Kids Climbing & Coaching

book a climb or family intro

For safety, we require 1 adult supervisor to every 2 children climbing.

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Private family introduction to climbing

The perfect introduction to families wanting to learn how to boulder safely and confidently. This 30 minute introduction to climbing includes entry, free shoe hire and chalk for the whole family.

30 minutes, perfect for beginners
£50 for up-to 6 people

Adult and under 18 CLIMBING day pass

£12.50
per climb

To book, simply select your time and checkout! Under 18s pay concession pricing. We require 1 adult supervisor for every 2 children.

Climbers aged 14 - 17 must complete an assessment to climb without parental supervision.

5yrs and lower day pass + shoes

from
£8
per climb

Day pass for little 5 and under includes free shoe hire. Kids must be supervised by one adult to every two children at all times.

Supervising adults needn't pay unless they want to enjoy the walls, too.
aged 7-16 years

KIDS Coaching & clubs

Explore our range of clubs and courses led by our expert instructors specifically for kids and teens.

SubClubs are informal, fun coaching sessions for 7–13 year olds.  NICAS (The National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme) is a UK-wide scheme consisting of 5 Levels. Substation offers NICAS Levels 1–3 which gives kids aged 7+ the skills and knowledge to progress from a beginner to an advanced climber.

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Subclub Koalas individual lessons (7–9yrs)

Available in a 6x multi-pack or as 12x multi-pack

Koalas is our beginner group where you'll learn what climbing is all about and build your confidence on the wall through games, fun and friendship.

Monday, Thursday & Friday 5–6pm
£10.50 per session

Subclub Gibbons individual lessons (10–13yrs)

Available in a 6x multi-pack or as 12x multi-pack

Gibbons is our intermediate/advanced group, where problem solving and climbing skills become second nature.

Monday, Thursday & Friday 6–7pm
£10.50 per session

NICAS Level 1 INDIVIDUAL LESSONS
(7–16YRS)

Available as individual sessions or as a 6x multi-pack voucher

NICAS level 1 is a 6 week course that builds the foundational skills for novice climbers to climb safely with supervision. Once complete, climbers can advance to Level 2.

Monday & Friday 7–8pm
£14 per session or £84 per package

NICAS Level 2 Course Package
(7–16YRS)

NICAS level 2 is a 12 week course that builds on the foundational skills gained in level 1. Kids will learn more advanced climbing techniques such as footwork and balance, as well as the ethics of climbing.

Course is currently in session, email macclesfield@substation.co.uk for next course start date.

New course starting 1/5/2024
Wednesdays 7–8pm
£168 per package

NICAS Level 3 Course Package
(7–16YRS)

NICAS level 3 is a 20 week course that builds on skills acquired in level 2. This is an advanced award and is considered the equivalent of a pass at GCSE.

If you have any questions about this course, please email macclesfield@substation.co.uk

New course starting September
‍Wednesdsay 6–7pm
£280 per package

The 14-17 year old must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian during the assessment.

Why Families love it here

INSTRUCTORS WERE amazing

Took a big youth group and the instructors were amazing with the kids and everyone came away having had a great time.

— Philip A
★★★★★

Amazing Centre

Great climbing centre with passionate staff. The cafe offers a great selection of food and drink, either for a mid climb refresh or as a destination in its own right. Substation seems to do a good job as there's a refreshing mix of familiar & fresh faces that keeps the energy high.

— Doug C
★★★★★

A fave

I've been here 6 times in the last year with family and friends and it gives me a real buzz. The climbing routes are varied for ability which make for interesting challenges. Resets often enough make each visit a bit different and the space is big enough that you don't get bored. Highly recommend!

— Michelle
★★★★★

Frequently asked questions

I’VE CLIMBED BEFORE, DO I STILL HAVE TO FILL IN A SAFETY WAIVER?

If it’s your first visit to Substation then yes, you will need to complete a waiver. However, you only need to do a Substation facility waiver once every 2 years and we’ll send you an automatic reminder when your waiver is about to expire.

WHAT ACCESS DO I GET WITH MY DAY PASS?

Your day pass gives you access to Substation climbing facilities and cafe during opening hours. Arrive anytime and stay as long as you like!

IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE?

No, anyone can climb with us. Under 18s need one adult supervisor to every two children. 14-17 year olds can climb without a supervisor once they have completed an assessment to climb unsupervised with a parent or guardian present.

DO YOU HAVE LOCKERS AVAILABLE?

Yes, there are a limited number of coded lockers in the Male & Female changing rooms and a lot of lockers in the main climbing space that require you to bring a lock.

DO I ALWAYS HAVE TO BOOK IN ADVANCE?

No, you can always purchase passes at reception but we do have a capacity so during peak times we recommend booking to guarantee access.

IS MY SESSION TRANSFERABLE OR REFUNDABLE IF I CANNOT MAKE THE SESSION?

Please email macclesfield@substation.co.uk and we will do our best to accommodate any change requests.

I LEFT MY THINGS AT SUBSTATION, WILL THEY STILL BE THERE?

Each night we collect all items left behind and store them in our lost and found. Please ask reception for your belongings next time you’re in.

Do you offer wheelchair access?

There is access into the cafe and toliets but the rest of the building is not wheelchair accessible.

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