Sutcliffe Sports Centre in Eltham offers top modern facilities for kids to stay active. The skatepark and the climbing wall are among the most popular areas at the centre. You’ll also find a soft play area for the youngest ones as well as Class A athletics tracks.
It’s great to have indoor alternatives to stay active when the weather worsens, and the kids grow restless staying inside. Unlike the nearest soft play centre, Sutcliffe Sports Centre in South East London offers so much more. It’s not just that the facilities are state of the art and modern, you’ll also find so many activities with professional instructors.
The climbing walls at Sutcliffe Sports Centre
The Clip ‘n climb sessions are available from age 4 and upwards, and no climbing experience is required. Full training is given, and they provide all the equipment necessary. Note that you need to arrive 20 minutes early before your booked time to participate in the safety instructions and harnessing process.
Members of staff help the kids with the gear and help the climbers onto walls with carabiners. Automatic belay devices take in the slack as they climb and then lower them gently to the ground. We felt safe all the way, and supervisors are always close at hand. Our daughter was thrilled about the experience, and we have back several times afterwards.
It’s also an excellent venue to organise birthday parties for kids, with plenty of opportunities to burn energy after the birthday cake.
The skatepark
Feeling the energy in the centre, this London skatepark has been a great hit. It’s suitable for BMX, Skateboard, 2 wheels Stunt Scooter’ or “in-line” skates. BMX bikes, Skateboards or Scooters are also available to hire. Protective helmets is compulsory for under 16’s (can be hired too).
Soft Play for the youngest at Sutcliffe
The soft play area is well planned out and is an excellent way to ensure the whole family stays engaged. I wouldn’t necessarily travel only for the soft play area, but it’s great if you have a toddler or baby in tow. While our daughter enjoyed the climbing wall, the toddler explored the different levels at the soft play area. The facilities felt safe, was not too crowded, and there is a good separation between the toddler and baby sections.
Of course, you’ll find all the usual play elements, including slides, tunnels, a treehouse and a motion-sensitive floor! The area goes over three levels, which is great for the toddlers to experience climbing without any risk. There are also plenty of seats for the parents. We didn’t test out the athletics track so far, but I would encourage you to check out their webpage and all the activities they arrange to get kids involved in sports.
Attractions nearby
From the other attractions and activities in the Greenwich area, we love the Horniman Museum the most. Here you can find outdoor activities, as well as checking out a gigantic stuffed walrus! Greenwich offers lots of activities for kids, including one of our favourite playgrounds and the Maritime Museum, which is fantastic for kids. If you are into farm animals like us, we can recommend visiting the renovated Surrey Docks Farm on the Thames path in Rotherhithe.
Key Information Sutcliffe Sports Centre
- Paid entry
- Indoor activity
- Category: Sports
- Borough: Greenwich
- Area: South East London
- Tube: Kidbrooke railway station
- Nearby: Eltham Palace
- Sports centre website