FAQs

CHILD SUPERVISION

If you’re visiting with friends or family outside of a coached session, the supervision ratio is 1 adult to 2 under-18s, with continuous arm’s-length supervision required at all times.

Children under 8 are not permitted in the main bouldering gym under any circumstances (insurance requirement) and may only use the dedicated Children’s Climbing Room.

Climbers aged 8–17 may use the main gym only under active adult supervision, and all supervising parents or guardians must complete a full adult induction at The Coliseum regardless of prior climbing experience.

Please add your own children under “Family Connections”, and any children you are supervising who are not your own under “Connections”, once their parent or guardian has created their account and completed registration.

JUNIOR INDEPENDENT CLIMBING

To keep The Coliseum safe and enjoyable for all climbers, independent climbing sign-off for under-18s is granted only following a formal assessment confirming they can climb safely without supervision.

If you believe your child may be ready for independent climbing, please speak with a member of the management team. We’ll carry out a structured assessment covering essential bouldering safety knowledge and practical climbing competency on the wall.

DO I NEED TO BOOK IN ADVANCE?

Booking is preferred, especially for first-time visitors.
You’ll need to watch our safety video and complete an Acknowledgment of Risk form for yourself, and for anyone you’re supervising under 18.
Once that’s done, you can drop in to complete your first-visit induction any time within our opening hours.

SIGN-UP & COMPLETE RISK FORMS

WHAT IS ROUTE SETTING & HOW OFTEN DO YOU CHANGE THE WALLS?

Route setting is the art and science of designing the climbs (or “problems”) you see on our walls. Every hold, movement, and sequence is intentionally crafted to challenge, teach, and inspire climbers of all levels.

At The Coliseum, we’re proud to have ex-GB climber and highly respected setter Adam Watson leading our setting team. Alongside our diverse crew of male and female setters, Adam ensures the centre is always fresh and exciting – with 25% of the wall reset every single week.

That means every visit brings something new to try, new skills to learn, and new problems to conquer.

WHAT’S THE MINIMUM AGE TO CLIMB AT THE CENTRE?

The minimum age to join our junior sessions is 4 years old, starting with our Mini Gladiators bouldering club, designed to introduce little climbers to the basics in a fun and supportive environment.

Older children can progress through our Junior Bouldering Club and Junior Academy programmes as they grow in confidence and ability.

DO I NEED CLIMBING SHOES?

Yes, climbing shoes are essential for grip and safety on the wall. You’re welcome to bring your own, or you can hire a pair from reception. If you’re new to climbing, our team can help you choose the right size and fit.

IS THERE PARKING OR TRANSPORT NEARBY?

Yes — there’s free parking for up to 3 hours in the car parks right next to the gym. If you don’t already have a parking disc, just grab one for £1 at our reception when you arrive.

We’re also easily accessible by public transport, with the bus station just a short walk away.

IS THE COLISEUM ACCESSIBLE?

Absolutely.

We aim to run accessible climbing sessions with adapted routes and support. We are working with national providers to get this up and running later in Spring 2026!

Lift access is available to the first floor.

A chair lift connects to The Summit viewing area. (Coming January 2026)

CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD OR DRINK?

You’re welcome to bring your own water bottle, we have a refill station available at the centre.

We kindly ask that you don’t bring your own food, as The Summit Bar offers a great selection of drinks, snacks, and treats to enjoy before or after your climb.

GROUP BOOKINGS?

Yes! We are delighted to offer group bookings for families, schools, corporate events, Scouts, Guides, Cadets and other clubs and associations, both for junior and adult climbers.

Please speak to the duty manager for further details.

IS THERE A STRENGTH & CONDITIONING AREA?

Yes, we have a dedicated strength & conditioning zone equipped with a squat rack, barbells, plates, bench, pull up bar, dumbbell weights rack, bands, yoga mats, hang boards, campus rungs/spheres.

To enhance the above we also offer a fixed 30 degree digital circuit board & a fully automatic Kilter Board.

WEEKLY SOCIALS & CLUBS?

At The Coliseum we offer a range of drop-in sessions to enable you to climb with like minded individuals and make new bouldering friends.

These include, women’s socials, senior sessions & teen bouldering, as well as the (admittedly not climbing related) ‘average running club’. Please check our timetable for up to date details.

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