What does Nottingham Climbing Centre have to offer?
The Nottingham Climbing Centre opened in 1994 and has enjoyed many visits from individuals, school groups, scout groups, work outings, and kids parties since.
We have over 28,000 visits per year. Staff are experienced climbers, qualified instructors and first-aiders.
Nottingham Climbing Centre boasts 800 square metres of climbing wall. The centre welcomes climbers of all ages and experience, from beginner to professional.
The centre offers Bouldering, Top Roping and Leading Facilities; as well as running courses for beginners or those wishing to improve their technique.
Bouldering
Is un-roped climbing. Special landing mats are provided to minimise the risk of Injury. Graded bouldering problems are marked and changed at monthly intervals. A 5m high freestanding arch provides problems at all grades and most angles. 50m of walls provide a variety of angles from steady to overhanging.
Top Roping
Involves the climber ascending a route by following a rope fixed through a pulley at the top of the climb. A second person takes in the rope as the climber ascends, then lowers the climber after the route has been completed. Top ropes are always in place on the tower and part of the headwall. The ropes can be moved to new locations upon request. Climbs range from absolute beginner to the highest grades.
Lead Climbing
The first climber takes the rope up, clipping it in to fixed protection points as they ascend to minimise the distance fallen should they fall. The second climber can then climb, following the rope if they wish. There are many suitable sites. Grades range from 4A to 6C. You must provide your own rope for leading.
Refreshments
The Nottingham Climbing Centre boasts a balcony so you can sit and enjoy watching the climbing as you take advantage of the hot and cold refreshments available from the café.
How do I contact Nottingham Climbing Centre?
The easiest way is to speak to Steve, Jason or Alex on 0115 9988233.
Or write to us at:
The Old Pool,Rawson St,
New Basford,
Nottingham,
NG7 6AT [For sat nav: Navigate to end of Rawson Street - NG7 7FR]
Or email: info@nottingham -climbing.co.uk
How do I get to Nottingham Climbing Centre?
FROM CITY BY BUS:
Catch Bus 68/69 from Mansfield rd, Get off on Sherwood rise/North gate cross Rd’s. Turn left into North gate (Star pub). Take 6th left into Rawson st. where you will find The Old Pool at the end. (NG7 7FR) 5 min walk from bus stop.
FROM CITY BY TRAM: Catch Hucknall or Phoenix Park bound tram. Get off at Berridge road central stop, walk to north end of Noel st to find The Old Pool.
FROM OLD SITE:
(NG5 1FQ) Turn right out of estate down hill on Hucknall rd. turn right at lights onto Haydn rd. Straight through next lights into north gate (Star pub). Take 6th LEFT into Rawson st. where you will find The Old Pool at the end. (NG7 7FR)
FROM CITY:
(NG1) If coming from the city centre, head north on Mansfield Road (A60). At the first roundabout take the first exit, at the second roundabout take the second exit (to the right of the church) into Sherwood rise. Follow until the traffic lights at the next junction, turn left into north gate (Star pub). Take 6th left into Rawson st. where you will find The Old Pool at the end. (NG7 7FR)
FROM M1:
From Junction 26, head along A610 until you meet the ring road, and then turn left. Or from M1 Junction 25 (Derby), head along A52 until you meet the ring road at the Queens Medical Centre, and then Turn left clockwise around the ring road (strict 40mph limit). When you go over a hump backed bridge get in the right hand lane, passing McDonalds on the right and a Tesco garage on the left. Take next turn right into Nottingham rd. At the traffic lights at the next main next junction turn right into North Gate (Star pub). Take 6th left into Rawson St. where you will find The Old Pool at the end. (NG7 7FR)
When is Nottingham Climbing Centre open?
Monday – Friday: – 10am – 10pm
Weekends: – 10am – 7pm
Bank holidays: – 10am – 5pm
How much does it cost at Nottingham Climbing Centre?
| Registration | - | £3.00 |
| 5 Visit Ticket/10 Visit Ticket/10 Visit U16 | - | £32.50/£60/£40 |
| Annual Ticket: Adult/Concession, U16 | - | £350/£270 |
| Standing Order: Adult/Concession, U16 | - | £33/£29pcm |
| Off-Peak – Mon-Fri before 5pm | ||
| Adult Entry | - | £6.50 |
| Under 16 Entry | - | £5.00 |
| Concessions | - | £6.00 |
| Lunchtime Hour | - | £3.50 |
| Peak – Mon-Fri after 5pm and Weekends | ||
| Adult Entry | - | £7.50 |
| Under 16 Entry | - | £5.00 |
| Equipment Hire | ||
| Boots | - | £2.50 |
| Harness | - | £2.50 |
| Belay device | - | £1.00 |
| All three items | - | £5.00 |
| Birthday Parties & Group Visits | ||
| Two-hour session. Four to eight climbers per instructor. Please ring for current prices. For parties, schools, youth groups, personal development training, companies outings or whatever! Booking essential. | ||
| Please note that these prices are correct as of Jan. 2010, but are subject to change. | ||
Can I just turn up and climb?
