Rock Climbing

A 1.5 hour rock climbing session in Sandford Quarry.

How does it work?

This is an outdoor climbing session on a real rock face! We'll show you how to put on your safety equipment. You'll then learn how to tie into the rope and safely look after your climbing partners through a process called belaying. Then, under the careful supervision of our highly qualified instructors you'll take it in turns to belay and climb. No previous experience is required! The sense of achievement, exhilaration and confidence you'll gain from this experience cannot be beaten. An unforgettable experience to share with your family or friends.

How many climbs will we do?

Every session is different and depends on the weather, the group and your previous experience. Outdoor climbing on a real limestone rock face is slightly different to indoor climbing; we'll ensure you're involved the whole time, belaying, bouldering, and climbing. Our instructors will aim to ensure everyone experiences between two and four epic rock climbs!

Who are these activities for?

These activities are suitable for anyone aged eight or over. You have the option to book individual spaces on this session or, if no spaces have sold, you can book the session exclusively for your group of up to 10 people. If you book the session exclusively we can relax the age restriction to include children aged six or seven. At least one adult must take part and be included in the group if there is anyone taking part under the age of 8.

How do we get to the activity location?

This session takes place in Sandford Quarry, our beautiful disused limestone quarry a few minutes drive from the main centre. This is the perfect venue for outdoor rock climbing, but like most outdoor locations the facilities are basic and there are no toilets. You are welcome to drive into the quarry but the access track is uneven so please drive slowly and take care as you drive into the quarry at your own risk. If you prefer to park on Quarry Road and walk up to the quarry please park courteously and do not block driveways. If you are staying with us in the campsite the walk down into the quarry is stunning and this map shows the route . Our instructor will be waiting for you on the lowest tier of the quarry in the area pinned on google maps here

Related Activities

It's time for adventure

FAQ's

Climbing and Abseiling sessions take place in Sandford Quarry, our beautiful disused limestone quarry. 


Like most outdoor locations the Quarry facilities are basic. Throughout summer months Portaloos are installed in the quarry and additional toilets and refreshments are a short 5-min drive away at the main Mendip Activity Centre.

General FAQ's

Outdoor Activities can be booked as Individual Spaces or as Exclusive Groups, with some age limits. 


SNOWSPORTS

-Tobogganing: Ages 4-12. If booked as an exclusive Half Slope Group Session, ages 4+ with no upper age limit.
-Skiing Lessons: Ages 8+
-Snowboarding Lessons: Ages 8+ height minimum 1.2m Shoe Size min adult size 2
-Minis Private Ski Lessons: Ages 5-8.
-Recreational Skiing/Snowboarding: Ages 5+ and must be recreational standard.


TARGT SPORTS

-Archery, Axe Throwing, Air Rifle: Age 8+. If booked as an exclusive group session ages 6+. At least one adult must be participating.
-ArcheryActive, Nerf Battles: Age 6+. If under 8s are taking part, at least one adult must be participating.
-Frisbee Golf: Any age. Under 6s play free. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

LAND ACTIVITIES


-Orienteering: Any age. Under 6s free. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
-Bushcraft & Survival Skills:  Age 8+. If booked as an exclusive group session ages 6+. If under 8s are taking part, at least one adult must be participating. 


ROCK SPORTS

-Rock Climbing, Climbing Tower, Caving, Try Caving, Abseiling (20m/65ft): Age 8+. If booked as an exclusive group session ages 6+. If under 8s are taking part, at least one adult must be participating.

-Abseiling (50m/150ft): Ages 10+


WATER SPORTS


-Assault Course, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Raft Building Canoeing: Age 8+. If booked as an exclusive group session ages 6+. If under 8s are taking part, at least one adult must be participating. 



When booking, the website will display where your activity takes place. Your booking confirmation email will also show this. 


Many activities take place at the main Mendip Activity Centre including:

Snowsports, Tobogganing, Frisbee Golf,  Archery, Air Rifle, Axe Throwing, Bushcraft, Orienteering and Try Caving.


There are also a number of off-site activity locations including: 


Hewish Activity Site: Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddle Boarding, Raft Building and Assault Course 

Sandford Quarry: Climbing and Abseiling 

Burrington Combe: Caving (3-hour sessions)


Click here for directions to all our Activity Sites.

Yes! we have plenty of free onsite parking at all our activity sites.


We strongly encourage car sharing and sustainable forms of travel. Read more here.

Tobogganing

Tobogganing is a very popular activity and, especially during peak times, we have very little flexibility in being able to push your start time back. Where possible, we will get you onto the toboggan slope as soon as possible once you arrive. We will try to be as accommodating as possible and if there is availability later in the day, we will move your session to a later start time however please be aware that this is not always possible. 


Frisbee golf or recreational snowsports

We are likely to be able to change your start time at arrival as long as it is within our opening hours and on the same day.


Private session
We will start whenever you arrive but we are unlikely to be able to overrun.


Individual spaces on a session

We will do our best to fit you into the session at a point that does not disrupt it too much for other participants. If you are more than 10 minutes late, we're sorry but it is very unlikely we will be able to fit you into the session due to missing the safety and equipment briefing and kit up.


If you cannot make your session, or to request an amendment: 

Please contact our friendly team by email or online chat for help.




To cancel, rearrange or amend your booking please let us know by emailing hello@mendip.co.uk as soon as possible. 


To view our Terms & Conditions click here  



Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you onsite including in our Café, the Alpine Lounge.

Dogs may join you on Frisbee Golf and Orienteering Activities only. For all other activities ensure you make arrangements for its care during your activity session.

Yes! Mendip Activity Centre has a proud history of providing outdoor education and adventure opportunities to schools.

Our year-round school residentials provide young people with unrivalled opportunities and educational experiences gained through adventure. We work closely with schools to design a residential visit that fits the groups goals, desires and aims.


For more information or to make an enquiry, visit our SCHOOL RESIDENTIALS website 

After you book an activity online we immediately email you a Booking Confirmation. If you are unable to locate this in your inbox, first check your spam/junk email folders. If you still cannot locate, it's possible your online booking may not have been fully completed. 


Check whether the session you were trying to book is still available online. If it is, try to make the booking again. If it's not, please contact our friendly team by email or online chat for help.



Can't find the answer to your question?.. our friendly team will be happy to help! 


The quickest way to get in touch is Email or use our Live Chat


If you would rather, call us on 01934 834877 and follow the instruction to leave us a voicemail.


Yes! Mendip Activity Centre has a proud history of working with youth groups including Scouts, Guides, Cadets and Sports Teams. We can deliver outdoor education and adventurous activities during the evening, at the weekend or as part of a camp. If your group are looking to achieve a new badge, this is something we can help with.
For more information or to enquire, visit our YOUTH GROUPS website.