Gambado Forest Hill FAQs

Here’s everything you need to know before your visit to Gambado Forest Hill!

Where is Gambado Forest Hill?

You'll find us inside the Capitol building at 11-21 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3TW. Forest Hill station is a short walk away, and the 122, 176, 185, 197 and 356 buses stop close by.

What ages is Gambado Forest Hill suitable for?

Our soft play is built for children from birth to 12. Babies up to 2 have their own quiet area.

What should the kids wear?

Pick clothes that are easy to move in. Long sleeves and leggings or trousers work best. Socks are a must on all play equipment.

Is there parking nearby?

We don't have on-site parking, but there are two car parks close by with up to 2 hours' parking. Our first choice is Pearcefield Avenue (behind Sainsbury's), a couple of minutes' walk up London Road. If it's full, Perry Vale car park near Forest Hill station is a slightly longer walk. Parking is free on Sundays and bank holidays, and payment is cashless. See our Parking Guidance page for maps.

Can I bring my buggy inside?

We don't allow buggies past reception, but there's a buggy park right next to our reception desk where you can leave yours while you play.

Do adults need an entry ticket?

Yes, adults need a ticket too. An adult must stay with children at all times.

Do I have to stay with my child?

Yes. You look after your own children, and one adult (18+) must stay in the building the whole time.

Can I bring my own food and drink?

Outside food and drink isn't allowed, to help protect children with allergies. Baby food for under 1s is fine. Our café has meals, snacks and hot drinks. If your child has a severe allergy, let us know before you come.

Do you accept cash?

No, we're card only. You can pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Can I hire the entire venue?

Yes. Private hire gives your group all of our play areas, just for your group. Contact us for dates and prices.

Do you run SEN sessions?

We want every child to feel welcome at Gambado, and children with SEN are welcome to visit at any time.

We don’t run separate SEN sessions. Instead, families who would prefer a quieter experience are encouraged to visit during our off-peak sessions, which are generally during school term time. These sessions tend to be calmer, with fewer people, more space to play and more opportunity for our team to help if needed.

During off-peak sessions, children’s tickets are charged at our normal price, but one parent or carer can enter free of charge with proof of disability. We feel this approach gives SEN families much more flexibility than offering a single dedicated session each week, which may not always fall at a convenient time.

If you’d like to talk through what to expect before your visit, our team will be happy to help. We also welcome enquiries from schools, charities and other organisations interested in arranging a private session.