Key Takeaways
- Zip World is launching the UK’s longest outdoor tubing slide, “Forest Tubing,” at Heaton Park in Manchester later this month.
- The attraction features two slides measuring 77 m and 88 m, both starting 10 m above ground and winding through the park’s trees.
- Riders travel in doughnut‑shaped rings, either solo or in pairs, encountering bends and small bumps that give the tube brief air‑time.
- The experience is designed for families, with a minimum height of one metre (suitable for children as young as four).
- Unlimited rides during a one‑hour session cost between £17 and £20 per person, with earlier bookings receiving the lower price.
- The ride opens officially on 22 May and is available for advance booking on the Zip World website.
- Zip World’s CEO highlights the ride as a high‑energy, family‑friendly way to encourage outdoor activity and quality time together.
- The announcement coincides with other UK leisure news, including a top‑ranked British theme park and a medieval town’s abandoned lido being converted into a waterpark.
- Readers can stay informed about similar UK attractions and events by subscribing to the free Time Out UK newsletter.
Overview of the Forest Tubing Experience
Zip World’s newest addition, Forest Tubing, is set to become the longest outdoor tubing slide in the United Kingdom. Slated to open later this month at Heaton Park in Manchester, the attraction consists of two separate tubes that snake through the park’s mature woodland. The concept is simple yet thrilling: riders sit inside a large, inflatable doughnut‑shaped ring and gravity does the rest, propelling them down a winding course dotted with gentle bends and small rises that briefly lift the tube off the surface. By combining the nostalgic fun of a water‑park slide with the natural ambience of a forest trail, Zip World aims to create a memorable, high‑energy outing that appeals to both thrill‑seekers and families looking for a relaxed day out.
Location and Setting: Heaton Park
Heaton Park is one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, spanning over 600 acres of grassland, woodland, and lakes situated in the northern fringes of Manchester. Its expansive tree lines and varied topography provide an ideal backdrop for an outdoor tubing course that weaves between trunks and under canopy shade. The park’s accessibility—served by multiple bus routes, a nearby Metrolink tram stop, and ample parking—makes it a convenient destination for day‑trippers from across Greater Manchester and beyond. By situating Forest Tubing within this green oasis, Zip World leverages the park’s existing recreational infrastructure while adding a novel, adrenaline‑filled attraction that encourages visitors to explore more of the park’s trails and facilities.
Technical Specifications of the Slides
The Forest Tubing experience comprises two distinct slides. The shorter tube measures 77 metres in length, while the longer stretches to 88 metres—roughly the length of nine double‑decker buses placed end‑to‑end. Both slides commence at a platform approximately 10 metres above ground level, giving riders a modest initial drop that builds momentum before entering the forested section. The course design incorporates a series of smooth, banked bends and modest undulations that cause the doughnut ring to lift slightly, creating brief moments of airtime without compromising safety. The tubes are constructed from durable, UV‑resistant materials suited to outdoor use, and the ride surface is regularly inspected to maintain optimal friction levels for a controlled yet exciting glide.
Riding Experience and Safety Features
Participants ride alone or with a partner inside a reinforced doughnut ring that securely holds riders in place while allowing enough freedom to shift weight for subtle steering. Safety briefings are conducted before each session, covering proper seating posture, hand placement, and the importance of keeping limbs inside the tube at all times. Attendants monitor the loading and unloading zones, and a soft, impact‑absorbing surface lines the slide’s exit to cushion any abrupt stops. The ride’s speed is governed by gravity and the tube’s design; there are no motors or launches, which reduces mechanical failure points. Regular maintenance checks, including tension assessments of the ring’s harness systems and surface integrity inspections, ensure that the attraction adheres to UK health and safety standards for amusement devices.
Target Audience and Age Requirements
Forest Tubing is marketed as a family‑friendly adventure, with accessibility built into its design. The minimum height requirement is one metre (approximately 3 feet 3 inches), which typically corresponds to children aged four and older. This threshold ensures that younger riders can sit comfortably within the doughnut ring while still being able to grasp the safety handles. There is no upper age limit, making the slide suitable for teenagers, adults, and even seniors who enjoy a mild thrill. By accommodating a broad age range, Zip World hopes to foster intergenerational bonding—parents can ride alongside their children, and groups of friends can share the experience in pairs, reinforcing the attraction’s positioning as a social, outdoor activity rather than an extreme‑sport endeavor.
