Go Ape has scooped the title of ‘Best Attraction’ at the 2019 School Travel Awards, cementing the treetop high ropes adventure course as the best place for a school trip in the UK.

The awards ceremony recognised the people and companies behind inspiring school trips and teachers unanimously voted the popular forest adventure attraction as the worthy winner of the top award, beating off competition from the likes of Legoland Windsor, Alton Towers and The Eden Project.

Over 440 pupils have been welcomed to the Southampton Go Ape branch already this year, and staff hope this number can increase next year.

Sharron Scott, head of the education team at Go Ape, said: "It’s an honour to be recognised by schools who have had an amazing outdoor learning experience during a school trip to Go Ape. We’re hugely passionate about improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people by getting them out in the great outdoors and challenging themselves through the Go Ape experience; the results are genuinely incredible to see. We’re more than just a high ropes treetop course. We’ve welcomed over pupils this year through all seasons and weathers, to take part in everything from zip treks to ground-based teamwork activities."

Keeley Rodgers, Editor of School Travel Organiser magazine which organised the awards, added: “Getting children learning away from the confines of the school classroom has never been so important and there hasn’t been a better time for schools to explore all the different experiences out there, including Go Ape. They can have a hugely positive impact on the next generation."