Simonside Outdoor Adventure

About Simonside Outdoor Adventure

We are South Tyneside Council's adventurous activity provider and have been delivering activities to young and old people for over 30 years.

We offer a range of land and water based activities across our three centres:

  • Simonside Centre, Simonside
  • Water Activities Centre, South Shields Seafront
  • Akenshawburn Cottages, Kielder

We pride ourselves on high standards of instruction, well maintained clothing, equipment and facilities that are accessible for all.

We only use experienced and well qualified staff who have a passion for what they do.

We are part of South Tyneside Outdoor Education Service which also incorporates our Cumbria centre, Thurston OEC.

Simonside 1
Simonside 2
Simonside 3
Simonside 4
Simonside 5

Health and safety

Read our health and safety information.

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Activities

Activities we provide at Simonside Outdoor Adventure:

Outdoor activities

Climbing (indoor, outdoor and mobile)

With over 150 routes we have climbs to suit every one, from the 30 foot lead overhang to the awesome fast zipline.

You can choose to climb indoors at our climbing wall in South Shields, or join us for a full day to climb some of the best routes in Northumberland and North Yorkshire.

We also have a mobile climbing wall that we can bring to you, providing the perfect opportunity for festivals, schools or private bookings.

Biking

With us you can choose to take on the fast paced trails around Kielder forest, or join us for a more gentle paced scenic ride around the North East.

All of our instructors are SMBLA qualified and can provide professional and experienced tuition.

It it's your first drop-in on single track or your first session out on a mountain bike, we have the skills and equipment to provide a great day out for families, groups or on a one to one basis.

Abseiling

Learn to abseil off our safe and secure platform before moving onto the real thing - The Outdoor Crags of Northumberland and Yorkshire.

Abseiling is travelling down either against a rock wall or maybe hanging free with space under feet. Usually done on crags, we'll give you the chance to lower yourself down a variety of rock faces and walls putting you in control. You can try it indoors at first at Simonside, providing you the perfect opportunity to practice abseiling.

All of our instructors are either CWA or SPA qualified.

Abseiling is the perfect partner to climbing and can be linked into any session. This could be either on a one to one basis, as a school session or as part of your fun day out.

Orienteering

Orienteering provides the perfect opportunity to turn a fun walk into a small adventure.

Collecting controls along the way, orienteering provides an exciting challenge which uses such skills as:

  • measuring distance
  • timings
  • map reading
  • compass work

Orienteering is a great way of keeping fit as it can turn long runs into exciting adventures, moving and thinking across difficult terrain. It is often the perfect stepping stone into more challenging map reading and builds your skills for mountaineering and hill walking.

It can be used as a natural progression with schools and D of E groups. With a selection of courses in the North East, you can guarantee that you will have an adventurous and exciting session.

For more information see Orienteering.

Walking and mountaineering

If you enjoy the outdoors but don't have the confidence to head into more remote areas, we can provide essential skills that will have you map reading and happily moving around the most remote regions in the UK.

With over 20 years experience walking and hiking in rural areas such as the Lake District, Northumberland and Yorkshire Dales to name a few, our instructors have a breadth of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, geology and history that makes our part of the world unique and we can't wait to share this with you.

Archery

Using take down Recurve Bows at a size that suits you, you can shoot arrows either 'barebow' or 'freestyle'. Our archery leaders can give lessons in the two styles of archery.

For more information see Archery.

Indoor activities

Climbing (indoor, outdoor and mobile)

With over 150 routes we have climbs to suit every one, from the 30 foot lead overhang to the awesome fast zipline.

You can choose to climb indoors at our climbing wall in South Shields, or join us for a full day to climb some of the best routes in Northumberland and North Yorkshire.

We also have a mobile climbing wall that we can bring to you, providing the perfect opportunity for festivals, schools or private bookings.

Find out more about our indoor climbing wall.

Abseiling

Learn to abseil off our safe and secure platform before moving onto the real thing - The Outdoor Crags of Northumberland and Yorkshire.

Abseiling is travelling down either against a rock wall or maybe hanging free with space under feet. Usually done on crags, we'll give you the chance to lower yourself down a variety of rock faces and walls putting you in control. You can try it indoors at first at Simonside, providing you the perfect opportunity to practice abseiling.

All of our instructors are either CWA or SPA qualified.

Abseiling is the perfect partner to climbing and can be linked into any session. This could be either on a one to one basis, as a school session or as part of your fun day out.

Heart Start / Life Support

Would you know what to do in a life-threatening emergency? Learning Emergency Life Support (ELS) skills can help you keep someone alive until professional help arrives.

