Simonside Outdoor Adventure
Centres and contact information
Centres
We have three centres:
- Simonside Centre, Simonside
- Water Activities Centre, South Shields Seafront
- Akenshawburn Cottages, Kielder
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.