Days Out NI
Climbing Helen's Bay

NI Scout Centre, Crawfordsburn (climbing wall)

A covered climbing wall plus a full activity centre, open to outside groups by booking

1 photo
Open year roundUnder a roof — climbs in the rain
Check pricesBook or register first
Helen's BayCovered wall
Get directionsOfficial website
Full dayHow long
Check pricesCost
Covered wallType
All abilitiesBest for
On siteParking

NI Scout Centre, Crawfordsburn (climbing wall) — A covered climbing wall plus a full activity centre, open to outside groups by booking.

  • The climbing: Covered roped climbing wall (instructed) - a roof over an open-sided space, not a fully enclosed indoor centre.
  • Gear: Provided with the instructed session - no need to bring your own.
  • Booking: Must book in advance; open to school, corporate, public and Scout groups.
  • Cost: Check current prices - there is a minimum charge per session.
Plan your visit

An instructed wall built for groups, not drop-ins

The wall stands roughly 25 feet high inside the centre's covered, weather-protected climbing space, so sessions run whatever the forecast. Routes are set with plenty of easier lines so mixed-ability groups can all get climbing, and there is safety matting in place. Sessions are instructed and run on ropes, which means beginners can have a go without owning a harness, rope or shoes. It is aimed at booked groups rather than individual pay-and-climb climbers. Minimum age, group sizes and supervision ratios are set by the centre, so confirm those when you enquire.

Covered roped wall Weather-protected Instructed sessions Group bookings No own gear needed Full activity centre
Good to know before you go:

The centre runs instructed sessions, activity days, residentials and group bookings across its full range of outdoor pursuits, and works with schools, youth groups and corporate clients. Climbing is usually booked as part of a wider activity day. Check the centre's own pages for current availability, packages and prices.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 👕Comfy clothes you can move inNothing restrictive — you want to reach, step high and bend.
  • 📱A booking, or a planMost walls want you registered or booked in; crags want your route picked and someone told.
  • 💧WaterClimbing is thirsty work, and out on the rock there is nowhere to buy any.
  • ✅An honest check of your gradeBe straight about your experience — pick a level you will enjoy rather than survive.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Type
Covered roped climbing wall (instructed) - a roof over an open-sided space, not a fully enclosed indoor centre
Minimum age
Not confirmed - check with the venue
Induction / registration
Sessions are instructed by centre staff and booked in advance; confirm any registration or briefing requirements with the centre when you book
Gear
Provided with the instructed session - no need to bring your own
Cost
Check current prices - there is a minimum charge per session
Booking
Must book in advance; open to school, corporate, public and Scout groups
Also on site
Abseil tower, archery, zip line, caving, crate stacking, grass sledging and water activities (over 20 activities in all), plus a campsite and residential accommodation
Parking
On-site parking at the centre
How long to allow
A 1-hour climbing session, or build a half or full day with other activities
Address
Northern Ireland Scout Centre, 20 Bridge Road South, Helen's Bay, Bangor, Co. Down, BT19 1JT
Questions

Before you go

How much does it cost?
Check current prices - there is a minimum charge per session
Do I need to book?
Must book in advance; open to school, corporate, public and Scout groups
Do I need an induction first?
Sessions are instructed by centre staff and booked in advance; confirm any registration or briefing requirements with the centre when you book
What gear do I need?
Provided with the instructed session - no need to bring your own
Is there anything else on site?
Abseil tower, archery, zip line, caving, crate stacking, grass sledging and water activities (over 20 activities in all), plus a campsite and residential accommodation
Getting there

NI Scout Centre, Crawfordsburn (climbing wall) is at Northern Ireland Scout Centre, 20 Bridge Road South, Helen's Bay, Bangor, Co. Down, BT19 1JT. On-site parking at the centre. Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google MapsOfficial website See it on our map
Nearby

Make more of the day

More days out around Helen's BaySee what else is close by More climbing across NIIndoor walls, bouldering and the big outdoor crags
The story

About the venue

Crawfordsburn is the Northern Ireland Scout Centre's flagship activity centre, set in grounds near Helen's Bay and run for young people, youth groups, schools and clubs. The covered climbing wall gives the site a weather-protected space alongside its outdoor activities.

While its roots are in Scouting, the centre is open to outside groups and offers more than twenty activities on a single site, with a campsite and residential buildings for overnight trips.