centre.
With names like Bluebell Ride and Rhododendron Drive I guessed the paths would be pretty and I wasn’t wrong. Even on a grey day, the landscape at Black Park Country park is stunning.
At the end of the trail, we came to a large lake, with a variety of waterfowl, including Egyptian geese, ducks, and swans.
The boys were excited to see a duck with a “Mohican”, which in fact was an attractive mandarin duck. Apparently, they lay their eggs in the trees at Black Park, which can be a challenge for the chicks when they are born and need to get to the lake!
Filming in Black Park
Black Park is adjacent to the famous Pinewood Studios and is one of their key filming locations. We did see a film crew by the lake, but didn’t spot any movie stars whilst we were there.
Harry Potter fans will probably recognise the Forbidden Forest from the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone film. Other famous films shot here include Stardust and James Bond’s Casino Royale.
Playgrounds at Black Park
On the final leg of our walk, we stumbled across the Emma Sallis adventure playground. There are swings, slides, and several play houses. Most of the equipment is wooden, which blends with the natural environment of the woods.
Our boys were a bit too old, but it is a great play area if you have younger children. The Alice Treehouse playground is for older kids, but we were out of time.
Much as the kids enjoyed the walk, we needed to return for the highlight of the day, Nets Adventure!
Nets Adventure at Black Park
So, you might be wondering, what exactly is Nets Adventure? Basically, it’s an adventure playground high up in the forest canopy.
A network of bounce nets and climbing towers connect the trees. Kids just run and bounce to their heart’s delight. Additional walkways link small treehouses and the only way down is by slide! It really is a kids’ paradise.
In non-covid times, there are also giant inflatable balls in the nets. Unfortunately, these have been temporarily removed.
Who can join in at Nets Adventure?
Anyone from the age of one can go on a Nets Adventure. Personally, I can’t see how much fun it would be for a toddler who can only just walk!
Adults must go up with children under six years, but for older children you can supervise from the ground. There’s plenty of picnic tables and benches, and it’s easy to watch the kids from below. Plus, they’ll come back at regular intervals for drinks and snack!
It’s a great place to host a kids’ party and we were not the only ones there with a birthday cake.
How safe is Nets Adventure?
Before the children went in, we attended a short safety briefing. This outlined the basic safety measures and several one-way systems in place.
Supervisors patrol underneath with a whistle. However, whilst we were there the kids were all respectful and they didn’t need to intervene.
The whole area is enclosed by netting, so is completely safe. Obviously, like any other playground, you may expect some bumps and bruises.
Our review of Black Park's Nets Adventure
Black Park is home to the country’s biggest nets adventure and according to the boys, is the best. However, they’ve not yet tried Sherwood Pines! Overall, they loved it and thought the experience was totally awesome.
Practical information for your visit:
Eating at Black Park Country Park
You’ll find a café near to the playground and a take-away refreshment kiosk near the Go Ape centre. Or, you could stop for a picnic in the woods.
Admission to Black Park
Admission to Black Park Country Park, lakes and playgrounds is free. You have to pay if you do additional activities, such as Nets Adventure or Go Ape.
Parking at Black Park
There are two large pay and display car parks at Black Park.
How do you get to Black Park?
Black Park Country Park is in Wexham, Buckinghamshire, England. It is to the west of London, between Slough and Uxbridge.
The postcode for Black Park is SL3 6DS. The park is to the north of the A412 road and you can get there easily from the M4 and M25.
Have you tried the Nets Adventure at Black Park? We’d love to hear your comments below.
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