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Soar Over the Quarry: England's Longest Zipline at Bluewater

Soar Over the Quarry: England's Longest Zipline at Bluewater

Launch off a quarry rim and race across 700 metres of open air—England’s longest zipline at Bluewater condenses a full-throttle thrill into one breathless minute. Read on for what to expect, practical rules, and how to photograph the flight.

Greenhithe, Kent
1 hour
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Mind the weight and age limits

Participants must be 8+ years and weigh between 35–120kg; staff check weights during briefing—no exceptions.

Wear secure shoes

Closed-toe shoes with good grip are required; avoid sandals or loose laces that could catch in gear.

Lock down cameras

Use wrist straps or leave phones in a secure pocket—unsecured devices can be lost at speed.

Arrive early for briefing

Plan to be at the meeting dome 20–30 minutes before your slot to complete safety checks and paperwork.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Walk the Thames Path at Greenhithe for river views and quiet pubs
  • Visit the Swanscombe Skull Site and local heritage displays for surprising prehistoric context

Wildlife

  • red kite
  • grey heron

Conservation Note

Operators minimize disturbance by confining activity to established infrastructure; visitors should stick to paths and avoid littering the quarry rim.

Bluewater occupies a former chalk quarry; extraction shaped the bowl that now frames the shopping centre and Skywire launch.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Golden hour, Late afternoon, Overcast for even light
Key viewpoints:
  • Launch tower platform—wide quarry panoramas
  • Landing platform—action shots with quarry face
  • Quarry rim vantage points—context shots with shopping centre below
Subjects to capture:action shots of riders, aerial quarry contours, river and skyline views

What to Bring

Closed-toe trail or trainersEssential

Secure footing for stairs and uneven boarding platforms.

Light, wind-resistant jacketEssential

Spring winds at the quarry rim can be sharp; a thin shell blocks the chill.

Sunglasses with strap

Protect eyes from glare at speed—strap prevents loss during the flight.

Small dry bag or zip pouch

Keeps keys and small items secure during the experience.

Common Questions

What are the age and weight restrictions?

Riders must be at least 8 years old and weigh between 35kg and 120kg; staff will verify these during check-in.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

The reception and booking dome are accessible, but riders must climb stairs to the launch tower and assume a press-up position, so full access to the launch is limited.

Can I bring a camera or GoPro?

You may bring a camera if it’s securely tethered; devices not affixed to your person risk being lost at speed—ask staff about allowed mount options.

What happens in bad weather?

Sessions may be canceled in severe weather for safety; the operator’s policy allows cancellation and refunds at least 24 hours prior for a full refund.

Are helmets and harnesses provided?

Yes—Hangloose supplies certified harnesses and helmets, and instructors fit and check them as part of the briefing.

Can pregnant people or those with back/heart conditions ride?

No—those with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or serious cardiovascular conditions are advised not to participate for safety reasons.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

1 hour

Location

Greenhithe, Kent

Difficulty

easy

Fitness Level

Light fitness: must be able to climb three flights of stairs and assume a press-up position; no advanced conditioning required.

Free cancellation available

Ready to Explore Greenhithe?

Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.

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