Children climbing on The Castle's outdoor boulders

Holiday courses

Geckos run three-day climbing courses during the school holidays for classes of six children aged 9 and above. Our courses are suitable for all levels of climbers, from beginners upwards. Structured to run over three days, the course covers:

  • How to put on a harness, tie-in with a figure-of-eight knot and belay safely
  • Bouldering and top-roping
  • Essential climbing technique

The cost is £120.00, inclusive of equipment-hire, instruction and admission into The Castle.

Boy top-roping on an 8 metre indoor climbing wall
Climbing the 8 metre beginners’ wall at The Castle.

Our next holiday courses will run during the summer holidays:

  • Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 October 2026, from 10.00-12.00 each day

We will also run bespoke courses on request. Please note that all courses need a minimum of 4 children.

Please contact Geckos for more information, or to make a booking.

Young boy reaching the top of an indoor boulder problem
Learning the skills of bouldering.

Useful documentation

Parental consent form

Climbing safety

We teach children how to minimise risk while bouldering and the three essential skills for indoor top-roped climbing:

  1. How to put on a sit harness
  2. How to tie in with a rethreaded figure-of-eight knot
  3. How to belay safety with a friction device (ATC or similar)
A thank you letter from some grateful young clinets

Below is a list of some of the many schools and youth groups that Geckos has worked with over the years:

Active Communities
Aylward Squadron ATC

Boabab

Catch 22
Centre 404
Chalcot School
Channing School
Charter School, Dulwich
City Academy Project
City and Islington College
Crumbles Adventure Playground

Douay Martyrs High School

Essex, Southend and Thurrock Connexions

Fairbridge
Family School
Finchley Reformed Synagogue
Fortune Green Play Centre

Greig City Academy

Hackney Community College
Hackney Community Safety Team
Hackney Learning Trust
Harlow Connexions
Highbury Grove School
Highgate School
Hollyfield School
Hounslow African and Asian Youth Association

Islington youth inclusion programme

Kestrel House School

Lambeth youth inclusion programme
London Borough of Camden
London Borough of Hackney
London Borough of Haringey
London Borough of Islington
London Borough of Lambeth
London Borough of Southwark
London Borough of Wandsworth
London Sports Forum
Lyndhurst House Preparatory School

Moselle School

NACRO
New Beginnings
North London International School
North West London Jewish Day School

Prospects

REACH
Risley Avenue Primary School
Riverside School

Sickle Cell Society
Simmons House Adolescent Unit
South Camden Communisty School
South Hampstead High School
Splash Dolphins
Stoke Newington School

University College School

Woodcraft

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. There should be a ratio of one adult for three children at all times.

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.