At Chimera, our gym has a range of different routes (also known as problems) to climb, from beginner through to advanced. These are colour coded to make it easy to spot the right routes for you. So, there is something for everyone, no matter what your ability or starting fitness level. It’s a lot more fun than running miles and miles on a treadmill.
Climbing is great for strength building, improving balance, flexibility and co-ordination. But the best part is you are doing all that in a fun, social environment, whilst having a laugh with like-minded people.
The best thing about climbing is that there is always someone on hand to offer a bit of advice and help you go from novice to pro in no time. The mats are a really friendly place, and before long you’ll have your own crew to climb with and have forged life-long friendships.
No expensive gear is needed - you can easily rent shoes from reception. Turn up, watch a short safety video and you are good to go.
Go on, give it a go, give yourself a push and you could be amazed at what you are capable of. Open 10am - 10pm in the week, and 9am - 6pm at the weekends. If you want to save time at the centre, pre-register online here.
New to bouldering? Don’t worry - everyone was new once. Bouldering is climbing without ropes over safety matting and is a fantastic way to get fit, build some muscles and have fun. No need for an induction, just turn up and climb. At the weekends, while adults are welcome at any point, the quieter times are once the kids clubs have ended at 2pm, so if you are looking for a bit of peace and quiet, try and arrange your visit for the afternoon.
Loose, comfy clothing is best - any sports clothes or baggy jeans or leggings.
Yes! Climbing is a social sport. Just make sure everyone registers online before their first visit.
Yes! We have seating and café areas for spectators at all centres.
Yes – all centres have showers and changing facilities.
Yes. Translations are available at reception or on request.
Only if they are booked into a supervised session (like a kids’ club or party). Otherwise, an adult must supervise them.
Yes – both are available to rent or purchase.
Yes – our cafés and seating areas are perfect for relaxing or getting some work done while your child is in a supervised session.
Please speak to a member of staff in your home centre.
Children aged 12+ may climb unsupervised if they’ve completed at least 10 supervised visits and passed an assessment by a Chimera coach.
No booking needed for casual climbing – walk-ins are welcome! Coaching sessions and kids’ clubs must be booked in advance.
You can rent climbing shoes and chalk at reception. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and bringing a reusable water bottle – refilling stations are available.
Yes – we run fun, safe birthday party sessions with qualified instructors.
Yes. All first-time adult visitors must register online before climbing.
• Tunbridge Wells: Free on-site parking
• Canterbury: Limited parking + pay & display nearby
• Chatham: Limited free parking + multiple paid options
More info on Chatham parking.
Some independent businesses run regular coaching sessions at Chimera. These external providers operate independently and do not pay Chimera to use our facilities. We do not receive any share of their coaching revenue.
All we ask is that participants cover the cost of entry.
For those customers who commit to monthly coaching arrangements with external providers on our premises, we ask that they also sign up for Chimera’s Monthly Green Card. This ensures that access is valid, simplifies administration, and is cheaper than paying standard entry each time.
We appreciate your support in helping us keep Chimera centres running fairly for everyone.
For more details about running instructed sessions at Chimera, please contact: coachingmanager@chimeraclimbing.com
Please speak to a member of staff in your home centre.
Follow us on Instagram or Facebook, or check the News section of our website.
Climbs are colour-coded and follow the Fontainebleau system. Start with yellow, orange, or purple routes. Use the TopLogger app to track progress.
Absolutely. We have beginner-friendly routes and offer intro coaching to help you get started.
Yes. Please contact your centre in advance if you need assistance.
Yes – we offer 1:1 private coaching sessions for adults at all centres.
Not at all – climbing is for everyone.
Bouldering is indoor climbing without ropes, using padded mats for safety. Climbs are shorter but powerful, making it fun and accessible for all skill levels.
Comfy clothes like leggings or sportswear are best. Climbing shoes are required and can be rented at the centre.
All centres are open 7 days a week.
• Canterbury: Opens at 8am on weekends
• Chatham & Tunbridge Wells: Open from 9am on weekends
Weekdays: 10am–10pm at all centres.
Please speak to a member of staff in your home centre.
"What a great place. The staff really make it as they are so welcoming, helpful and enthusiastic (especially the Aussie chap!). Really nice atmosphere, busy but not overly, able to climb all the routes as and when. What I really liked was watching some awesome climbers do their thing then give it a go myself whilst a 5year old was zipping up the wall next to me. I'm not looking forward to how the body feels tomorrow but really glad I went and would definitely recommend and go back."
Tunbridge Wells Centre