Heart Start is designed for everybody and anyone can attend and learn the complete range of Emergency Life Saving skills. This is a essential course for anyone and is ideal for groups and schools to give essential first response advice.

You will learn:

  • how to make a 999 call correctly
  • how to perform CPR
  • how to put someone in the recovery position correctly

Water based activities

Kayaking

The North East has some of the most beautiful coastal waters in the world, some of which can only be explored from the water. One of the best ways to see it is in a Kayak, peacefully paddling into coastal caves, kayak surfing on its blue flag beaches or paddling further a field on perhaps a adventurous kayaking overnight experience.

For more information see Kayaking.

Canoeing

Canoeing is hugely popular due to the variety, freedom and adventure it offers.

Whether it's a relaxed paddle in the safety of our wave trap or a more challenging river trip, our team of BCU qualified coaches are ready to help, whether you have a problem keeping your craft in a straight line or are planning an advanced expedition.

Sessions often take place at our specialist centre in South Shields harbour or if your looking for a more residential experience, then our centre in Kielder can provide the perfect backdrop.

For more information see Canoeing.

Stand up paddle boarding

Our taboo boards range from 10 to 11 foot and also benefit from the taboo specialist paddle adjustment system.

This is the ideal sport for keeping fit and for groups, party and schools all looking to learn a new skill but more importantly to have fun.

For more information see Stand up paddle boarding.

Powerboat

See Powerboat sessions.

Jetski

See Jetski.

Climbing wall

Indoor climbing

At Simonside Climbing Wall we have:

  • 51 climbing lines
  • 8 clip and climb lines
  • a bouldering wall

Our walls are designed to help beginners and experienced climbers.

Our routes are graded so you keep an eye on how your climbing is going, and all our sessions are staffed. 

If you are new to the sport, our staff will give you a free induction.

Our public climbing sessions are open to everyone, but we encourage a family mix where you can share experiences together. 

We also have a climbing wall specifically designed for those with additional needs and a wall that is wheelchair accessible too. For more information and to discuss your needs contact us on 0191 424 0118.

Coronavirus update

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, the following changes are in place:

  • You must pre-book a session by calling 0191 4240118 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 12noon)
  • There are limited places available for each session. This also includes any spectators so please only attend with those who are going to take part in the activity.
  • You must wear a face covering, unless you are exempt for age, health or disability reasons. You do not need to wear a mask when you start to climb. See the government guidance on face coverings. 
  • Due to limited numbers spectators are only allowed for those with children under 8 only. This is limited to 1 per group.
  • Card payments only.
  • Please come ready to climb.
  • You will need to leave your name and contact number when entering the building for track and trace purposes. This is limited information and is destroyed after 21 days.
  • You may be refused entry if you, or other people you have come into contact with, are showing signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or, if you refuse to leave your track and trace details.
  • We encourage you to wash your hands before, during and after your climbing session. Hand sanitiser is available to use around the building and prior to entering at reception.
  • Please follow all instructions from staff and please socially distance.

Opening times

The opening times for our public climb sessions are:

  • Tuesday and Thursday, 5.30pm to 7.15pm 
  • Tuesday and Thursday, 7.30pm to 9.15pm

These sessions are suitable for people aged 3 years and over.

Prices

  • Member (under 18s): £4
  • Member (adults): £5
  • Non member (under 18s): £6
  • Non member (adults): £7
  • Yearly membership: £5

Prices include equipment and instruction.

Hire of rock boots are £1 extra.

Wear suitable clothing

Please wear suitable clothing - no skirts, dresses or tight fitting clothes that will restrict your movements.

You don't need much kit. We will provide you with a harness and belay device with karabiner.

Kids club (currently unavailable)

Kids club is currently not taking place.

Birthday parties (currently unavailable)

Please note: birthday parties are not currently taking place. 

These pre bookable parties are around 2 hours long and include lots of climbing and climbing based games.

After climbing there is some time for food. You can use our kitchen and a room for candles and cake.

Our birthday parties cost £100 for 10 people and then £5 per person for any additional members of your party. The price includes entrance, all instruction, equipment and use of kitchen and room for after climbing.

Health and safety 

Children under 8 years old cannot be left in the building without supervision.

Staff are appropriately qualified to supervise indoor rock climbing and all lead instructors hold either the Mountain Training's Rock Climbing Instructor or Climbing Wall Instructor Award, and a valid first aid certificate.

Read more health and safety information.

Simonside indoor climbing wall
Simonside indoor climbing wall

Centres and contact information

Centres

We have three centres:

Simonside Centre, Simonside

We are based at Simonside Centre.

The centre is currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Usual opening hours are 10am to 9.30pm.

Many of our activities are pre bookable. For public access sessions please look at our timetable.

