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.

Loose, comfy clothing is best - any sports clothes or baggy jeans or leggings.

This year we have added in 5 more blocs in each category at the low-to-intermediate end, making the comp even more accessible. If you climb regularly at Chimera Tunbridge Wells you can expect juniors climbs to start at around an orange level, and adults climbs to be set from purples upwards. The harder end of the qualifying climbs will be up to around 7b+/V8 level, with as many hard climbs as usual available to challenge our more experienced climbers.

Scoring will be done on paper for juniors and on the TopLogger app for adults.

Yes. In each category there will be a trophy for the winner and medals for 2nd and 3rd place.

We love our canine friends and while we welcome them coming along to the party in the evening we would advise against bringing dogs to the daytime competition as it will be very busy.

Yes, as long as your outfit is safe to climb in and doesn't have any elements (an ice surfboard, for example) that could be a danger to yourself or other climbers.

No. You will not be allowed on the walls if you have consumed alcohol.

Yes. Part of the car park will be out of action but there will still be limited parking on site as well as some free options nearby – just please be courteous to our neighbours. We are also only a short walk from High Brooms station and would encourage you to take public transport, walk or cycle to The Big Summer Party if you can.

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.

Yes! Children aged 5 and up are welcome. Under 16s must be supervised unless signed off by a coach to climb independently.

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 – we run kids’ clubs at all centres:
• Little Monkeys (ages 5–7)
• Rock Ninjas (ages 8–11)
• Academy (ages 12–16)

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.

Yes – we welcome schools, youth groups, and corporate events. Contact your local centre to arrange a session.

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.

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.

Children must be at least 5 years old to climb.