Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre

Set within Leicester's Watermead Park, the centre operates a lake for kayaking, a 12-metre outdoor climbing wall, and a high ropes course with swings, zip lines, and cargo net bridges. Instructors lead small groups (max 8) through each activity, adjusting difficulty on the day. Sessions run year-round, though winter months see afternoon closures due to light levels. Best for adventurous families and children aged 10+. This is a moderate activity lasting 2-3 hours. Group size: 2-8. You meet at Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Loughborough Road. Key highlights: Lake-based kayaking on natural water with scenic views, 12-metre outdoor climbing wall with multiple routes, High ropes course with zip lines and cargo net obstacles.

Price: £15-25 per activity

Duration: 2-3 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: 2-8

Minimum age: 8+

Best for: adventurous families and children aged 10+

Best time: May-September for optimal weather and afternoon daylight. Morning sessions (9am-11am) are cooler for climbing. Weekday sessions quieter than weekends; book in advance, especially June-August school holidays.

Meeting point: Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Loughborough Road

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Arrival (15 min early) Register and safety briefing in outdoor classroom - Instructor reviews hazards, equipment use, and hand signals; children ask questions; liability waiver signed.

First 30 min Equipment fitting and technique foundation - Life jackets or harnesses fitted; instructor demonstrates paddle grip (kayaking) or belay safety (climbing); children repeat movements.

30-100 min Progressive challenge and skill building - Kayaking: paddle across the lake, practise turns and stops. Climbing: ascend the wall with instructor belaying, reaching multiple heights. Ropes: navigate obstacles and zip lines with guide spotting.

Final 20 min Cool-down and equipment return - Remove harnesses or life jackets, discuss session highlights, answer questions about further skill progression.

The whole experience takes 2-3 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Loughborough Road.

• Lake-based kayaking on natural water with scenic views
• 12-metre outdoor climbing wall with multiple routes
• High ropes course with zip lines and cargo net obstacles
• Small-group instruction (max 8 per session) for personalized feedback
• All technical equipment provided and fitted by staff
• Accessibility: Ground level access to kayaking and climbing areas; ropes course requires upper body strength and balance; staff can discuss modifications with those having mobility concerns; no wheelchair access to the ropes course platforms; kayaking accessible for those with seated stability.

What is included: Qualified instructor for full session duration, All climbing, kayaking, or ropes equipment (harnesses, life jackets, paddles, helmets), Safety briefing and skill progression training, Insurance (included in fee).

Not included: Changing facilities (changing rooms limited; bring clothes ready to wear), Food and drinks (café available 200 metres away in park), Additional sessions or coaching beyond the booked activity. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Towel (for kayaking activities), Dry change of clothes (even with life jackets, splashes occur), Water bottle (bring your own; no on-site refill), Trainers with grip soles (provided equipment for climbing; keep your own shoes). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: May-September for optimal weather and afternoon daylight. Morning sessions (9am-11am) are cooler for climbing. Weekday sessions quieter than weekends; book in advance, especially June-August school holidays..

Tip: Weather-dependent activities

Tip: All equipment provided

Accessibility: Ground level access to kayaking and climbing areas; ropes course requires upper body strength and balance; staff can discuss modifications with those having mobility concerns; no wheelchair access to the ropes course platforms; kayaking accessible for those with seated stability..

Operator: Leicester City Council | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: 0116 255 3963

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Abbey Park (8 min walk)

This activity is run by Leicester City Council.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before activity. Rescheduling due to weather (rain/high wind) is automatic; no refund offered but activity rebooked at no extra cost..

Accessibility: Ground level access to kayaking and climbing areas; ropes course requires upper body strength and balance; staff can discuss modifications with those having mobility concerns; no wheelchair access to the ropes course platforms; kayaking accessible for those with seated stability..

Best time to go: May-September for optimal weather and afternoon daylight. Morning sessions (9am-11am) are cooler for climbing. Weekday sessions quieter than weekends; book in advance, especially June-August school holidays..

What's the difference between the three activity options, and can we do more than one in a day?

Kayaking uses a lake, building paddle technique and lake navigation. Climbing focuses on vertical ascent and belaying safety on the wall. Ropes courses challenge balance and courage on suspended obstacles. You can book multiple activities (e.g., kayaking 10am-12pm, then climbing 1-3pm) but most families choose one per visit. Cost per activity is £15-25.

Is this suitable for beginner children, or do they need prior experience?

No prior experience needed. All activities start with foundations (paddle grip, belay setup) and progress at the child's comfort level. Instructors adjust difficulty on the day. Children 8-10 usually do beginner routes on climbing wall and basic kayaking circuits; older children tackle more technical challenges.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Kayaking cancels if wind exceeds 20mph or heavy rain is forecast. Climbing continues in light rain (outdoor wall is manageable). Ropes courses close if lightning is nearby or winds are strong. Cancellations are automatic; the centre contacts you and reschedules at no extra charge.