Gripped London: Zip Line, High Ropes & Freefall Adventure

Gripped swaps museums and pavements for three aerial challenges on open heathland. You climb and balance among the trees, race side by side on dual ziplines, then step off for a controlled descent on the Power Fan. It is an active change of pace from London sightseeing, not a quiet afternoon outdoors.

I like that the Big 3 Pass bundles three distinct activities, so you get more variety than a single zipline run. I also like the instructor-led safety briefings and included equipment, which help make an unfamiliar aerial course feel manageable.

The main drawback is the weather: this is an outdoor site with limited cover, and some elements can close in certain conditions. You will also need to meet the height and weight limits, and under-15s need a ticket-holding adult for the Zip Trek and High Ropes.

Five things to know before you go

• Your pass covers three activities: High Ropes, Zip Trak and the Power Fan Descender.
• The ziplines run in pairs: Dual lines let you travel side by side rather than wait for a single rider.
• The Power Fan is a controlled free-fall: It is designed to lower you from the platform, not leave you to jump unaided.
• The height limit is 1.4 metres: All participants must also weigh under 120 kg.
• Plan for outdoor conditions: Wear closed-toe shoes, arrive 15 minutes early and check for weather-related closures.

A different kind of day out from London

Gripped is an outdoor adventure park in South East England, set on open heathland. The idea is simple: trade a day of looking at sights for one spent climbing, balancing, zipping and lowering yourself from a height. If your group has had its fill of galleries and historic streets, that change of pace can be the point.

The Big 3 Pass includes three high-adrenaline activities: the High Ropes course, Zip Trak and Power Fan Descender. You get the safety briefings and required equipment as part of the pass. Food and drinks are not included, but are available to buy.

The experience is listed as valid for one day, with starting times shown during booking. That gives you a date for the outing, but does not tell you how long each activity or the full visit will take. Check the available session time before you plan the rest of your day, and leave room for the required arrival and safety steps.

Start at the admissions booth

At the Gripped entrance, present your voucher at the Admissions Booth. You must arrive 15 minutes before your session starts, so allow time for that rather than aiming to reach the booth at the last minute.

Before you take on the course, you need to complete a waiver and watch the safety briefing video ahead of your visit. There is also an instructor-led safety briefing on site. These steps are not filler: they explain the rules and help you understand how to use the equipment before you begin.

The instructor language is English. If anyone in your group is not comfortable following safety instructions in English, consider that before booking. The activities rely on understanding the briefing, not simply watching others and copying them.

Take on the High Ropes course

The High Ropes course is the balance-and-swing part of the day. You move through a treetop course, taking on aerial elements that ask for focus and steady movement. It offers a different kind of challenge from the ziplines: instead of travelling along a line, you work your way through the course.

That variety matters if you are booking for a mixed group. Some people may be keen to get airborne, while others may prefer a challenge that unfolds one step at a time. The course still involves height and movement, so it is not a good fit for anyone with a mobility impairment or a strong reluctance to be up in the air.

Children under 15 must have a ticket-holding adult participating with them on the High Ropes. One adult can accompany up to four participants under 15. That is a useful ratio for families, but it means the accompanying adult needs to be ready to take part, not simply watch from the ground.

Race side by side on the Zip Trak

The Zip Trak has dual ziplines, so two people can travel side by side. That makes this part especially suited to friends, couples or family members who want to share the moment rather than take turns on one line. It is also a natural group challenge: you can compare who reaches the end first, though the details of the ride and its length are not specified.

The side-by-side setup is one of the pass’s clearest practical advantages. A single zipline can involve waiting while each person takes a turn; two lines give a pair the option to go together. If you are booking for a larger group, though, the dual lines do not mean everyone goes at once.

For the Zip Trek, participants under 15 must also have a ticket-holding adult with them. One adult can accompany up to four under-15s across the Zip Trek and High Ropes requirements. Every participant must be at least 1.4 metres tall and weigh less than 120 kg.

