Brits are taking extra breaks at house this yr than they’ve in many years, with households throughout the nation in search of methods to remain entertained over the summer season.
Fortunately Hangloose Journey at Bluewater has simply the factor, the longest and quickest zipline in England – Skywire.
Located simply exterior of the M25 in south-east London, the purchasing and leisure vacation spot has been a agency favorite for years, however has now added an journey string to its bow.
Thrill-seekers attain as much as 60 miles per hour as they hurtle over an previous quarry on web site, travelling down certainly one of 4 725-metre zip strains newly-installed amongst 50 acres of gorgeous parkland.
Robert Goodman, senior centre director at Bluewater, explains: “That is undoubtedly a landmark within the 22-year historical past of Bluewater.
“The addition of a brand new customer attraction for the south-east of England, accessible to tens of millions of individuals inside an hour’s drive, is a proud second for everybody concerned.
“Already, we’ve got had big curiosity in Skywire not simply regionally, however from throughout the UK and abroad.”
He provides: “To function the quickest and longest zip wire in England is a big draw, and to have Hangloose as our companions, given the large success of their operation on the Eden Mission, is a big scoop for us.
“From ahead bookings already taken, we all know that thrill-seekers will journey nice lengths to experience on the zip wire and we’re positive our common visitors will equally be dazzled by the attraction and the spectacular view of our parkland as they fly by way of the air at as much as 60 miles per hour.
“Including in our retail shops, eating places, bars, leisure, cinema and free parking, Hangloose Journey – Bluewater is much more of a must-visit, day-out vacation spot.
“And never only for individuals residing on this a part of the nation, it should drive vacationer spend within the area from across the UK and, with our close by high-speed worldwide rail hyperlink, into France too.”
After we visited earlier this month, the place was filled with households, some trying much more nervous than others.
A fast check-in course of at reception, and it’s over to be fitted out with the newest security gear, which once more solely takes a second.
Earlier than there may be actually time to assume, we’re packed off in a minibus to the highest of the experience, waddling alongside dressed head-to-toe in our harnesses.
The launch space sits atop a 40-metre chalk cliff – making a mixed vertical drop of greater than 55 metres – with views over the encompassing countryside an added bonus.
Within the distance the Dartford Crossing shimmers, taking my thoughts briefly off what lays forward.
After watching just a few hardy fliers set off on their journey, it’s our flip to take the experience.
Laying flat in your abdomen, you’re strapped onto the zipline, secured in place, earlier than a platform is lowered away beneath you, leaving you suspended in mid-air and on the mercy of Hangloose technicians.
I had beforehand thought-about myself one thing of an experienced zip liner, however I’ve to confess, staring down the monitor forward of me, there was actually a second of concern.
Three, two, one and we’re off – barrelling over the quarry, forest and lakes under with arms outstretched earlier than coming to relaxation on the far finish.
Its throughout in 45 seconds, however extraordinarily exhilarating nonetheless, with just a few white faces within the touchdown space testifying to simply how scary it may be.
Brian Phelps, managing director of Hangloose Journey, added: “The Bluewater mission launch is a superb second for us.
“Now we have created a bespoke expertise, designed to suit into and utilise components of the picturesque environment, and all inside shut proximity to Bluewater itself.”
Adventurers will probably be happy to study that is simply the primary attraction in a quantity deliberate for the location.
Bluewater additionally has plans for an out of doors skydive expertise, the most important rock-climbing wall in Europe and a 45-metre-high big swing, all inside the subsequent 12-months.
These will probably be adopted by 5 extra experiences: a bungee tower, big slide, clip and climb, waterdrop bouldering wall and a By way of Ferrata, a route-marked climb utilizing steel rails and rungs.
Loads of causes to maintain coming again within the months forward.
Extra Info
Tickets for Skywire, the longest and quickest zip wire in England, can be found here.