You will need to become a member.
To be able to use the Nottingham Climbing Centre safely unsupervised you must be able to put on a sit harness correctly, tie a sit harness with a recognised knot correctly, belay using a belay device and sit harness correctly, and be aware of bouldering safety and the use of spotters.
If you are unable to do any of the above, you will NOT, for safety, be allowed to use Nottingham Climbing Centre unless; You are under the supervision of a Registered Instructor of the Nottingham Climbing Centre. Or you have a climbing partner with you who is capable of showing you how to perform the above procedures correctly. This person must be prepared to assume all responsibility for your supervision during your climbing session and must complete a Novice Supervision form.
Please Note:
Parent / guardians must complete a consent form before anyone under eighteen climbs for the first time. This does not apply to party bookings, only to those wishing to become members.
Under 14’s can only climb under the supervision of a competent climber adult.
14 – 17 year olds can only climb under the supervision of a competent climber adult, or, unsupervised if centre staff has assessed them.
Can I bring along a novice friend to Climbing Centre?
If you are an adult centre member and are competent with harnesses, ropes, belaying and safe bouldering then you are able to supervise up to two novices.
The novice/s would have to take out membership. Under 18’s require permission.
We require you to fill out a short form saying you are supervising the novice/s.
Hiring Equipment at the Climbing Centre
The following equipment is available to hire is;
Boots £2.50
Harness £2.50
Belay device £1.00
All three items £5.00
Please note that ropes are in position for top roping but not for leading.
You will need to bring along your own rope for lead climbing, as the centre does not loan them out. All lead routes have quick-draws in place.
Does The Climbing Centre run instructional sessions?
Two Hour Introduction Session: (Dates)
This course is a more comprehensive introduction to climbing at the centre. In addition to tuition in rope work and belaying, you will learn to improve your climbing technique. The course, consisting of a two-hour session, includes membership, entrance, and hire of harness; belay device and boots (if required), together with tuition. The course can be run at most times during our opening hours. The cost of this course is £35.00.
Two Hour Improvers Session: (Dates)
If you have mastered the basics and now wish to improve your performance, this is the course for you. It covers the full range of climbing techniques including the use of different types of holds, planning move sequences, conserving your strength and belaying techniques. Tailored to personal requirements and include entrance, equipment hire and tuition. This course can also be run at most times during our opening hours. The cost of this course is £35.00.
Introductory Workshop: (Dates)
This course consists of 3 x two hour sessions over a three week period. The course includes an initial introduction session followed by a session confirming the basics going on to look at grades and techniques. The final session looks at different equipment, advanced techniques and dealing with emergencies. The course, consisting of a 3 x two hour sessions, includes Membership, Entrance, Hire of harness, Belay device and Boots (if required), together with tuition. The course are run on Thursdays 7.30-9.30pm. The cost of this course is £80.00.
Booking is essential.
Outdoor courses are available to those over 18, and include rock climbing and map and compass work. The courses vary with the seasons so please contact the centre for more information. Outdoor courses can be run to suit the participants needs and requirements.
Crag Experience Rock Climbing:
During this course you will climb many routes so that you can build on confidence and the skills necessary for enjoyment on the rock, so that you can choose a grade to suite your ability and how climbing suites you.
Rock Climbing Introduction:
During this Peak District course we will look at the skills and knowledge necessary to climb single pitch routes. Topics included are placing protection, tying to anchors, guide books, care for the environment and choosing equipment that suites you best. The course is aimed at people who have experienced rock climbing and are looking to gain more skills to become more independent. It is also very suited to those who have climbed on indoor walls and wish to climb outside or as a step to joining a club.
Single Pitch Award Training and Assessment:
Administered by the Mountain Leader Training Board. This award is aimed at people who supervise novice groups on single pitch, non-tidal, non-serious crags. It comprises of a two-day training course followed by a logbook period and a two-day assessment.
Mountain Skills – Navigation:
A Basic course in the Peak District. The course will concentrate on the moorland areas of Kinder Scout and Bleaklow. We will begin with route choice and navigation with the emphasis then put on course members making navigational decisions for themselves.
Supervision & Equipment
The sessions are supervised by SPA (Single Pitch Award) qualified staff and experienced helpers with considerable experience of both adult and junior groups of all abilities. Supervising staff are first aid qualified. The centre and its instructors are fully covered by insurance.
All safety kit (harnesses, ropes, belay devices and karabiners) is included. All equipment meets safety requirements and is regularly checked. Helmets are available for use free of charge – just ask your instructor
We recommend clothing allowing free movement. Long hair should be tied back. Trainers are fine but climbing boots are available to be hired at a cost of £2.50 per session.
Booking is essential. Give us a ring on 0115 9988233 for more details.
Does Nottingham Climbing Centre cater for groups?
Nottingham Climbing Centre runs tailor made courses for groups which in the past have included schools, children, adults, Scouts, Guides, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, ladies circles, round tables, special needs, and companies such as Vauxhall, Citroen, Mars and Boots. Our instructors have vast experience of every type of group. We are confident we can meet your needs.
