I gave my dad the most unforgettable experience at one of the UK's most underrated attractions that we never thought we'd go to. It's the fastest of its kind in the world.
A Thrilling Father-Daughter Bonding Experience
I visited the UK's most underrated and terrifying attraction. This UK attraction has been on my bucket list for some time, and it went on to become the ultimate father-daughter bonding experience, as one of the UK's most thrilling family days out.
Five of us drove an eye-watering three hours up to North Wales to experience what I'd argue is one of the UK's most underrated attractions. Nestled in a beautiful corner of the country, within a historic slate quarry, is a 1,200-foot drop at the heart of a unique site for adventure.
Last weekend I spent a few hours at Zip World, Penrhyn Quarry, Wales, and it gave me and my loved ones memories that will last a lifetime.
With my dad in mind, I surprised him with a trip to the site that is home to the world's fastest zipline – also known as Velocity, and it's safe to say we were both feeling the nerves.
The team at ZipWorld, from the minute we walked through the doors to the minute we left, were nothing but informative, helpful and calm, helping me feel less and less anxious as the day went on. Meaning, by the time I was strapped into a harness at the top, I knew I wasn't going down with my eyes shut in fear - which was much progress for me.
Preparation and Safety Briefing
After a quick briefing on what lay ahead for us, we were privately weighed to ensure each person was given the safest equipment for their ride and taken to be strapped into the gear. We were dressed in helmets, goggles and a full harness with detachable elements, which would later be clipped onto the zipline.
To ease us into things, we were then taken to the smaller zipline for what is considered a practice run, but for someone who has never been plunged head first, arms to the side, down a zipline, I must say it was still frightening.
However, having that first smaller zipline was a godsend because it meant you were prepared for the next one, your adrenaline was pumping and you knew what to expect. It relieved all the tension for me and made me excited to get that same buzz, but this time even higher and quicker.
The Main Event: Velocity
It reaches speeds of up to 120 miles per hour. As we took on the 15-20 minute bumpy journey through the quarry, it was quite the sight to behold as go-karts zoomed past us and we looked out onto the bright blue water below. The views really are something, and the quarry itself seems never-ending with pile after pile of old slate; even on a foggy and wet day it was still beautiful.
When we reached the top and were directed to our individual mats where we'd lie face down and be hoisted into the air, the reality quickly kicked in. It's definitely not a natural or comfortable position to be in, with your legs flat and your hands gripping on at the side of your waist, but I most definitely felt safe after three different staff members helped to strap me in.
The bed lowers, and suddenly all I feel is my entire body weight, dangling like a spider from its web, and those two minutes spent waiting felt painstakingly long. In unison, the staff pulled the rope, and off I went into a cloud of fog, leaving behind nothing but a loud scream of 'Oh my god'. The views are unbelievable, and it's the closest I've felt to flying, but my skin felt as though it could quite literally fall off; I was going that fast. The beads of moisture in the air pelted my skin as I looked ahead at the vast blue water and seemed to pick up speed the closer I got to the end.
It's an experience like no other, and one, I'm sure I'll never be able to replicate; I just wish I could have done it more than once - which may be an unpopular take.
Optional Filming and Aftermath
For an additional £20, visitors can have their descent filmed to show friends and family; although it may be the most unflattering angle of yourself you'll ever see, it certainly offers a good laugh.
Zipworld have a number of other locations across the UK. Soon enough, we were able to take a steady walk back, take off our gear and be on our merry way, all filled with adrenaline and ready for some food.
We decided to make a pit stop in Colwyn Bay on the way home for some classic pub grub, and I couldn't recommend it more as a base. For those wanting to make a weekend out of their Zip World experience, it definitely has a lot to offer with pubs, shops and that quintessentially British seaside feel – with a calm and clean coastline.
