MADE BY CLIMBERS.
RUN BY CLIMBERS.
LOVED BY CLIMBERS.
Bouldering Canterbury Wall Climbing Wall
Bouldering Canterbury PreWall Climbing Wall Tunbridge Wells

Dedicated bouldering centres

Indoor bouldering centres across Kent and the South East

the 3 walls

discover your routes

our BOULDERING CENTREs locations

Chimera Climbing have three bouldering walls in the South East – in Canterbury, Chatham and Tunbridge Wells. Each wall boasts hundreds of incredible climbing routes, from beginner through to advanced. There is plenty for children to climb too, with everyone from five upwards able to come and climb.

Fancy a challenge? Come along for a climb. There’s no need to pre-book, just turn up and try bouldering for yourself, and with three locations to choose from, climbing is more accessible than ever.

chiimera climbing

getting started...

Climbing is our passion.

Chimera has three indoor locations across the Southeast of England, along with an outdoor presence at the wonderful Southern Sandstone crags, which are dotted around the Tunbridge Wells area.

Made By Climbers

Who Are Chimera?

Chimera was created by local Kent climbers, who wanted to share their passion for this brilliant sport with as many people as they could.

Tunbridge Wells is Chimera’s original gym, then came Canterbury and now Chatham.

Run By Climbers

WHat is bouldering?

Bouldering is climbing low walls over crash mats with no ropes – it's the easiest way to get into the sport, you don’t need a lesson to get going, you can just turn up and try!

Come and see why climbing is growing so quickly, with hundreds of routes to choose from ranging from complete beginner through to total pro, all setup by our amazing squad.

Loved by climbers me?

How do I get started?

We welcome all ages and skillsets at Chimera. Not only is it a great way to build fitness and strength, but it's perfect for making friends as it is an incredibly social sport. Picking up the sport is really easy, all our routes are colour coded for you, so don't panic!

Whether you are looking for a new way to get fit, the thrill of adventure, to challenge yourself or just make friends, Chimera is the place for you.

chiimera climbing

where to go from here...

MMXV • Established in 2015

Chimera Climbing has been at the forefront of the bouldering scene for over a decade and has watched a niche sport go mainstream. Constantly evolving and innovating, the Chimera centres are a wonderful place to give climbing a go for the first time. So why not get down to your local centre and get climbing today!

BMC Climbing Associate MemberClimbers Against CancerFive Ten ClimbingABC Climbing WallsDMM ClimbSouth East Climbing

What people are saying

"NOW I’M HOOKED!"

"Never attempted bouldering before. Now I'm hooked! Chimera is a beautifully accepting, no-judgmental area to climb. Calm, helpful staff and plenty of climbing options for all abilities. Kids are also welcomed.”

C. McCarthy

Tunbridge Wells, Kent

About Chimera
A different breed
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faq's

Questions Answered

Thinking of coming for a climb? Check out some of our frequently asked questions for more information before your first visit to one of our three gyms: Canterbury, Chatham and Tunbridge Wells.

What is bouldering at Chimera Climbing?

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.

Most Common Query:
Do I need to bring anything?

You can rent climbing shoes and chalk at reception. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and bringing a reusable water bottle – refilling stations are available.

Can I bring a group of friends to Chimera?

Yes! Climbing is a social sport. Just make sure everyone registers online before their first visit.

What should I wear to climb at Chimera?

Comfy clothes like leggings or sportswear are best. Climbing shoes are required and can be rented at the centre.

How does the grading system work at Chimera?

Climbs are colour-coded and follow the Fontainebleau system. Start with yellow, orange, or purple routes. Use the TopLogger app to track progress.

Is there an upper age limit?

Not at all – climbing is for everyone.

Can children climb at Chimera Climbing?

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

How do I contact someone in Accounts?

The best way to contact Accounts is via our email address: accounts@chimeraclimbing.com as our Accounts staff consists of people who work part time from home. We will endeavour to respond to your query asap.

How do External Providers operate at Chimera Climbing?

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

Does Chimera Climbing offer kids’ climbing clubs?

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

What should I do if I have an injury / illness and cannot climb for a while?

