Cookie Policy
Effective Date: September 19, 2025
At The Climbing Experience (we, us, or our), we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency in how we handle your personal data. This Cookie Policy explains how we use cookies and similar technologies on our website, https://theclimbingexperience.co.uk/ (the "Site"), which is operated by The Climbing Experience, an indoor bouldering and climbing facility located in Maidstone, Kent, UK. We provide bouldering sessions, coaching academies for children, fun wall parties, memberships, and related fitness activities.
This policy applies to all visitors to our Site. By using our Site, you agree to the use of cookies as described below. If you do not agree, please adjust your browser settings to disable cookies or refrain from using the Site.
For more details on how we process your personal data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (e.g., computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit our Site. They help us recognize your device and remember information about your visit, such as your preferences or login status. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels, and local storage.
We use cookies for essential functions, analytics, and marketing to enhance your experience, improve our services, and understand how our community engages with our bouldering and coaching offerings.
How We Use Cookies
We use cookies to:
Ensure the Site works correctly (e.g., remembering your session during booking an intro session or membership signup).
Analyze usage to improve our facilities, like tracking popular coaching times for our Academy Primary or Junior programs.
Personalize content, such as recommending Fun Wall party options based on your interests.
Serve relevant ads for climbing gear or events, if applicable.
Our cookies do not collect sensitive personal information without your consent, and we do not sell your data to third parties.
Types of Cookies We Use
We classify cookies into categories based on their purpose and duration. Below is a table summarizing the types we may use:
| Category | Purpose | Examples of Cookies/Tools | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Required for basic Site functionality, such as navigating pages or accessing secure areas (e.g., membership login). These cannot be disabled. | Session ID, security tokens | Session (deleted on close) or up to 2 years | The Climbing Experience |
| Analytics | Help us understand how visitors interact with the Site (e.g., most viewed pages like our Passes or Memberships sections). We use this to optimize user experience. | Google Analytics (_ga, _gid) |
2 years | |
| Marketing | Deliver personalized ads or content, such as promotions for our Intro to Bouldering sessions or Fun Wall parties, based on your browsing. | Google Ads, Facebook Pixel | Up to 13 months | Google, Meta |
| Preferences | Remember your choices, like language or region preferences, to tailor content for UK visitors. | Preference cookies | Up to 1 year | The Climbing Experience |
Note: Third-party cookies (e.g., from Google) may involve data processing outside the UK/EU. We ensure these partners comply with data protection laws, such as the UK GDPR.
Third-Party Cookies and Tools
We integrate trusted third-party services that may set their own cookies:
Google Analytics and Ads: For traffic analysis and ad personalization. Google acts as a data processor; see their privacy policy.
Social Media Plugins: If you share content (e.g., via Facebook or Instagram links on our Fun Walls page), these platforms may set cookies. See their policies for details.
Booking/Forms: If we add embedded forms for party bookings, they may use cookies for functionality.
We do not control these third parties but require them to respect your privacy.
Your Cookie Choices and Consent
When you first visit our Site from the UK or EEA, you'll see a cookie banner allowing you to:
Accept All: Enable all cookies for the best experience.
Manage Cookies: Customize preferences (e.g., opt out of marketing cookies).
Reject Non-Essential: Block analytics and marketing cookies while allowing essential ones.
You can manage cookies at any time:
Through our cookie settings tool (accessible via the banner or footer link).
By adjusting your browser settings (e.g., in Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies). Note: Disabling cookies may limit Site features, like saving your membership preferences.
Via third-party tools: Opt out of Google Analytics here.
We respect "Do Not Track" signals where supported. Consent can be withdrawn anytime, with changes taking effect immediately.
Children's Privacy
Our Site and services, including the Academy for ages 5-16, are family-oriented. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13 without parental consent. If you're a parent, review this policy and contact us to manage your child's data.
Data Transfers and Security
Cookies may involve data transfers to the US (e.g., Google servers) under UK adequacy decisions or standard contractual clauses. We use reasonable security measures to protect cookie data, but no system is foolproof—contact us if you suspect a breach.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices or laws. We'll notify you via the Site or email (if provided). Continued use after changes implies acceptance.
Contact Us
Questions about this policy? Reach out to:
Address: The Climbing Experience, Unit G13 Baltic Wharf, St Peter’s Street, Maidstone, ME16 0ST
Data Protection Officer: Same as above.
For complaints, contact the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.
Thank you for climbing with us! 🧗♂️