All About Bowling

Find the answer to any questions you have here.

• Can juniors attend the venues alone?

  All juniors (under 16) must be accompanied by an adult at all times (or at the managers discretion)

• Can children play bowling?

  Yes. We have ramps to help them push the ball down the lane, lighter-weight balls and bumpers to keep the ball on the lane. Children must be supervised at all times in the centre, especially when handling bowling balls and on the lane approach. We advise children from two years old to bowl, but it is up to the supervising adult. 

• Can I hire the venue for a special event?

  Yes, you can. Each venue has hire options and has years of experience providing exciting, bespoke packages for special events. Please speak to your local Sales Manager who will be happy to help plan and organise your perfect event.

• Do you have children’s birthday parties?

  We love children’s birthday parties and are well known for the great fun all children have at NAMCO Funscape. To find out what is on offer at your local venue, go to their page on the website or find them on the Party page. All parties are catered, hosted and have bowling games included with a party pack, containing all the information you need, plus invitations. Food and gifts vary across the sites so please check with your local venue for the options.

• Do you have disabled access?

  We pride ourselves on our all-inclusive access and disability awareness. Bowling is a great fun sport for people of all ages and abilities, and we strive to create the best facilities for everyone to enjoy. Every venue is accessible and we have equipment and facilities available for most needs. If you are a carer, please call us ahead of your visit to arrange your booking. We are more than happy to help answer any queries and help in any way we can.

• Do you sell gift vouchers?

  Yes, we do. Gift cards are available at your local NAMCO Funscape venue. Gift cards are valid all year around and redeemable against food, drink and bowling. Please contact your nearest location to purchase gift cards.

• Do you serve food and drink?

  We serve a delicious menu of food and drinks at our diners, bars and restaurants – take a look at the menu on your local venue’s page to see what you fancy. Costa Coffee is available at most of our venues, and Clyde's Bar & Grill restaurant is located at NAMCO Funscape Tamworth.

• Can I bring my own food and drink to NAMCO Funscape?

  Only food and drink purchased from the locations can be consumed on the premises.

• Do you show Sky Sports/BT Sports?

  All our centres have Sky Sports and BT Sports showing on large screens. We show all major sporting matches and significant cultural events.

• Do you support local charity fundraising?

  We try to help our local charities as much as we can by offering prizes for fundraising initiatives. However, due to the high volume of requests each venue receives, this is not always possible. Please speak to your local Sales Manager with any event enquiries.

• How do I book for a party or large group?

  Easy, just call the dedicated sales team at your local venue – contact details can be found on the venue’s contact page. We also cater for corporate functions, product launches, commercial filming and special events. Speak to your local Sales Manager who will be very happy to help plan and organise your perfect event.

• How do I change the time or details of a booking I’ve made online?

  Just give the venue where you made the booking a call and they will be able to help you.

• How do I play a game of bowling?

  The staff at the venue will be able to help you with the rules of the game and give you tips for winning.

• How many turns do I get?

  Each game of bowling is made up of 10 frames. In each frame, the players get two balls, unless you knock all the pins down (strike) on your first ball.

• What about food allergies?

  Unfortunately, we can't guarantee that any of our food products are free from nuts, seeds or other allergens. If you have any special dietary requirements, you are welcome to bring your own home-prepared food, but please tell the team at the venue that is what you’re doing.

  We have some vegetarian options, and if booking a big party that requires special catering, halal or kosher food for example, we are happy to accommodate via external specialist caterers.

• What are the height restrictions for dodgems?

  All drivers and passengers using the dodgems must be over 1.1m. A responsible person over the age of 18 must accompany children.

  At our Metrocentre, Gateshead location, under 90 centimetres cannot ride and under 1.35m must be accompanied by an adult.

• How old do you have to be to play Mario Kart GP VR?

  There is a height restriction of 106cm to play.

• What are your opening times?

  Each NAMCO Funscape venue is different. Take a look at our locations pages to find your nearest centre and see their opening times.

• What do I do if I have some feedback or a complaint?

  In the first instance, please speak to the duty manager who will be happy to hear any feedback or help with a complaint. If you wish to speak to our Head Office, you can email on enquiries@bandainamco.co.uk

• What do I do if I need to cancel a booking?

  Just call the venue and let them know. Where deposits have been taken, these cannot be refunded.

• What offers do you have?

  Take a look at our offers section to see all prices and discounts, days and times.

• What shoe sizes are available?

  We have all shoes sizes for bowling, and shoe hire is included in your game price. In some of our centres, you can choose to bowl in your own shoes. These shoes must follow the guidelines though – flat-soled pumps, trainers, boots and shoes are all okay. We can’t let you bowl in high heels though, that would be very difficult.

• What’s the age of a junior?

  Anyone aged 16 and under is considered a junior at NAMCO Funscape and must be accompanied by an adult.

• Is there a health and Safety risk assessment for schools & groups?

  Please find the Health and Safety guide for large groups and schools here.

• Where can I find directions to my nearest centre?

  All our centres have their own page. Find your nearest centre then take a look at its page to see an interactive map on the right-hand side that you can use to get directions to the centre.

• Which is my nearest centre?

  Take a look at our contact page to find your nearest venue.

• Who can use the soft play at Braintree, Metrocentre and Tamworth?

  The soft play facilities are available to any child aged between one and eight years (11 years at Braintree), and under 149cm.

• What are your opening hours?

  We are open 7 days a week