Please email accounts@chimeraclimbing.com giving a brief description of your injury / illness. We will cancel your subsequent invoices and raise a credit note for you, where appropriate. Any credits will be applied to invoicing when you return. We request that you email accounts@chimeraclimbing.com when you are ready to return and we will reactivate your membership and access.

Is adult coaching available at Chimera?

Yes – we offer 1:1 private coaching sessions for adults at all centres.

Can I hire climbing shoes and chalk?

Yes – both are available to rent or purchase.

Is Chimera Climbing suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. We have beginner-friendly routes and offer intro coaching to help you get started.

Does Chimera offer school or group bookings?

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

Can children climb unsupervised at Chimera?

Children aged 12+ may climb unsupervised if they’ve completed at least 10 supervised visits and passed an assessment by a Chimera coach.

How do I cancel my membership?

This applies to all our Direct Debit customers: Green Card, Green Card Plus, kids club (Academy, Rock Ninjas, Little Monkeys), Adult Development Class, K&S memberships.

Cancelling part or all of your membership is simple, please just email accounts@chimeraclimbing.com

We require one month's written notice for cancellations. You month's notice period will commence from the date that your email is sent. During your notice period, your Direct Debit mandate should remain active. The final payment will be calculated based on this notice period, ensuring that only the necessary amount is debited from your account.

For example, for a cancellation email sent on 15th March from a Green Card member, the period will run until 14th April. The April invoice will be 14/30 of the membership.

Once your notice period is complete, no further Direct Debit payments will be processed. Your mandate will remain active unless you request that either Chimera or your bank cancels your mandate. This simplifies the process if you wish to return at a later date, as you will not need to redo your mandate.

How can I stay up to date with Chimera events and news?

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook, or check the News section of our website.

Is Chimera Climbing wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Please contact your centre in advance if you need assistance.

Are there changing rooms and showers at Chimera?

Yes – all centres have showers and changing facilities.

Does Chimera Climbing have on-site parking?

• Tunbridge Wells: Free on-site parking
• Canterbury: Limited parking + pay & display nearby
• Chatham: Limited free parking + multiple paid options
More info on Chatham parking.

Can I work or relax while my child climbs?

Yes – our cafés and seating areas are perfect for relaxing or getting some work done while your child is in a supervised session.

Are safety rules available in Ukrainian or Russian?

Yes. Translations are available at reception or on request.

Can I come to Chimera just to watch?

Yes! We have seating and café areas for spectators at all centres.

When will my Direct Debit be collected?

Direct Debits are collected on 1st of each month. It generally takes a week to confirm and 10 days for your payment to reach Chimera.

If you start your membership midway through a month, you will be charged a portion of that month, then from 1st of the subsequent month you will be charged the full amount.

If you would like to discuss the possibility of altering your collection date, please email accounts@chimeraclimbing.com

How do I amend my direct debit payment?

Please contact accounts@chimeraclimbing.com to update your direct debit details.

Does Chimera offer birthday parties for kids?

Yes – we run fun, safe birthday party sessions with qualified instructors.

Do I need to register before visiting Chimera?

Yes. All first-time adult visitors must register online before climbing.

What is the minimum age for climbing at Chimera?

Children must be at least 5 years old to climb.

Can I pause my membership?

This applies to all our Direct Debit customers: Green Card, Green Card Plus, kids club (Academy, Rock Ninjas, Little Monkeys), Adult Development Class, K&S memberships.

We are unable to pause accounts, due to the sheer volume of membership customers across our three sites and the frequency with which this may be required. Unfortunately the administration is unfeasible.

If you know that you will be unable to use your membership for a longer period of time e.g. Summer holidays, you have two options available to you:
- Retain membership over the summer holidays.
- Cancel membership, but please note that we ask for a month’s written notice. You can then reinstate membership just before September.

For Club customers:
Please note that for club customers we charge for 48 weeks rather than 52 to allow for holiday and illness absences. If you do cancel over the summer, we cannot guarantee a space in the same club.

When is Chimera Climbing open?

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.

Do I need to book in advance at Chimera?

No booking needed for casual climbing – walk-ins are welcome! Coaching sessions and kids’ clubs must be booked in advance.

Can I leave my child while they climb?

Only if they are booked into a supervised session (like a kids’ club or party). Otherwise, an adult must supervise them.

If you're still unsure of anything, then feel free to get in touch

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