Membership

We have a membership system in place for our climbing and it's easy to join.

To join, fill out a membership form, or at the door when you first arrive.

It's £5 for a year from when you first come in.

You'll be issued with a membership card to speed up the process next time you visit.

Under 18's will need their membership form signed by an adult before they can take part in some activities.

Activities

  • Climbing
  • Biking
  • Walking and mountaineering
  • Abseiling
  • Orienteering
  • Heart start / life support

For more information see activities.

Facilities

  • Changing rooms and showers
  • Disabled shower room
  • Baby changing
  • Vending machines

Contact details

St Simon Street
South Shields
Tyne & Wear
NE34 9SD

Telephone: 0191 424 0118
Email: info@simonsideoutdooradventure.com

Water Activities Centre, South Shields Seafront

Our centre is located at the mouth of the River Tyne and we launch straight into the Tyne Harbour. 

This is a perfect learning environment and plenty of space for all activities.

We offer activities that are suitable for for all ability levels so that you can progress at a level that is suitable for you.

We are recognised by the Royal Yachting Association as a training centre to deliver Powerboating and Personal Watercraft (Jetski) courses.

We also deliver British Canoe Union personal proficiency courses.

Activities

  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Stand up paddle boarding

For more information see activities.

Facilities

  • Toilets, showers and changing
  • Disabled toilets and changing
  • Equipment store
  • Lockers for your valuables

Contact details

River Drive
South Shields
NE33 1LH

Telephone: 0191 4240118
Email: info@simonsideoutdooradventure.com

Akenshawburn Cottages, Kielder

Akenshawburn Cottages are located in the heart of Kielder Forest in Northumberland.

The accommodation has two forester cottages built in 1907 and 1909 which are joined by a toilet and shower block built later.

There is also 500 square meter of land which is enclosed by fencing, Akenshaw Burn and forest edge, which gives a private and quiet surroundings.

Group bookings

You can make group bookings for an all inclusive weekend.

This will include:

  • accommodation
  • transport
  • food
  • instruction and equipment

When you book the cottages, its just you, your group and tranquil surroundings with the people you want to be with.

Activities

  • Biking
  • Orienteering
  • Abseiling
  • Climbing

For more information see activities.

Facilities

  • 6 bedrooms with bunk beds
  • Main living area
  • Drying room
  • Secure bike store
  • Toilets
  • Showers
  • Fully equipped kitchen
  • Dining room 

The cottages sleep 26 in total.

There is also a low ropes course and climbing traverse wall to test your skill on if you're not too tired after a full day of activities and fresh air.

Contact details

Just off Bloody Bush Road
Kielder Forest
NE48 1HU

Telephone: 0191 424 0118
Email: info@simonsideoutdooradventure.com

Sustainable energy

We are committed to reducing our environmental impact whilst increasing the impact that we have with you.

Our 3 centres have a reduced carbon footprint by harnessing the power of the sun. All 3 sites have PV Solar Cells which provide the majority of our energy consumption.

We have planted a wide range of broad leaf trees in our grounds in our Kielder site which have increased the biodiversity by attracting a greater range of insect, mammal and bird life.

Courses

We have a range of National Governing Body personal proficiency awards and instructor courses available.

If you're starting out in a new sport and not sure how to begin then join one of our courses.

We are able to take you from grass roots to independence in your chosen activity.

If you just need a refresher or a qualification that will allow you to help others, then we can help you.

Take a look at the courses on offer.

Educational Visits Coordinator (EVC) training

For the Full Educational Visits Coordinator training and the refresher course, a one day course is needed every 3 years to maintain CPD.

This course allows staff to be able to more actively and manage off site visits in their particular schools and locations.

This course is endorsed by the Outdoor Education Advisors Panel.

These courses will fulfil South Tyneside Council's and national requirements for Off Site Visits and Adventurous Activities. 

During the course we will cover legal requirements, good practice, risk management processes and how to manage off site visits within your establishment supporting the headteacher or manager.

This is a classroom based session.

Prices for this course start from £100 per person.

This course is ran by staff who are practitioners in the outdoors and are very experienced at running a variety of different trips for young people.

GLVT

This 2 1/2 hour course is designed to give staff who lead off site visits the understanding of roles, responsibilities and legal requirements needed to run safe, educational visits away from schools premises.

The course covers good practice guidance and introduces South Tyneside Council's policies for undertaking adventurous and educational off site visits.

You will need access to 1 classroom with AV equipment.

Prices start from £150 per group for up to 12 staff on your school site.

Outdoor Learning Cards (OLC)

We can offer CPD and support to your teaching and learning team in delivering quality outdoor learning for your pupils.