Take a controlled descent on the Power Fan

The Power Fan Descender is the pass’s free-fall element. You step from a platform and descend under control, rather than making an unaided leap. That distinction may help if you are curious about a drop but not keen on an uncontrolled jump.

It is still the activity most likely to test your nerve. You can expect the pause before the descent to be part of the challenge, but the provided details do not specify the platform height, descent time or exact operating method. The safety briefing is the right place to listen closely and ask any questions before you take part.

The Power Fan is included with the other two activities, giving you three different kinds of aerial challenge in one visit. If you are deciding whether the pass suits your group, consider the full mix: a course that asks for balance, a paired zipline and a controlled drop. The appeal is variety, but none of the three is a ground-level activity.

What the $66 pass includes, and what it does not

At $66 per person, the Big 3 Pass covers three activities, safety briefings and required equipment. Its value depends on whether you want to try all three. If you do, one pass keeps the main activities together instead of making you choose just one. If you are only interested in the zipline, the bundle may offer less value for your plans.

Bring gloves if you already have a pair you are comfortable using, or budget to purchase them on site. Gloves are not included. Food and drinks are also extra, though you can buy them there. Parking costs £1 per hour, so the final cost will be higher if you drive and spend time at the site.

The pass does not include entry to Hobbledown Heath. It also excludes additional Gripped activities such as Speed Slides, Net Park and Bag Jumps. Keep that distinction in mind when planning your budget: the Big 3 price covers the three named aerial activities, not every attraction at the wider site.

Dress for the weather and check your limits

Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Open-toed shoes and jewelry are not allowed, and a hair tie is useful if you have long hair. Choose clothing for the forecast, since Gripped is outdoors and has limited cover if it rains.

Some parts of the park may close in certain weather conditions for safety reasons. That can affect what is available on the day, so it is sensible to check conditions before you set out. If bad weather is likely, remember that outdoor cover is limited even if the activities can continue.

The height and weight rules apply to all participants: you must be over 1.4 metres and under 120 kg. The experience is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. These are firm considerations, not small-print details to leave until the admission booth.

Who will get the most from Gripped?

This is a strong choice for friends who want an active outing, families whose children meet the height requirements, and groups looking for something more physical than a standard city visit. The three activities give the day a clear shape and let you try different forms of aerial challenge in one booking.

It is less suitable if you want a relaxed, sheltered activity, if anyone in your party dislikes heights, or if participants cannot meet the physical restrictions. Families should also plan around the under-15 rule: an adult with a ticket must participate on the Zip Trek and High Ropes, with one adult covering no more than four children under 15.

If your group includes different ages or confidence levels, talk through the three activities before booking. The pass is best for people willing to try all three, not just accompany someone else. Anyone who cannot or does not want to take part will still need to consider the ticket and participation requirements carefully.

Is the Big 3 Pass worth booking?

Book it if you want a full-on outdoor break from sightseeing and the whole group is ready for heights. The strongest value is the range: High Ropes, dual Zip Trak and a controlled Power Fan descent, with equipment and safety briefings included. At $66 per person, it makes most sense when you plan to take on all three.

Think twice if rain would spoil your day, if you need a sheltered activity, or if anyone in your party falls outside the height and weight limits. Check the session times, complete the waiver and briefing video before you go, and arrive 15 minutes early. For a group that meets the requirements and wants an active day out, Gripped is a lively alternative to another day on the city streets.

FAQ

How many activities are included in the Big 3 Pass?

The pass includes three activities: the High Ropes course, Zip Trak and the Power Fan Descender.

Is safety equipment included?

Yes. Required equipment and safety briefings are included.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes and weather-appropriate clothing, along with closed-toe shoes. Open-toed shoes and jewelry are not allowed. A hair tie is also recommended.

Are there height and weight restrictions?

Yes. All participants must be over 1.4 metres tall and weigh under 120 kg.

Can children under 15 take part without an adult?

No. Participants under 15 need a ticket-holding adult to take part with them on the Zip Trek and High Ropes. One adult can accompany up to four under-15s.

Is parking included?

No. Parking costs £1 per hour.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase, but are not included in the pass.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to two days in advance for a full refund.