Clip 'n Climb

Clip 'n Climb is an indoor climbing center where you actually get to climb - no standing around watching someone else have fun. It's based near Marlow, not far from Windsor and Maidenhead, and it's the sort of place that'll exhaust the kids for hours in the best possible way.

You've got various climbing walls of different difficulty levels, so whether your eight-year-old is having their first go or you've got a teenager who's already obsessed with climbing, there's something to keep everyone occupied. The routes are color-coded and marked clearly, so it's straightforward to know what you're attempting. Harnesses and safety gear are sorted out on site - no faffing about trying to figure it out yourself.

This works brilliantly if you're staying at one of the nearby camping spots like Penn Meadow Farm or Shillingridge Glamping. It's a proper wet-weather option or an afternoon break from walking round the Thames Valley. Realistically, kids can get a solid two to three hours here before fatigue sets in, maybe longer if they're genuinely into climbing.

Word of warning: it's not cheap, and you'll want to check their current prices and opening hours before you go - they're not listed here, so ring ahead or check the website. Also worth knowing that some younger children might find the taller walls intimidating, so go in with realistic expectations. But if your crew are the active type, it's well worth the detour from Marlow.