Go Ape

Swinging through the trees at Go Ape near Musselburgh is exactly the sort of thing that makes a family holiday actually memorable rather than just tolerable. You're clipped into a harness, working your way across rope bridges, zip lines, and wooden platforms suspended above the forest floor - there's genuine adrenaline involved, not the artificial kind.

The course itself is well-designed for mixed abilities. Younger kids (from around eight upwards, depending on confidence) can tackle the easier routes without feeling patronised, while adults get genuinely challenging sections that require a bit of proper effort. The instructors are properly trained and actually helpful rather than just checking you off a list.

Allow two to three hours minimum, longer if you're not rushing. It's not cheap - expect to pay around £35-40 per person - but the experience justifies it. Go mid-week if you can; weekends pack out with school groups and the whole thing loses some charm.

Geographically it sits well with a broader East Lothian trip. Drummohr Camping & Glamping Site is less than four miles away, making it a logical morning or afternoon activity if you're based there. The setting is genuinely pleasant woodland rather than some concrete industrial park, which counts for something.

It's physically demanding enough to tire kids out properly - not to be underestimated when you're on holiday - and genuinely fun for adults who don't mind heights. Skip it if you're looking for a gentle walk.