New to climbing or just new to the Castle?
We offer different types of climbing:
1) Bouldering - climbing on shorter walls, without a rope above crash mats
2) Roped climbing - climbing on longer walls, with a rope
All climbers, regardless of age and experience (novice or competent) are required to complete a registration form. You can speed things up by completing the acknowledgement of risk form online before you come in.
Before Your First Visit
To book a one-off visit, you will need to register at the Castle with an Acknowledgement of Risk Form.
There is a one-time registration fee of £3 which you can pay at Reception.
Bouldering
You don’t need to be an experienced climber to enjoy the bouldering. Simply complete the following form before your visit:
You can also book onto our Discover Bouldering course to learn how to boulder safely and make the most of what's on offer.
* Please note that the Bouldering Only Registration does not allow you to use the roped climbing areas or supervise novice climbers.
Top-rope and Lead Climbing
To do this activity unsupervised you must be able to:
- Put on a harness
- Tie in using a figure eight or bowline knot
- Belay someone safely, using a belay device
If you don't know how to do this, you have two options:
- Come with a friend as a Novice Climber. Your supervisor must be a registered Roped Climber at The Castle. You can complete the Novice Supervision Form online - both you and the Supervisor must complete the same form. You will only be able to climb under their supervision.
- Or, book onto one of our Learn to Climb courses and you'll be handling the ropes in no time.
Registration Information
All unsupervised climbers must read our Conditions of Use and Rules. Read the forms carefully because we'll quiz you to make sure you’ve read them when you register!
There is a one-time registration fee of £3 which you can pay at Reception.
If you're under 18, please see the Youth and Kids Climbing page.
Everyone wishing to climb in the centre must complete a registration form - either an
Unsupervised Climber Registration or a
Novice Supervision Form. There is no charge for this. You will need to complete a new form every three years, to ensure that you have read our most up to date conditions of use and rules and that the details we hold for you are current. See
Admission and Membership for prices.
- You may not top-rope or lead if you have a bouldering only registration.
- You can upgrade to a roped climbing registration for free at any time.
Novice supervision
Registered adult
(over 18) roped climbers may supervise up to two novice climbers. If you are planning on bringing a novice, please check our
novice supervision page.
What to Bring
You don’t need much equipment to climb indoors. You can start bouldering with just a pair of rock climbing shoes. If you want to top-rope you'll also need a harness, belay device and a locking carabiner. Most climbers also have a chalk bag to keep their hands from slipping on the holds. You can hire all of this equipment from The Castle Shop. Helmets are also available to hire from the shop.
Please remember to bring a re-usable water bottle. We're trying to reduce our footprint and don't sell bottled water in the Café.
Want to know more? Drop the Castle shop an email or give us a ring (020 8211 1080).
