Climbing
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What is Bouldering?
Bouldering is rope-free climbing on lower indoor walls, with thick padded mats below to cushion any falls. It’s ideal for beginners due to its easy accessibility, simple setup, and supportive, social atmosphere.
What happens during an intro session?
The session includes guidance on safety and technique, plus plenty of climbing and free shoe hire.
What is Auto-BElay?
Auto-belay climbing lets you scale indoor walls up to 12 metres, using a device that catches and lowers you safely. No partner needed and ideal for all levels.
What happens during an intro session?
The session covers everything you need to climb both on auto-belays and bouldering walls, and you'll likely be signed off to climb solo on your next visit.
What is Top-rope?
Top-rope climbing uses a rope anchored above, with a partner managing it from the ground to keep you secure. It’s safe, social, and great for building confidence.
What happens during an intro session?
This 4–6 hour intro, spread over two sessions, teaches you how to boulder, auto-belay, and bottom-rope climb safely, covering harness use, belaying, and climbing on all our walls.
Fantastic climbing gym with friendly staff and frequent re-setting of routes. There is a casual and social environment both on the wall, in the gym area, and in the cafe/bar! Not many gyms do beer on tap, which is a tasty bonus.
My son loves this place and is doing the development programme. Everyone is incredibly nice and very passionate about climbing. I’ve been really impressed how well they teach the kids. Great atmosphere, staff and fellow climbers.
Great centre, lot of variation on wall and routes. Lots of different difficulties and styles. Clean centre, well laid out, friendly staff and people. Good food options, too!
It’s a lovely, warm welcoming venue and my son thoroughly enjoys the development programme. Bouldering has become his new passion thanks to the Font and it’s great coaches!
Staff were really friendly and welcoming. The climbing areas have an open feel with a well considered set of wall angles, catering for a variety of climbing styles. The setting is great and the training equipment in the gym area is first class.
Love the setting, always fun climbs even for the easier grades. Amazing staff! I love the gym area too! Really well equipped. 100% recommend climbing here.
Inspiring setting with genuinely good movement and well set problems that challenge physically, technically and mentally. Great big well equipped gym space, didn’t feel sweaty even on a super hot June day. Management and staff create an inclusive and fun atmosphere however ‘seriously’ you take your climbing.
Really great place. I did an Intro to Bouldering session. It was great to learn about the different techniques and the instructor was excellent. There is a café and bar area with a really nice vibe. I'll definitely return!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bouldering?
Bouldering is a form of indoor climbing that is performed on an artificial climbing wall without the use of ropes or a harness. This enables climbers to focus on form and technique. The climbing walls at The Font have a maximum height of 4.5 meters meaning they are considered safe to climb without equipment, although safety always remains a priority. We believe bouldering is the most accessible and sociable form of rock climbing.
Do I need to be fit and strong?
Rock climbing is a great way to improve your health whatever your fitness level. Colour coded routes cater for beginners through to advanced levels meaning you can start out on easier grades and level up when ready. Bouldering is as much about technique as it is about strength, meaning all body shapes and sizes can enjoy climbing and reap the benefits regardless of your strength or flexibility level.
What to expect from a coaching session?
You’ll want to arrive at least 15 minutes early and ensure you’ve signed up and completed your liability waiver beforehand. If not, your session could be delayed. You’ll be greeted at reception by a crew member who will introduce you to your dedicated climbing coach. They’ll then get you setup and provide you with all the information you’ll need.
What should I wear?
You’ll want to wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely, basic sports gear is a good choice. Rock climbing is very physical so you’ll likely warm up quite quickly, however consider layering-up as we keep the centre cool and you might get a little chilly whilst not on the climbing wall. Climbing shoes can rented at the climbing gym for £4.00 or are included in the cost of your Intro to Bouldering session.
Can under 18’s access the centre?
Yes! At The Font we’re passionate about supporting juniors develop within the sport. If accessing the climbing gym casually, under 18’s will need to be supervised by a competent adult. The minimum age to climb with us is 4 years old. Full information regarding junior supervision can be found here.
We also offer a range of supervised coached sessions as well as a junior development programme which is focused on supporting the next generation of climbing enthusiasts. Our full junior coaching timetable can be found here.
How do I book climbing tuition for a junior?
To book a climbing session for a young person in your care, you must first create your own account. You can then assign junior(s) to your account by logging in, selecting 'See all', then choosing 'Family' from the drop-down menu. You can then add your family members details and book sessions on their behalf.
How do I access my account?
You can access your account by logging in here. You can then select 'See all', where you can update your info, make changes to your payment methods and amend your bookings.
How do I cancel climbing tuition or a fitness session?
Sessions can be cancelled online by logging into your account and selecting 'See all'. You can then select 'cancel' in the bottom right-hand corner of the class module. Please note that we operate a 48 hour cancellation policy. Sessions cancelled within the 48 hour window will still be charged.
How do I can manage/cancel my monthly membership?
To manage or cancel your membership, please login into your account, select 'See all', then 'Memberships' from the dropdown menu. Select the three dots in the top right-hand side of the membership module, then select 'Cancel'.
As a parent/guardian, how do I book junior sessions?
To book a climbing session for a young person in your care, you must first create your own account. You can then assign a junior to your account by logging in, selecting 'See all', then choosing 'Family' from the drop-down menu. You can then add your family member(s) details and book sessions on their behalf.
How do I buy gift vouchers?
Vouchers can be purchased via our prices page. Once purchased you’ll be emailed a voucher code which you can gift to your recipient. We can then assign the credit to their account in person at the centre, via email or over the phone.
What amenities are available at the centre?
We have gender neutral changing facilities, private cubicles, showers and toilets that are accessible to all. Lockers are available within the changing area to keep your belongings safe and secure (remember to bring your own padlock). WIFI is fully accessible throughout the centre with plenty of sockets available to plugin your laptop or to charge your smart device.
Is there parking/bike storage at the centre?
There is free parking outside the climbing gym on Lydden Road. However, we do not have any dedicated customer parking spaces available aside from disabled parking. There is a dedicated bike rack at the side of that with ample spaces available.
What do you have in terms of retail?
We sell branded merch including t-shirts, sweaters, vests and hats. We also stock a range of climbing shoes from a variety of manufactures as well as chalk, chalk bags and much more! Our friendly staff are always on had to assist you with your purchase.
You can also purchase these items via our Online Store, where we offer a click and collect in-centre service.
Do you sell food and drink?
Our climbing gym offers a full bar service with craft beer and cider on tap, spirits/mixers and a full selection of soft drinks. Our partners over at Pirate Burgers also provide a full menu of delicious food including burgers, fries and hotdogs!
Can I just sit in the café and watch?
Absolutely! You are more than welcome to sit in the café and enjoy a coffee without having to pay any entry fee.
News & articles
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BIG NEWS! We’re excited to share that The Font has had an opportunity to acquire Parthian Wandsworth.
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We’ve got some exciting news to share folks: Hang. is officially becoming part of The Font Climbing family.
Junior Comp Fri 22 Aug @ Font Wandsworth – 20 blocs, prizes, food & fun! Don't miss out!
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We’re excited to introduce a brand-new referral discount for our members! Sounds good right!