Boulder Shack, Southampton: Climbing wall near Totton.
Boulder Shack is an indoor climbing wall in Southampton, 15 to 20 minutes from Totton along the A33. We are open seven days a week, whatever the weather is doing, for children from 2 and for adults who have never climbed in their lives. It is bouldering: no ropes, low walls, deep mats.
Getting here
From Totton to our door.
We are at Imperial Park on Empress Road, Southampton SO14 0JW.
By car
About 5 miles along the A33, and 15 to 20 minutes on an ordinary weekday morning. Parking is free and right outside.
By train
Totton to Southampton Central takes about 8 minutes. We are a mile and a half from Central, or change there for St Denys, which is a 15 minute walk from us.
Coming in from the Forest
From Lyndhurst it is about 10 miles by the A35 and the A33, 25 to 30 minutes. Somewhere dry to go when the forest is not.
Bringing the children
Something for each age.
Not just for children
Grown ups start from nothing here too.
Most adults who walk in have never climbed. The easiest climbs have big holds and big footholds, and nobody has to go higher than they want to.
If you are over 50 and would like company, Older and Boulder is a weekday session for exactly that.
What it costs
A family visit, priced.
An induction includes the climb that day. After that it is a day pass each time.
| What | Price |
|---|---|
| Induction (25 min coached class), AdultCounts as day entry. Free shoe hire. Stay and climb afterwards. Come back independently forever after. | £16.50per person |
| Induction (25 min coached class), Child / Concession | £11.50per person |
| Induction (25 min coached class), Additional children (family discount)Book 1 adult and 1 child, then all subsequent children are half price. | £5.75per person |
| Induction (25 min coached class), Non-climber / SupervisorFor an adult who only wants to learn how to supervise novices. | £3.50per person |
| Day pass, Junior (under 18)Peak | £11per day |
| Climbing Tots (2 to 5 years), Per child45 min instructor led. Wed and Fri 10:30 to 11:15. Parent or carer stays as spotter. Extra sessions in school holidays. | £8.50per session |
What parents ask us.
How young can they start?
Climbing Tots takes 2 to 5 year olds, with a grown up alongside them the whole session. From 4, children can climb any time we are open as long as a responsible adult is supervising them.
Do I have to climb too?
No, but you do have to be there and watching. You do not need any experience yourself. One adult can supervise two children aged 6 to 17, or one child aged 4 or 5, and there is a short briefing the first time.
Does it cost anything to watch?
No. Spectators and non-climbing visitors are free, and the café is open to anyone whether they are climbing or not.
Is there food?
Yes, a proper café, not a vending machine. Coffee, cake, hot food and somewhere to sit whether you are climbing or waiting for somebody who is. Members get 10% off.
What should I wear?
Anything you can move in. Leggings, shorts, a t-shirt, whatever is comfortable. Climbing shoes are £3.50 to hire, free with any membership, and we have them in every size, so you do not need your own.
A short hop from Totton.
First time? Book an induction and we will show you all how it works.