FIRST VISIT?
New to climbing?
If it’s your first-time bouldering then why not join one of our Intro to Bouldering classes where you’ll learn the basics in a fun and controlled manner. You’ll then be free to use the climbing wall unsupervised as and when you like. Alternatively, as a first-time climber you can be supervised by a friend (18+) with bouldering experience. Check here for supervision details.
I've done this before
If you're an experienced climber and are confident to attend unsupervised, then you’re free to just turn up with no booking and start climbing. Note, you’ll need to create an account before accessing the centre's facilities.
Under 18's
Juniors are welcome to attend the centre under the supervision of an experienced parent or guardian. Further details on junior supervision can be found here. Alternatively, juniors can join an under 18's coached session.
Location
Our Wandsworth centre is situated in the heart of Earlsfield in South West London, adjacent to Garratt Lane serving the 44, 270, N44 bus routes. Being just a short walk from Earlsfield Overground and Southfields Tube Station, the centre is accessible from all directions. There is ample parking nearby and a secured bike rack around the side of the building.
Closer to our Borough centre?
Visit our Borough page here.
My son loves this place and is doing the development programme. Everyone is incredibly nice and very passionate about climbing. I’ve been really impressed how well they teach the kids. Great atmosphere, staff and fellow climbers.
We love The Font! My kids have been climbing here since it opened and really enjoy it. The courses for kids are well-structured and the coaches make it fun too. One of my children has disabilities and they have adapted things for them and been inclusive. Highly recommended.
Fantastic climbing gym with friendly staff and frequent re-setting of routes. There is a casual and social environment both on the wall, in the gym area, and in the cafe/bar! Not many gyms do beer on tap, which is a tasty bonus.
Staff were really friendly and welcoming. The climbing areas have an open feel with a well considered set of wall angles, catering for a variety of climbing styles. The setting is great and the training equipment in the gym area is first class.
It’s a lovely, warm welcoming venue and my son thoroughly enjoys the development programme. Bouldering has become his new passion thanks to the Font and it’s great coaches!
Inspiring setting with genuinely good movement and well set problems that challenge physically, technically and mentally. Great big well equipped gym space, didn’t feel sweaty even on a super hot June day. Management and staff create an inclusive and fun atmosphere however ‘seriously’ you take your climbing.
Really great place. I did an Intro to Bouldering session. It was great to learn about the different techniques and the instructor was excellent. There is a café and bar area with a really nice vibe. I'll definitely return!
Love the setting, always fun climbs even for the easier grades. Amazing staff! I love the gym area too! Really well equipped. 100% recommend climbing here.
Great centre, lot of variation on wall and routes. Lots of different difficulties and styles. Clean centre, well laid out, friendly staff and people. Good food options, too!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bouldering?
Bouldering is a form of indoor climbing that is performed on an artificial climbing wall without the use of ropes or a harness. This enables climbers to focus on form and technique. The climbing walls at The Font have a maximum height of 4.5 meters meaning they are considered safe to climb without equipment, although safety always remains a priority. We believe bouldering is the most accessible and sociable form of rock climbing.
Do I need to be fit and strong?
Rock climbing is a great way to improve your health whatever your fitness level. Colour coded routes cater for beginners through to advanced levels meaning you can start out on easier grades and level up when ready. Bouldering is as much about technique as it is about strength, meaning all body shapes and sizes can enjoy climbing and reap the benefits regardless of your strength or flexibility level.
What to expect from a coaching session?
You’ll want to arrive at least 15 minutes early and ensure you’ve signed up and completed your liability waiver beforehand. If not, your session could be delayed. You’ll be greeted at reception by a crew member who will introduce you to your dedicated climbing coach. They’ll then get you setup and provide you with all the information you’ll need.
What should I wear?
You’ll want to wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely, basic sports gear is a good choice. Rock climbing is very physical so you’ll likely warm up quite quickly, however consider layering-up as we keep the centre cool and you might get a little chilly whilst not on the climbing wall. Climbing shoes can rented at the climbing gym for £4.00 or are included in the cost of your Intro to Bouldering session.
Can under 18’s access the centre?
Yes! At The Font we’re passionate about supporting juniors develop within the sport. If accessing the climbing gym casually, under 18’s will need to be supervised by a competent adult. The minimum age to climb with us is 4 years old. Full information regarding junior supervision can be found here.
We also offer a range of supervised coached sessions as well as a junior development programme which is focused on supporting the next generation of climbing enthusiasts. Our full junior coaching timetable can be found here.
How do I book climbing tuition for a junior?
To book a climbing session for a young person in your care, you must first create your own account. You can then assign junior(s) to your account by logging in, selecting 'See all', then choosing 'Family' from the drop-down menu. You can then add your family members details and book sessions on their behalf.
How do I access my account?
You can access your account by logging in here. You can then select 'See all', where you can update your info, make changes to your payment methods and amend your bookings.
How do I cancel climbing tuition or a fitness session?
Sessions can be cancelled online by logging into your account and selecting 'See all'. You can then select 'cancel' in the bottom right-hand corner of the class module. Please note that we operate a 48 hour cancellation policy. Sessions cancelled within the 48 hour window will still be charged.
How do I can manage/cancel my monthly membership?
To manage or cancel your membership, please login into your account, select 'See all', then 'Memberships' from the dropdown menu. Select the three dots in the top right-hand side of the membership module, then select 'Cancel'.
As a parent/guardian, how do I book junior sessions?
To book a climbing session for a young person in your care, you must first create your own account. You can then assign a junior to your account by logging in, selecting 'See all', then choosing 'Family' from the drop-down menu. You can then add your family member(s) details and book sessions on their behalf.
How do I buy gift vouchers?
Vouchers can be purchased via our prices page. Once purchased you’ll be emailed a voucher code which you can gift to your recipient. We can then assign the credit to their account in person at the centre, via email or over the phone.
What amenities are available at the centre?
We have gender neutral changing facilities, private cubicles, showers and toilets that are accessible to all. Lockers are available within the changing area to keep your belongings safe and secure (remember to bring your own padlock). WIFI is fully accessible throughout the centre with plenty of sockets available to plugin your laptop or to charge your smart device.
Is there parking/bike storage at the centre?
There is free parking outside the climbing gym on Lydden Road. However, we do not have any dedicated customer parking spaces available aside from disabled parking. There is a dedicated bike rack at the side of that with ample spaces available.
What do you have in terms of retail?
We sell branded merch including t-shirts, sweaters, vests and hats. We also stock a range of climbing shoes from a variety of manufactures as well as chalk, chalk bags and much more! Our friendly staff are always on had to assist you with your purchase.
You can also purchase these items via our Online Store, where we offer a click and collect in-centre service.
Do you sell food and drink?
Our climbing gym offers a full bar service with craft beer and cider on tap, spirits/mixers and a full selection of soft drinks. Our partners over at Pirate Burgers also provide a full menu of delicious food including burgers, fries and hotdogs!
Can I just sit in the café and watch?
Absolutely! You are more than welcome to sit in the café and enjoy a coffee without having to pay any entry fee.
News & events
Test your skills on 20 leftover Brawl blocs! Log tops on Griptonite and climb to win bar/cafe prizes!
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Test your skills on 20 leftover Brawl blocs! Log tops on Griptonite and climb to win bar/cafe prizes!
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We're packing the events in the calendar... Check out what we've got lined up at The Font Wandsworth.
Fresh blocs from the best route setters, every Wednesday. Here's the latest schedule for The Font Wandsworth.