This course covers four themes:

  • Journeying
  • Team building
  • Bouldering
  • Orienteering

Investing in the Outdoor Learning Cards cours complements areas of the school curriculum, such as:

  • PE
  • English
  • Geography
  • Maths
  • Science
  • MFL

It is also evidence of a sound investment of the Pupil Sports Premium in developing outdoor learning skills of schools' teaching and learning staff.

Our aim is to include outdoor learning in the curriculum. 

By attending our one day course, you will be able to return to school and deliver a lesson in the school grounds, local park or woods.

You will be confident of the clear learning outcomes and benefits of outdoor learning for each session.

At the end of the course you will have access to OEAP online resources as well as 50 preset learning cards which include lesson plans.

This course is a mix of indoor and outdoor sessions so please come dressed for the weather.

Prices of the course start from £150 per person and includes a full day of learning and refreshments.

We will deliver the programme in line with current best practice, supporting and assisting you to deliver the sessions safely on your own school grounds.

NWSMP programme

The NWSMP programme is a key step forward in helping employers meet their civil and statutory water safety management obligations, especially where employees have supervisory responsibilities in or near water.

RLSS UK launched NWSMP to provide water safety training improving water safety across a wide range of working environments and operational sectors.

Prices for the course start from £85 per person and includes all instruction, registration, course notes, transport and equipment if completing levels 2 and 3.

Level 1 of the course is classroom and land based with a few practical sections including land drills. You won't get wet for these but you will need comfy clothes that will allow movement, no skirts or dresses please.

This course is delivered by tutors who are all experienced and qualified outdoor professionals who work in and around water. All tutors are NWSMP instructors and hold an aquatic first aid certificate.

First aid courses

See first aid courses

How to book

If you are interested in any of the courses, please contact us to discuss your requirements or book place by calling 0191 424 0118.

Schools

Whether you want a reward for effort or curriculum based work, we can help.

We offer activities suitable for Key Stages 2 to 5 and deliver a range of land and water based activities that meet BTEC, GCSE and A-Level standards.

We can tailor a programme just for you so that it meets your individual needs.

If you need transport, we have minibuses and drivers available to get your group to the activity.

We believe that the activities are important but more so are the opportunities, personal and social skills that a young people gain while taking part in them.

For more information about the benefits of high quality outdoor education, see English Outdoor Council: What are the benefits of outdoor learning?

Activities available to schools

Schools can take part in the following activities: 

Give us feedback on our activities

To give us feedback on any activities your group has attend please fill out our activity feedback form or leave us a review on our Facebook page by visiting Facebook: Simonside Outdoor Adventure or on Google review.

Accreditations

Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) Award

We are a Duke of Edinburgh's Award licenced organisation for South Tyneside Council.

We specialise in supporting schools and organisations with Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) programmes including: 

  • all planning
  • online DofE training
  • full, inclusive expedition support (inlcuding on land, two wheels or on the water)

We can offer you a range of expeditions to suit wherever you choose.

If you are unsure, we can help with the planning and logistics. Find out more about our DofE expeditions. 

For more information on how to get involved contact us on info@simonsideoutdooradventure.com

BTEC Level 3 Sport - Outdoor Adventure

This is a 1 or 2 year course for school leavers and anyone aged 16 or over looking for a career in the outdoor industry.

This course is designed to be taught in a classroom and outdoors. 

As part of the course, you will be putting theory into practice under the support and guidance of full time professional outdoor educationalists and tutors, with a huge amount of experience and skill in working in the outdoors.

For more information see BTEC Level 2 to 3 in Sport (Outdoor Adventure)

Mayor's Award

The Mayors Award is a four part, locally recognised accreditation that is sometimes referred to as the mini Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) Award.

It follows the same four themes as a full DofE Award:

  • skill
  • physical
  • volunteering
  • expedition at Bronze, Silve and Gold levels

It is ideal for those wishing to use it as a stepping stone onto their Bronze DofE award.

You will need to complete a minimum of 1 hour per week for each of the sections.

Volunteering, Skill and Physical:

  • Bronze - 6 weeks
  • Silver - 8 weeks
  • Gold - 10 weeks

Expedition:

  • Bronze - Take part in a walk of at least 4 hours
  • Silver - Prepare and take part in a walk of at least 5 hours
  • Gold - Play a major part in organising a walk of at least 6 hours

For a list of local contacts who deliver the Mayor's Award, please email info@simonsideoutdooradventure.com.

It costs £5 to register which covers the cost of your handbook and certification for all three levels.

Risk assessments and policies

Risk assessments

Forms

Policies and procedures

Health and safety

See health and safety information.

Data protection

See data protection.

Different formats

If you need any forms or information in a different format, please contact us on 0191 424 0118.