Fall and land well
Bend your knees, land on both feet, roll if you need to and never put out a straight arm. Check the mat beneath you before every climb.
New to the centre
Your first visit
No experience, no equipment and no booking needed for general climbing. Here is everything that happens from the moment you arrive, so there are no surprises on the day.
- Induction
- Included
- Shoe hire
- £3.50
- Adult entry
- £10.50–£13.50
- Booking
- Not needed to climb
The short version
Turn up, sign in, get shown the ropes
Most people take about 20 to 30 minutes from the front door to their first climb. You’ll register, hire anything you need, complete a short induction and then you’re free to climb for as long as you like.
If you’d rather have someone guide you through your first session, you can enquire about a beginner session. It’s optional: the induction is all you need for general climbing.
Arrive 20–30 minutes early. Registration and induction take a little time, and we would rather you are relaxed than rushing. Last entry is 60 minutes before closing.
Step by step
From the front door to your first climb
- 01
Arrive and register
At reception you’ll complete our registration: your details, an emergency contact, a health declaration and acceptance of the risks of climbing. Parents or guardians complete it for under-18s.
- 02
Pay for entry and hire
General admission and any equipment hire are paid for at reception. There is nothing to book or pay for in advance. Adults are £10.50 off-peak or £13.50 at peak times.
- 03
Get kitted out
Staff help you choose climbing shoes that fit properly. If you’re planning to use ropes, you’ll also take a harness and belay device.
- 04
Take the induction
A staff member shows you how to fall and land safely, how the walls and equipment work, and the rules we all follow. Roped climbers have a short practical check as well.
- 05
Warm up and climb
Start with the easiest problems and routes, build up gradually and rest when you need to. Staff are around all session if you want advice.
- 06
Cool down and head home
Return hire equipment, brush down any chalk and let reception know if you picked up a knock. Hands and forearms may feel it tomorrow: that’s normal.
What to wear & bring
Keep it simple
You don’t need special gear. Comfortable clothes you can stretch in are perfect, and everything technical can be hired.
Bring
- Stretchy trousers or shorts and a t-shirt you can move in
- A water bottle and a small towel
- Thin socks (you’ll take them off for shoes, so a spare pair is handy)
- Your own shoes, harness or belay device, if you have them (staff may check them)
- Photo ID or a valid card if you are claiming a concession price
Leave behind
- Rings, watches, bracelets and necklaces (they catch and scratch)
- Jeans, loose cords and anything with dangling straps
- Valuables: we cannot take responsibility for items left unattended
Safety essentials
The rules that keep everyone climbing
These are covered in your induction. Reading them first means you can relax and enjoy the climbing.
Share the space
Never climb above or below someone, keep clear of landing zones and wait your turn. Look up before you walk beneath a wall.
Roped climbing checks
Roped climbers complete a belay check, and every climbing pair carries out a partner check of harness, knot and device before each climb.
Know your limits
Stop when you’re tired, in pain or unwell. Tell staff about injuries. Climb at your own risk, within your ability, and follow instructions.
Who can climb
Ages and supervision
Everyone aged 5 and over is welcome. The rules below apply to general climbing; instructor-led sessions have their own arrangements.
| Age | What it means |
|---|---|
| Under 5 | Children under 5 may use the children’s area only, with an adult beside them at all times. Free entry. |
| 5–7 | A responsible adult (18+) must directly supervise at all times, within reach of the child. |
| 8–13 | A responsible adult (18+) must stay in the centre and supervise. Belaying is not permitted. |
| 14–17 | May climb without an adult once a parent or guardian has signed the consent form. May belay from age 14 and lead from age 16 after passing a competence check. |
| 18+ | Complete registration and induction. Roped climbing requires a belay check. |
Before you climb
Climbing carries a risk of injury. If you have a medical condition, an injury or are pregnant, speak to your doctor and tell us in confidence. If access needs affect how you’d like to climb, get in touch before you visit and we’ll talk it through.
More on kids and teens: Kids & Teens Climbing.
A staff member walks you through the registration and safety information, shows you how to fall and land on the mats, explains how to use the walls and, for roped climbing, how the equipment and checks work. It is included in your first visit. Full detail: First Visit.
Yes, everyone completes our registration and a short centre induction on their first visit. Experienced roped climbers can then show their belaying competence in a quick practical check with staff, rather than taking a course.
No. We hire shoes (£3.50), harnesses (£3.50), belay devices (£2.00) and chalk bags (£2.00) per visit. A full roped set of shoes, harness and belay device is £8.00. See Prices & Memberships.
Chalk helps keep hands dry and is welcome. Please use it sparingly, keep it in a chalk bag, and brush holds down after you use them. If you are unsure about the current chalk rules, ask a member of staff on arrival.
Climbing carries risk, but it is well managed when you follow the rules. Every new climber has an induction covering how to fall and land, how the walls are used and the centre rules. Beginners also have the option of an instructor-led beginner session.
Climbing involves physical effort and a risk of injury. If you have a medical condition, an injury, or are pregnant, please speak to your doctor first and let staff know in confidence before you climb. You always participate at your own risk and must not climb if you are unwell or injured.
Ready when you are
Want a guided first session?
Beginner bouldering and roped intro sessions are led by an instructor and include entry and equipment hire.