Climbing Commons

How to climb at Climbing Commons

Whether you're climbing solo or bringing the family, this page explains how it all works — sessions, passes, and how to get started.
Before you choose a pass

Understanding our session types

We run several different session types — each with different rules about who can attend and whether staff are present. Read these first and everything else will make sense.
Adult session
Open climbing for adults 18+. Available during both staffed and unstaffed hours.
Core hours Out-of-hours 18+ only
Mixed session
Adults and under-18s climbing together. Adult supervision ratios apply based on the child's age band.
Core hours Out-of-hours Ratio rules apply
Coach led
Session run by a qualified coach. Parents don't need to be supervising or meet any ratio requirements.
Core hours Under-18s 18+
Kids session
Under-16s with a parent or guardian present. No ratio applied — you're there to supervise your child, not climbing.
Core hours Out-of-hours Under-16s only Adult required
Social session
Adult climbing social — meet people, make friends, climb together. Typically evenings.
Inductor led 18+ only

Want to see when sessions run? View the full timetable to find staffed hours, kids sessions and social climbing slots at Climbing Commons. View timetable →

18+

Adult passes

Two ways to access Climbing Commons as an adult — choose based on how often you plan to climb.
Best for occasional climbing
PAYG
Pay per session · No commitment
  • ✓ All staffed adult and mixed sessions
  • ✓ Book online
  • ✓ Standard induction — free, one-off
  • ✗ No out-of-hours access
OK, take me through the steps!
For families

Climbing with under-18s

Under-18s access is managed by age band. Each band has different session types and supervision rules. Select your child's age group below.

Got kids in different age bands? Under 16 child is £3 per session regardless of age band. Ratio rules apply per child based on their own age band.

Session Access Notes
Mixed session ✓ 1:1 adult-to-child ratio required
Coach led ✓ No ratio — coach supervises
Kids session ✓ Adult present but not climbing. No ratio.
Adult session ✗ Adults only
Out-of-hours ✗ Only available for members during out-of-hours mixed and junior sessions

What to buy: Each child is £3 per session regardless of your pass type. Non-climbing supervising adult/s don't have to pay.

Session Access Notes
Mixed session ✓ 2:1 adult-to-child ratio required
Coach led ✓ No ratio — coach supervises
Kids session ✓ Adult present but not climbing. No ratio.
Adult session ✗ Adults only
Out-of-hours ✗ Only available for members during out-of-hours mixed and junior sessions

What to buy: Each child is £3 per session regardless of your pass type. Non-climbing supervising adult/s don't have to pay.

Session Access Notes
Mixed session ✓ 2:1 adult-to-child ratio required
Coach led ✓ No ratio — coach supervises
Adult session ✓ Attends as a standard adult with guardian consent
Out-of-hours ⚠ Special conditions apply — see below
Out-of-hours access for 16–18s
All three conditions must be met: guardian consent obtained · CC assessment completed · must be accompanied by an over-18 member at all times.

What to buy: 16–18s hold their own PAYG pass or membership — same as adults.

Good to know

A few things worth knowing

👥

Capacity

15 people per session

Kids sessions max 10

⏱

Session length

90 minutes, booked in advance

Kids sessions 60 minutes

📅

Booking limit

Max 3 sessions booked in advance

🔄

Back to back

Two consecutive 90 min sessions possible

🧒

Supervising adults

Non-climbing supervising adults don't pay or use up booking allowance

💷

Under 16s

£3 per session regardless of parent's pass type

Pay as you go
1
Create an account Register online at Climbing Commons. Add family members if you're bringing under-18s — they'll need their own profile for waivers. Your standard induction and waiver are completed as part of sign-up.
2
Buy a PAYG pass Choose a single session or a pack. Adult £7.50 · Under 16s £3. No commitment, cancel any time.
3
Book a staffed session Pick a session from the timetable and you're ready to climb.
Membership
1
Create an account Register online at Climbing Commons. Add family members if you're bringing under-18s. Your standard waiver is completed as part of sign-up.
2
Choose your membership Select the tier that honestly reflects your financial situation. You can attend staffed sessions immediately after joining.
3
Book your Super Induction Free and one-off. Unlocks full access including out-of-hours. Book at any time after joining — you don't need to wait before climbing.

Staffed sessions are available immediately. The Super Induction unlocks out-of-hours access once complete.

Bringing a group or organisation? We run daytime sessions for charities, schools, and community groups.
Contact us →

Climbing Commons

Accessible Climbing for All