Big Rock Hub
Big Rock Hub, Milton Keynes: Hours, Address, Big Rock Hub Reviews: 5/5
Big Rock Hub
Big Rock Hub
5
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Looking for a new and exciting experience that you can try on your own, with your friends or as a family? Then you have to try this! Big Rock Hub in Kingston, Milton Keyn is a massive indoor arena with hundreds of different color-coded climbs, from easy challenges for anyone new to climbing, to mega hard climbs designed to test future champions! Our climbing is designed to be fun for everyone and it doesn’t matter what your ability is since the satisfaction from reaching the top is the same whatever your level. It’s social, dynamic, engaging and fun, and regular practice will improve your body dynamics, suppleness, power and strength. You can practise at your own pace and all our climbing is difficulty graded and colour-coded, making it really easy to select challenges that are appropriate to your ability. The climbs are even changed regularly throughout the year too, so there are always new challenges waiting for your next visit.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,028 reviews
Excellent
895
Very good
104
Average
17
Poor
5
Terrible
8
Paula V
1 contribution
Family
Truly great coaching from a very skilled and patient Tom. Our group aged 66 years to 6 years and we all climbed. Tom engaged thoughtfully with the 6 year old who was slightly overwhelmed to begin with. In 10 mins he was climbing everything to the top! As we all were. Brilliant fun. Professionally done. Excellent warming up session (made a difference, esp for the older members of the group).
Written April 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rrtfqdxz
2 contributions
Unique level of service, friendly and accommodating centre.
I've always had good experiences with the Big Rock centres, but was so impressed with their friendliness and COVID-19 management when we visited this weekend. We had a small child, and an instructor even came and belayed for us for a bit and had a chat so we could balance entertaining her.
I think their COVID-19 management, doing cleaning between sessions, was a more robust method than seen elsewhere, 2.5 hour slots gave us time, and the centre was so relaxed and welcoming.
I've always had good experiences with the Big Rock centres, but was so impressed with their friendliness and COVID-19 management when we visited this weekend. We had a small child, and an instructor even came and belayed for us for a bit and had a chat so we could balance entertaining her.
I think their COVID-19 management, doing cleaning between sessions, was a more robust method than seen elsewhere, 2.5 hour slots gave us time, and the centre was so relaxed and welcoming.
Written August 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hilarya910
1 contribution
Family
The whole experience for our granddaughter aged 10 was brilliant. The safety measures were excellent, the instructor was friendly, professional and encouraging. He took into account her age, agility and enthusiasm and suggested a really good sequence of climbs. Altogether great afternoon climbing.
Written April 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Holly
1 contribution
I participated in the adult climbing course on Saturday and overall had been pleased and impressed by the experience and facilities.
However, I found the end of the course very unpleasant. with no warning or extra help to support me to reach the standard needed to be safe when using Big Rock, I was that I wouldn’t be able to access unlimited climbing for a month due to the fact I had at times, struggled during the course. I was incredibly surprised as although I did find using some of the equipment tricky initially, I had been carrying on and not told that I was not near the expected standard. In fact, the instructor had spoken to me very little, more so towards the end of the session, and I had assumed this was because I was increasing my skills and becoming more independent.
After paying £80 to learn to climb and have the opportunity to embed the skills I learned after, I was not impressed at having been left to fail and potentially practise wrong and asked to speak to a supervisor, which caused me distress and embarrassment as I had wanted to finish happy and with a sense of a achievement. Instead I was close to tears because of the awkward situation I found myself in.
Luckily, the supervisor was very calm and managed the situation well, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank her for sorting the situation so quickly. When I pointed out that being failed without prior warning was unfair and asked for a refund for the unlimited climbing, she let me do a second test, which I then passed and was allowed to have the unlimited climbing. However despite her best intentions, this left me feeling embarrassed and awkward as the issue in question could have been rectified easily during the session.
The second issue is that time was not used appropriately; the session finished 40 minutes early. This extra time was then used for test at my request that caused me more anxiety when the time could have been used for a little extra boost, which seemed to be all I needed, as the supervisor and another instructor were both satisfied that I was at an adequate standard after 5 short minutes of extra climbing.
It is such a shame as I feel all of this could have been easily avoided: I could have been taken to the side with an hour to spare and warned that some skills were not of the standard expected and offered extra help. Neither of these things happened and When I emailed my suggestions, the centre manager could not even find the time to reply to my email
Overall, although the facilities are good, the customer service and value for money for the price you pay means that I would recommend other centres for nervous climbers or people who actually would like support from the staff.
