Whickham Thorns


Whickham Thorns is one of the North's most exciting activity centres based right here in Gateshead, just off the A1 on Market Lane between Dunston and Swalwell. With first class indoor and outdoor facilities, Whickham Thorns is the perfect way to add some excitement to your day. With their programme of activities including climbing, sledging, map reading, archery and much more, there really is something for everyone.

As well as their popular drop in sessions, they also have a range of fun courses including Family Archery, Adult and Junior Climbing and their all new Adventure Hour, where children from 8 - 12 years can experience many of their exciting activities as part of one course. All courses include the use of their facilities, all equipment and the guidance of their qualified instructors. Prices quoted in the PDF Brochure (click the link opposite) are Active Card prices.

So whether you're there by yourself, with family and friends or looking for a unique venue for your party or team building day, then Whickham Thorns is the place for you.

For more information on any of their activities contact reception on 0191 433 5767 or email whickhamthorns@gateshead.gov.uk



Activity Guide

At Whickham Thorns there are a range of exciting activities on offer. These activities will take place regardless of weather conditions so please make sure you take appropriate clothing.

Archery

Do you have a steady hand and a sharp eye? Then give archery a try! This ancient sport is brought right up to date at Whickham Thorns, with modern equipment and enthusiastic instructors and is great fun for everyone.

Assault Course

The assault course is an exciting outdoor activity consisting of 17 stations spread over 700 metres. It is designed to test stamina, balance and agility. The course is also used in their team building programmes and is available for group hire and corporate events.

Climbing

Whickham Thorns' indoor climbing wall is suitable for beginners and regular climbers. This includes a dedicated climbing area including a 6m high main wall for top roping while the uninterrupted 32m low level traverse has larger bolt on holds to help novices get to grips with this sport.

Orienteering

Orienteering truly is a sport for all. At its highest level it demands speed, accuracy and decision making. Alternatively, family groups can enjoy a leisurely stroll around one of their woodland courses without any fear of becoming lost. They have a number of permanently laid out exercises designed to introduce the beginner to this sport, with instruction available on map reading skills as well as the art of sport orienteering.

High Ropes

High ropes is an adrenaline pumping aerial assault course with a range of individual and group elements including wire walks, log balances and rope bridges. Suitable for team building purposes and also available for group hire and corporate events.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Learn the basics of skiing and snowboarding at Whickham Thorns. Their 40m artificial slope is floodlit and has a sprinkler system to ensure perfect conditions at all times. Drag lifts service each side of the slope which is available for individual or group use.

Sledging & Tubing

Enjoy the fun of sledging at Whickham Thorns, without waiting for the snow! Special, one-person plastic sledges are used to allow children to enjoy this great activity. Tubing uses specially adapted rubber rings and unlike sledging is not restricted to under 11's. Sledging and Tubing are available as a drop in session, party option or exclusive booking.

Please Note: For safety reasons all slope users must wear gloves, long sleeves and long trousers.


Courses

At Whickham Thorns Outdoor Activity Centre they offer courses of instruction throughout the year, so if you've ever wanted to give an adventure sport a go, now's your chance!

Adventure Hour

Perfect for little daredevils, the Adventure Hour allows children to experience a whole host of exciting activities over 10 weeks and includes Climbing, Archery, Assault Course, Problem Solving and Orienteering. For times, prices and age restrictions, please see the PDF brochure available via the link in the right column.

Climbing

Whickham Thorns offers two types of climbing course - Adult and Junior. Their indoor wall is suitable for beginners and regular climbers. There are four walls in the dedicated climbing area including a 6m high main wall for top roping and a 32m low level traverse for beginners to get to grips with this sport. For times, prices and age restrictions, please see the PDF brochure available via the link in the right column.

Skiing & Snowboarding

There are two levels of skiing and snowboarding course on offer at Whickham Thorns and courses last either 5 or 10 weeks dependant upon the level you attend. For times, prices, age and height restrictions, please see the PDF brochure available via the link in the right column.

Please Note: All courses must be pre-booked.


Drop-in Sessions

You don't have to pre-book to enjoy the fantastic facilities at Whickham Thorns Outdoor Activity Centre. Why not come along to one of their drop in sessions and give a new sport a try!

Activities include Sledging, Tubing, Ski Development, Snowboard Development and Family Archery. Activities are held at pre-specified times and on set days, and age / height / capability restrictions apply to some sessions - for more details, please see the PDF brochure available via the link in the right column.


Party On

Having a party? Then let Whickham Thorns organise a party with a difference! They have a wide range of activities on offer, so why not take your party to the slope, up the climbing wall or on the high ropes?

Their qualified instructors will make sure all activities are carried out safely, so you can feel confident you're in good hands. Activities are one hour sessions (or multiples of an hour) which includes the issue and return of all equipment. Activities are available year round with high ropes restricted to daylight hours. With the exception of climbing, all activities take place outdoors.

Two packages are available with the Deluxe Package offering 45 minutes in a function room after your session where you can self-cater for your guests. Birthday boys and girls can receive a goody bag, a mounted photograph and a range of branded goods from the centre. For more details on each package, session restrictions and information on how to book, please see the PDF brochure available via the link in the right column.


Team Building Events

At Whickham Thorns their team building events get people working together and having fun. Whether you're organising an event, conference or an away day, their staff will work with you to create the perfect team building experience.

Create your perfect course - mix and match any of their activities.

For more information, contact Whickham Thorns on 0191 433 5767 or ask at Reception for further details.


Parking

A large car park is available. Bicycles can also be parked, own locks to be used. Car parking is FREE.