I’m a bit of a reading stories, doing drawings, making cakes and having picnics kind of a mum. Basically, low exertion activities are my speciality. Every now and then though I decide to put down my spatula or get off that sofa and do something less boring instead… (old people will get this Why Don’t You reference, young people can feel smug) When I was invited down to the the new Chelsea ClipnClimb centre I thought, yes, I am up for this challenge. 

WOW! Step inside the kaleidoscope!

Then I saw the towering walls and the bum strap harness… I needn’t have worried.  It was brilliant. Not the bum poking through the harness bit - that looked stupid - but the kids absolutely loved the climbing (they keep asking me when we are going back) and even I got the hang of it after being coaxed down from three climbing walls by two very patient instructors. Initial fears of my kids and I plummeting to death were completely allayed when I found out that everyone is on a special automatic belay harness system (kind of like a seatbelt that gently lowers you to the ground) so that it is impossible to fall and every climber is well supervised. 

Suitable for ages 4 upwards this is an activity for everyone and you can hire the climbing centre for kids parties (a friend of mine is doing a joint birthday party there) and even corporate events. There is another Clipn Climb in Exeter but this is such a brilliant concept that I am sure more are going to be springing up around the country soon. 

The 8 year old preps for Mission Impossible 5 (that thing on the left is called the Vertical Drop slide. Children seem to like it)

The ‘Leap of Faith’ is an optional extra which entails climbing the rigging, walking the plank and then leaping for the red handle. Not for me.

Go on! You can do it! And then we all went to the clipnclimb cafe for a medicinal slice of cake.

clipnclimbchelsea.co.uk