Why not bring a group to Nottingham Climbing Centre for an outing? We cater for all ages and levels of fitness.
The session provides two hours of climbing under the supervision of our qualified experienced instructors. All safety kit (harnesses, ropes, belay devices and karabiners) is included.
You can get snacks from our cafe and make use of the centre’s balcony to view the action, or have a go yourself.
Groups can be booked for a group of four upwards. We have no upper limit, but work to a maximum ratio of eight climbers per instructor, so if you bring any more than eight you will require additional instructors to make sure the climbers get the most from the session.
It costs £40 per instructor for a 2-hour visit and £8.00 per climber. We work at a ratio of 1:8 climbers per instructor. For example eight climbers for 2 hours would cost £104 with one instructor, sixteen climbers would cost £208 with two instructors.
Supervision & Equipment
The sessions are supervised by SPA (Single Pitch Award) qualified staff and experienced helpers with considerable experience of both adult and junior groups of all abilities. Supervising staff are first aid qualified. The centre and its instructors are fully covered by insurance.
All safety kit (harnesses, ropes, belay devices and karabiners) is included. All equipment meets safety requirements and is regularly checked. Helmets are available for use free of charge – just ask your instructor.
We recommend clothing allowing free movement. Long hair should be tied back. Trainers are fine but climbing boots are available to be hired at a cost of £2.50 per session.
Booking is essential. Give us a ring on 0115 9988233 for more details.
Does Nottingham Climbing Centre cater for parties?
Why not bring a party to Nottingham Climbing Centre for a birthday outing? We cater for all ages and levels of fitness. You can even download an invitation to send to your friends!
The session provides two hours of climbing under the supervision of our qualified experienced instructors. All safety kit (harnesses, ropes, belay devices and karabiners) is included.
You can bring your own food; get snacks from our café or order in pizza etc. You can make use of the centre’s balcony to view the action or have a go yourself.
Parties can be booked for a group of four upwards. We have no upper limit, but work to a maximum ratio of eight climbers per instructor, so if you bring any more than eight you will require additional instructors to make sure the climbers get the most from the session.
It costs £40 per instructor for a 2-hour party and £8.00 per climber. We work at a ratio of 1:8 climbers per instructor. For example eight climbers for 2 hours would cost £104 with one instructor, sixteen climbers would cost £208 with two instructors.
Supervision & Equipment
The sessions are supervised by SPA (Single Pitch Award) qualified staff and experienced helpers with considerable experience of both adult and junior groups of all abilities. Supervising staff are first aid qualified. The centre and its instructors are fully covered by insurance.
All safety kit (harnesses, ropes, belay devices and karabiners) is included. All equipment meets safety requirements and is regularly checked. Helmets are available for use free of charge – just ask your instructor.
We recommend clothing allowing free movement. Long hair should be tied back. Trainers are fine but climbing boots are available to be hired at a cost of £2.50 per session.
Booking is essential. Give us a ring on 0115 9988233 for more details.
Does Centre run supervised junior sessions?
The Nottingham Climbing Centre runs supervised junior climbing sessions for children aged between eight and sixteen over a six-week course. The sessions are two hours long enabling the children to get the most from their climbing. Parents can either stay to help and learn themselves or leave their children in the capable hands of our qualified instructors.
The sessions for 5 – 7 years olds are:
Wednesdays 4.30 – 5.30, Wednesdays 5.30 – 6.30
Saturdays 5.30 – 6.30
The sessions for 7-16 year olds are:
Tuesdays 5.00 – 7.00, Thursdays 5.00 – 7.00
Saturdays 10.00 – 12.00, Saturdays 12.30 – 2.30, Saturdays 3.00 – 5.00
(Click here for Junior Supervised Session Dates)
The sessions cater for all stages of development, from the novice to the highly skilled youngster. The young climbers will look at all aspects of climbing safely within the centre including bouldering, roped climbing, and abseiling. The climbers are taught in small groups and given the individual attention they need to advance.
It costs £3 for lifetime membership, £60 for the 6-week course or £16 deposit and £9.00 per week. Bookings can only be made with payment or deposit.
Please Note:
Parent / guardians must complete a consent form before anyone under eighteen climbs for the first time.
Under 14’s can only climb under the supervision of a competent climber adult.
14 – 17 year olds can only climb under the supervision of a competent climber adult, or, unsupervised if centre staff has assessed them.
Supervision & Equipment
The sessions are supervised by SPA (Single Pitch Award) qualified staff and experienced helpers with considerable experience of both adult and junior groups of all abilities. Supervising staff are first aid qualified. The centre and its instructors are fully covered by insurance.
All safety kit (harnesses, ropes, belay devices and karabiners) is included. All equipment meets safety requirements and is regularly checked. Helmets are available for use free of charge – just ask your instructor.
We recommend clothing allowing free movement. Long hair should be tied back. Trainers are fine but climbing boots are available to be hired at a cost of £2.50 per session.
Booking is essential. Give us a ring on 0115 9988233 for more details.