Home education climbing in Southampton: PE on a weekday, when the wall is quiet.
Climbing is exercise, problem solving and confidence all at once, and weekday daytimes are when we have the most room. Come as a family, or bring your home education group and our instructors will run the session.
Three ways to do it
Whatever suits your family or your group.
Come as a family
Children from 4 can climb whenever we are open, with an adult supervising. Weekdays between 10am and 4pm are off-peak, so entry costs less. One adult can supervise two children aged 6 to 17, or one aged 4 or 5.
A session for your group
Bring your home education group and our instructors run the session, pitched at the ages and abilities in it. Tell us how many children, how old they are and how often you would like to come, and we will quote.
Something to work towards
If your group would like something to work towards, ask us about NICAS Bouldering, the national award scheme, with a logbook to fill in and a certificate to take home.
Why climbing
What they take home with them.
Everybody gets to the top of something. For some children it is the first sport that has ever clicked.
Working out a climb together, and cheering each other up it, is teamwork without anybody calling it that.
Got your own qualified instructor?
Groups with their own qualified instructor are welcome. Each climber pays normal entry and your instructor comes in free. We ask to see their Mountain Training qualification, first aid certificate and insurance.
What it costs
Daytime prices.
Off-peak is weekdays from 10am to 4pm. A group session is priced to fit the group.
| What | Price |
|---|---|
| Day pass, Junior (under 18)Off-peak | £9.50per day |
| 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 |
| Instructed group session, Per session1 instructor per up to 9 participants. Priced by length, group size and instructor count. Book 3+ weeks ahead. Not usually at peak times.To confirmWebsite says prices vary, call for a quote. | Quote on requestper session |
| NICAS / NIBAS logbook registration, Per personOn top of session costs. NICAS Bouldering to Level 5. | £6one-off |
| Group with own qualified instructor, Per climberEach climber pays standard day entry plus any equipment hire. Instructors free. Must provide Mountain Training qualification, first aid certificate and insurance. | Door entryper person |
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.
What counts as off-peak?
Weekdays 10:00 to 16:00. Everything else is peak. If you are on an off-peak ticket or membership and want to stay into the evening, there is a £3.50 peak upgrade at the desk.
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.
What is bouldering?
Climbing without ropes, on walls that are not too high, over deep padded matting. No harness, no belaying, no partner needed. That is why it is the easiest form of climbing to start on your own.
Tell us about your group.
How many children, how old they are and which days suit you. Ring us or send a message.