Pricing, Booking, and Availability
A one‑hour session granting unlimited rides on both slides is priced between £17 and £20 per person, with the lower rate applied to tickets purchased well in advance of the visit. Dynamic pricing encourages early booking, helping Zip World manage crowd flow and optimize operational efficiency. Tickets can be secured directly through the Zip World website, where users select a preferred date and time slot, receive a QR code for entry, and are advised to arrive at least ten minutes before their session begins. The experience officially launches on 22 May, coinciding with the UK’s May half‑term school holiday, a period traditionally marked by increased family outings. Availability is expected to be high during weekends and school holidays, prompting the recommendation to book early to guarantee a preferred time.
Statements from Zip World Leadership
Andrew Hudson, CEO of Zip World, commented on the launch, emphasizing the ride’s alignment with the company’s mission to deliver fun, high‑energy experiences that encourage people to spend time outdoors. He noted that Forest Tubing not only adds a novel attraction to Zip World’s portfolio but also provides Manchester residents and visitors with another compelling reason to explore Heaton Park’s natural beauty. Hudson highlighted the importance of creating activities that are accessible to a wide demographic, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. His remarks underscore the strategic vision behind the ride: to blend adventure with environmental appreciation, thereby promoting healthier lifestyles and stronger social connections.
Comparison to Other Attractions and Market Context
While the UK boasts numerous indoor tubing centres and water‑park slides, Forest Tubing distinguishes itself by being the longest outdoor tubing course situated within a public park. Most comparable attractions are either confined to purpose‑built water‑park complexes or rely on artificial slopes, whereas this installation leverages the existing landscape of Heaton Park, offering riders a more organic, scenic experience. The ride’s moderate intensity—lacking steep drops or high‑speed launches—positions it between gentle family slides and more extreme adrenaline rides, catering to a segment of the market that seeks excitement without overwhelming fear. In the broader leisure market, the launch reflects a growing trend toward hybrid attractions that combine physical activity, nature immersion, and social interaction, a trend amplified by post‑pandemic consumer preferences for outdoor, socially distanced yet enjoyable experiences.
Additional News About UK Theme Parks and Local Developments
The announcement of Forest Tubing arrives alongside other noteworthy leisure stories in the United Kingdom. A recent survey crowned a British theme park as one of the best in the world, highlighting the nation’s growing reputation for high‑quality attractions. Furthermore, a medieval English town is repurposing its long‑abandoned lido into a modern waterpark, illustrating a broader movement to revitalize underused historic sites for contemporary recreation. These developments signal a vibrant and evolving leisure sector, where traditional parks, innovative new rides, and heritage‑focused projects coexist to offer diverse options for residents and tourists alike.
Stay Informed: Time Out UK Newsletter
Readers who wish to keep abreast of similar openings, events, and cultural happenings across the UK are invited to subscribe to the free Time Out UK newsletter. The weekly digest delivers curated updates on attractions, exhibitions, dining openings, and travel tips, ensuring enthusiasts never miss the latest opportunities for adventure and exploration. By staying connected, families can plan future outings that combine novelty, fun, and the chance to enjoy the United Kingdom’s rich array of outdoor and indoor experiences.
Conclusion
Zip World’s Forest Tubing represents a thoughtful blend of adventure, accessibility, and natural beauty, set to become a standout attraction in Manchester’s recreational landscape. With its lengthy slides, family‑oriented design, and scenic route through Heaton Park, the ride offers a compelling reason for visitors of all ages to step outside, share laughs, and create lasting memories. As the launch date approaches, early booking is advised to secure a spot on what promises to be one of the UK’s most enjoyable outdoor tubing experiences. Whether you are a thrill‑seeker, a parent looking for a wholesome activity, or simply someone keen to enjoy a park ride beneath the trees, Forest Tubing is poised to deliver just the right amount of adrenaline and delight.