Things to Do in Northampton When It's Too Hot Outside

When it’s too hot to face the park, the best days out in Northampton move indoors. Think air-conditioned climbing, cool museums, bowling and escape rooms. Here are the places we would head to when the temperature climbs past 28°C and everyone still needs entertaining.

1. Go bouldering in the air conditioning at The Pinnacle Bouldering Centre

When the heat gets too much, this is the easiest place in Northampton to cool down and stay active. The Pinnacle Bouldering Centre at Weston Favell is fully air-conditioned, so you can climb in comfort while the parks bake. There are over 150 boulder problems, dedicated beginner areas, two themed kids' rooms and a café for a cold drink afterwards. Beginners, families and experienced climbers are all welcome.

Looking for somewhere cool? The Pinnacle Bouldering Centre is fully air-conditioned and open seven days a week. Book a session.

2. Climb the big walls at The Pinnacle Climbing Centre

Over in Far Cotton, The Pinnacle Climbing Centre keeps you out of the sun with more than 200 indoor routes, walls up to 12.5 metres high and auto belays you can use independently. There is even an indoor caving system to explore. Complete beginners are welcome, and an instructor will get you started safely.

3. Let younger kids loose at Clip 'n Climb

If you have younger children, Clip 'n Climb Northampton at Weston Favell turns climbing into a game, with bright themed challenge walls and auto belays for ages 2 and up. It is in the same air-conditioned shopping centre as the Bouldering Centre, so it is a good heatwave option for families and birthday parties.

4. Cool down at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery

For something slower, Northampton Museum and Art Gallery on Guildhall Road is free to enter and home to a world-famous shoe collection. The bright, modern galleries are a comfortable place to spend an hour out of the sun.

5. Solve an escape room at Trapp’d

Trapp’d on Connaught Street runs award-winning escape rooms where your group has sixty minutes to crack the puzzles and get out. It is indoors and air-conditioned, and it works for teenagers and adults as well as families.

6. Bowl and game under one roof at Tenpin Sixfields

Tenpin at Sixfields Leisure combines bowling, arcades, pool, karaoke and laser tag in one weatherproof package. It is an easy win when the kids want noise and you want shade.

7. Mini golf and trampolines at Gravity

Gravity at Sol Central in the town centre brings indoor mini golf, trampolining and bowling together, with food on site. Plenty to keep mixed ages busy without anyone stepping outside.

8. Catch a film at the cinema

A couple of hours in a cool, dark cinema is hard to beat during the hottest part of the day, especially with younger children who are already worn out.

Why indoor activities make sense in a heatwave

Health advice during hot spells is simple. Avoid strenuous activity in the midday sun, stay hydrated and find somewhere cooler for a few hours. Indoor attractions let you do exactly that without writing off the whole day. Climbing and bouldering are particularly good options because they keep children active and challenged in a controlled environment, with no sunburn or dehydration to worry about.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do in Northampton during a heatwave?

Air-conditioned bouldering, indoor climbing, museums, bowling, escape rooms and the cinema are all good ways to stay cool while still having a proper day out.

Is The Pinnacle Bouldering Centre air-conditioned?

Yes. The Pinnacle Bouldering Centre at Weston Favell is fully air-conditioned, which makes it one of the most comfortable places in Northampton to stay active when it is hot outside.

Is indoor climbing suitable for beginners and children?

Yes. Both Pinnacle centres welcome complete beginners, and children can climb from age four. If you have never climbed before, you start with a quick induction (there is a family induction option too). Once you are signed off, you can climb independently whenever you like. Staff are on hand throughout to help first-timers get going safely.

Do I need to book in advance?

If you have climbed with us before, you can usually just turn up and pay on entry for bouldering. If it is your first time, you will need an induction first (book an induction or a family induction, whichever suits), so it is best to book that ahead. Inductions, family sessions, courses and Clip 'n Climb are best booked in advance, especially in the school holidays. Check the pricing page for current options.

What is the difference between climbing, bouldering and Clip 'n Climb?

Climbing uses ropes and taller walls. Bouldering is on lower walls with safety matting and needs no ropes. Clip 'n Climb is a themed, game-style climbing experience built for younger children and families.

Stay cool at The Pinnacle

When the garden is too hot and the parks are packed, an air-conditioned climbing session is a good way to stay active out of the sun. The Pinnacle Bouldering Centre welcomes beginners, families and experienced climbers seven days a week. Book a session online.