However, I found the end of the course very unpleasant. with no warning or extra help to support me to reach the standard needed to be safe when using Big Rock, I was that I wouldn’t be able to access unlimited climbing for a month due to the fact I had at times, struggled during the course. I was incredibly surprised as although I did find using some of the equipment tricky initially, I had been carrying on and not told that I was not near the expected standard. In fact, the instructor had spoken to me very little, more so towards the end of the session, and I had assumed this was because I was increasing my skills and becoming more independent.
After paying £80 to learn to climb and have the opportunity to embed the skills I learned after, I was not impressed at having been left to fail and potentially practise wrong and asked to speak to a supervisor, which caused me distress and embarrassment as I had wanted to finish happy and with a sense of a achievement. Instead I was close to tears because of the awkward situation I found myself in.
Luckily, the supervisor was very calm and managed the situation well, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank her for sorting the situation so quickly. When I pointed out that being failed without prior warning was unfair and asked for a refund for the unlimited climbing, she let me do a second test, which I then passed and was allowed to have the unlimited climbing. However despite her best intentions, this left me feeling embarrassed and awkward as the issue in question could have been rectified easily during the session.
The second issue is that time was not used appropriately; the session finished 40 minutes early. This extra time was then used for test at my request that caused me more anxiety when the time could have been used for a little extra boost, which seemed to be all I needed, as the supervisor and another instructor were both satisfied that I was at an adequate standard after 5 short minutes of extra climbing.
It is such a shame as I feel all of this could have been easily avoided: I could have been taken to the side with an hour to spare and warned that some skills were not of the standard expected and offered extra help. Neither of these things happened and When I emailed my suggestions, the centre manager could not even find the time to reply to my email
Overall, although the facilities are good, the customer service and value for money for the price you pay means that I would recommend other centres for nervous climbers or people who actually would like support from the staff.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We are sorry to hear that you did not have a positive experience at Big Rock.
We would like to reassure you that any climber on the Learn to Climb course who would benefit from extra sessions to successfully and confidently complete the course is booked onto these sessions at no extra cost, and following the completion of the course they are awarded the welcome pack, including vouchers for unlimited climbing.
Please be assured that we take all feedback seriously and will take your comments into consideration when reviewing our procedures and instructor training.
We hope that you will visit Big Rock again soon and that your next visit will be overwhelmingly positive.
Written February 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mrs. N
5 contributions
Who forgot to mention on your website that you take card payments only?
I haven't been in a while, due to an injury to my hand. But finally today I wanted to go for a session in my lunch break, took the right money with me for the entry fee and a drink as I didn't want or need to take all of my wallet to go climbing. Only to be told that it's card payment only. I can't tell you what the rest of the place is like, because I didn't even get past the reception desk. So an hour's round trip wasted. At today's petrol prices and -availability is it asking too much to have a note on your website that you take card payments only at your venues? You have a whole page on prices, etc., why not this little nugget?
I haven't been in a while, due to an injury to my hand. But finally today I wanted to go for a session in my lunch break, took the right money with me for the entry fee and a drink as I didn't want or need to take all of my wallet to go climbing. Only to be told that it's card payment only. I can't tell you what the rest of the place is like, because I didn't even get past the reception desk. So an hour's round trip wasted. At today's petrol prices and -availability is it asking too much to have a note on your website that you take card payments only at your venues? You have a whole page on prices, etc., why not this little nugget?
Written April 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We are very sorry that your first visit back to Big Rock was frustrating, please accept our apologies for the error on our website. Since the 1st April and the latest change in guidance, we have been transitioning over from Covid operating procedures. The information regarding cashless payments was specified on our Covid-19 info page and had not yet been transferred across to the prices page of the website.
Please can we ask you to get in contact with us directly regarding this visit by emailing manager@bigrockclimbing.com.
We do hope to see you back at Big Rock.
Written April 11, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gill
1 contribution
My 11 year old son had a Crazy Climb party here recently (climbing only). Booking was easy, the facilities were really good and we got to sit back and watch with a cuppa while their instructor, Josh, sorted everything out.
Josh was really great, engaging with all the children who commented on how nice he was. He encouraged the kids that were less confident and set extra challenges for the others. All the children had a great time. I would thoroughly recommend.
