About us – Geckos

Apart from being both challenging and brilliant fun, climbing offers a number of benefits for children:

It improves balance, coordination, fitness and strength
It helps build self-confidence
It teaches better understanding of risk and how to manage it

We deliberately teach in groups of mixed age, gender and ability and the stress is very much on enjoying the activity for its own sake. While a number of ex-Geckos (including Louis, Jo and Jim) have gone on to compete internationally, or (like Doug) work in the climbing and outdoor industries, many (like Rachel) continue to enjoy it purely as a hobby, albeit one that introduces them to the wonders of bouldering, lead-climbing and abseiling.

Geckos instructors are MLTB qualified and DBS checked (you can download our Child Protection Policy here). In addition, The Castle operates a policy of continual assessment for climbing instructors working regularly in the centre. Our instructors are able to teach in a variety of languages, including English, French, Italian, Polish and Spanish.

The Geckos Team

Richard Baxell

Managing Director

Richard holds the MLTB Single Pitch Award (SPA) and is Mountain Leader (ML) qualified. He has been teaching climbing since 1998.

Larner Wallace Taylor

Kids' Club Manager

Larner manages the popular and successful kids' climbing club.

Agnieszka Lazarewicz

Geckos Manager

Agnes is the main point of contact for climbing parties, taster sessions and holiday courses. She is a qualified MLTB Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI).

Geckos Climbing Ltd, registered in England & Wales, number 8220193

VAT registration number 332004364

Garden Conditions of use

About

The garden is based on the principles of permaculture design. We reuse and recycle materials as much as possible, compost waste, use organic growing techniques and have created habitats to support wildlife and promote biodiversity. The fruit, vegetables and herbs grown in the garden are used in the centre’s café.

Please take some time to wander around; you can find out more about the different areas of our garden by reading the information boards.

Use of the Garden

Please be aware that other people may be using the garden to relax and enjoy some tranquillity.

Please respect the plants, insects and animals.

It is your responsibility to monitor the safety of your group and make sure that they are aware of the hazards.

Please take into consideration

The garden is a working garden; please keep to the paths, do not pick or eat anything, either in the beds or other in areas of the garden.

There are trip hazards, there may be construction materials stored here and occasionally there is work taking place.

Children and animals to be supervised at all times. Dogs, in particular, must be kept on a lead at all times and away from the growing beds. Please don’t allow dogs to foul in our garden- but if it does happen, please pick up and dispose the poo immediately.

There is a bee hive located between the Engine House (Café) and Boiler House (ground level) entrances. Do not disturb the bees.

There is a small pond in the SE corner of the garden- take special care in this area with small children.

Do not climb the trees.

Visitors who haven’t checked in to climb at reception are not permitted to climb in the centre or on the outdoor boulders. Children who are attending a group climbing session are only permitted to climb during the session under their instructor’s supervision.

Do not drink from the taps- some of these are untreated rainwater used for irrigation.

Please dispose of all rubbish and used dishes in the centre. If you have a large amount of recyclable material please ask reception or a duty manager who will be able to provide you with a large bag for the recyclables to go in.

There are a variety of plants in the garden, including some that sting or can make you ill- don’t touch anything you are unsure of.

Staff regularly monitor this area. Please report any incidents, problems or concerns to the Duty Manager.

There are men’s and women’s changing rooms with toilets inside the building (the women’s and an accessible toilet with baby changing facilities are on ground floor, the men’s is on the mezzanine floor).

There are water fountains in the centre.

If there is an incident or you require first aid please go to reception and they will contact the Duty Manager.