The Red Goat Climbing Wall
ENTRY
from £3
WHERE
York
What it’s like
Bouldering walls to climb without ropes, with an induction for first-timers and under-18s booked in by phone.
This is a bouldering gym, so no harnesses or ropes, just climbing shoes, chalk and walls low enough that you drop back onto the mats. If you or your kids haven't climbed indoors before, or it's been a while, you'll need to do an induction first: around 45 minutes to an hour with an instructor teaching the basics and how to use the centre safely, and it's £15. Once that's done you're free to turn up whenever you like.
Shoes and chalk aren't included unless you're doing the induction, so budget £3 on top for shoe rental if you haven't got your own. A single adult session is £10, but if climbing's going to be a regular thing the monthly membership options work out cheaper, and there's a junior rate for anyone from Reception to Year 11.
Under-18s can't just walk in. The centre asks that you phone ahead to book a child or young person in, which is a bit more faff than turning up on the day, but it means someone's expecting them. Once you're a member, though, climbing here is a genuinely social thing to do, and the site reckons you'll meet plenty of people to climb alongside even if you've come on your own.
Opening hours stretch late most days, up to 10pm, and there's an early start on Tuesdays to Thursdays from 6:30am if you fancy a climb before work. There's a café on site for afterwards, which is no bad thing given how much climbing takes out of you.
Facilities
Need to know
- Booking
- Children under 18 must be pre-booked by phone
- Phone ahead to book any under-18s in, you can't just walk in with them
- Shoe hire is £3 extra unless you're doing the induction, which includes it
- Punch cards (12 sessions) and annual memberships work out cheaper than paying per visit
- Tuesday to Thursday it opens early at 6:30am
Plan your visit
Do we need to book for kids?
Yes, anyone under 18 has to be booked in by phone rather than just turning up.
Does my child need to have climbed before?
If they're not already a confident indoor climber, or it's been a while, they'll need an induction first. That's £15 and covers the basics plus how to use the centre safely.
How much does it cost?
A single adult session is £10. There are junior monthly memberships from £30 for anyone Reception to Year 11, plus punch cards and annual options if you're coming regularly.
Do we need our own kit?
You need climbing shoes and chalk. Shoe rental is £3, and both are included if you're doing an induction.
Can my child come bouldering alone?
Bouldering is a social activity and the site says you'll meet plenty of people to climb with, but under-18s still need to be pre-booked by phone regardless.
What are the opening hours?
Most days it's open until 10pm, with an early 6:30am start Tuesday to Thursday. Saturday closes a bit earlier at 8pm and Sunday runs 10am to 8pm.
Is it open over Christmas?
It's open all year except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, with shorter hours on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
Is there anywhere to eat?
There's a café on site with indoor seating.
How long does an induction take?
Around 45 minutes to an hour, run by an instructor.
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