Josh was really great, engaging with all the children who commented on how nice he was. He encouraged the kids that were less confident and set extra challenges for the others. All the children had a great time. I would thoroughly recommend.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Piers H
1 contribution
We went for a family lesson, my 4 year old daughter and I, but we were the only ones in the class. It was my daughter's first climbing class, so she was a bit nervous. Our teacher Josh, was quite young, but he did well, he quickly made us feel safe and worked with me to encourage my daughter over her vertigo on the first walls. By the end of the session he was "fist pumping" with my daughter as she completed wall after wall. He did well. The place felt like quite a little community, nice facility, very friendly and professional. We will be going back I fear - my daughter had too good a time, which means that Daddy will have to brave his fear of heights again too...
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Darren H
1 contribution
Family
First real experience of climbing for two children 12 and 8. Both really really enjoyed it. Abi is a GREAT instructor and built a strong rapport with both children really quickly. Two very exhausted children are leaving today with a love of climbing, feeling a real sense of achievement.
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karen W
1 contribution
Booked a private Taster Session for myself and 21 year old son - staff were so helpful on the phone. Website was easy to use. Our trainer was really encouraging, helpful, knolwedgable, supportive and patient. Really enjoyed the session - looking to book onto the learn to clim course - thank you
Written August 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jerome
11 contributions
Friends
Big Rock is a great place for indoor climbing with really good variety in both bouldering and roped routes, both of which are reset on a regular basis. Staff are very friendly. Along with all the staff at Big Rock, Rachel Sutton, with all her years of applied experience is always the all knowing oracle of knowledge ready to offer skilled advice. Not only informative, she continually makes the climbing environment an amazingly social place, intuitively mixing you up with others when she sees people at a loose end and might like a belay. It's not only the people working at Big Rock, the regulars are amazingly friendly! That, and with all the courses to get you going and moving forward on your progression path if you fancy it, makes both Big Rock sites in Milton Keynes an ideal place to begin and continue climbing.
Jerome Oswald-Jones, hanging around
Jerome Oswald-Jones, hanging around
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrew P
2 contributions
My daughter is 15 and regularly climbs at Weedon project can I bring her bouldering with me to hub or bond??
squirrelmonkey
Northampton, UK22 contributions
Don't know if you got an answer to this but yes she can. They might ask her a few questions to check her knowledge but that's it.
Sui C
1 contribution
Can I buy gift vouchers? I want to give as a father and son day out birthday present for my brother and nephew.
The Beacon Team
Caernarfon, UK1 contribution
Yes we offer gift vouchers. Please visit our website and look for 'Gift Vouchers' underneath 'Information'. Regards!
Yummymummy0508
1 contribution
Whats the minumum age?
Paul O
Cambridge, UK87 contributions
KIDS TASTER SESSION and CRAZYCLIMB are suitable for all ages from 5+. They also have a dedicated climbing area suitable under 6s.
Pam C
Poole, UK12 contributions
How high is the highest climb?
The Beacon Team
Caernarfon, UK1 contribution
Hello!
Thanks for getting in touch. Our highest climb is 11m.
Let us know if you have any further questions.
Tommy
How much does it cost for children and adults and how long do u get to climb?
The Beacon Team
Caernarfon, UK1 contribution
Hello!,
I would recommend checking out the New to Climbing section on our website. CrazyClimb is £17 / person for 1 hour (this includes lots of climbing since no instruction is required beyond the 15 minute safety briefing) or we offer Taster Sessions for £17 / person for 1 hour. These offer a great introduction to the main climbing walls at Big Rock. Feel free to contact the centre on 01908 583 128 if you need any further information.
Thanks!
Tommy
Big Rock Marketing Manager
Frequently Asked Questions about Big Rock Hub
- Big Rock Hub is open:
- Mon - Fri 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Sat - Sun 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Hotels near Big Rock Hub:
- (1.48 mi) South Lodge
- (1.20 mi) Holiday Inn Express Milton Keynes, an IHG Hotel
- (2.74 mi) Premier Inn Milton Keynes Central (Xscape) hotel
- (3.84 mi) The White House B&B
- (4.64 mi) Havisham House
- Restaurants near Big Rock Hub:
- (0.16 mi) Marks And Spencer
- (0.24 mi) Prezzo
- (0.20 mi) Domino's Pizza
- (0.21 mi) Costa
- (0.29 mi) Smashburger