King's Bastion Leisure Centre
Originally an 18th century military fortress used to defend Gibraltar against invading forces, King's Bastion Leisure Centre now serves the far more pleasant role of entertaining residents and visitors to the Rock. Located just off Gibraltar's main shopping district between Line Wall and Queensway Roads, the centre has incorporated some of the original stonework during its renovation giving it a quirky look, with high domed ceilings and stone archways blending into a modern glass and steel structure. The sound of cannon and gunfire can still be heard within the walls of King's Bastion Leisure Centre, although now coming from the arcade war games đ
King's Bastion Leisure Centre
The centre has been planned and designed with all the family in mind, from young toddlers who have access to a free Play Zone, to grown-ups who can enjoy a number of entertainment facilities or just relax with a drink in Boyd's Bar while the young ones have fun. The Rock Bastion Restaurant offers a superb snack and a la carte menu, further refreshment choices and comfortable seating either indoors or out on the terrace for visitors who fancy al fresco dining. King's Bastion Leisure Centre has direct access to the lovely Commonwealth Park which provides the option of spending time in the centre and enjoying a picnic in the park, a great idea for families with a lot of hungry kids.
King's Bastion Leisure Centre Facilities
Amusement Arcade – Located on the ground floor of the centre, this is a popular area for all age groups with the toddlers Play Zone, both UK and American size pool tables, internet stations with chill out zone and over 60 arcade games including air hockey, pin ball machines, driving games, war games and exciting simulators.
10 Pin Bowling – King's Bowl & Bar is also on the ground floor and boasts 14 lanes fully equipped with lane bumpers, ball ramps, adaptable access for wheelchair users and lightweight bowling balls for the young ones. They also have the latest electronic scoring systems and regular party and theme nights such as Friday and Saturday Cosmic Bowling which gives a real disco atmosphere with jukebox music and crazy lighting. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings feature Pink Pin Bowling where if you get a strike when the head pin is pink you win a free soft drink. There are also full facilities for special occasions, corporate events and parties as well as regular promotional deals and special offers.
Gymnasium – Visitors who fancy limbering up before a game of bowls can head to the first level for a workout in the centre's gymnasium that features a wide selection of equipment for all types of muscle building and cardiovascular workouts.
Ice Skating – Heading up to the centre's top level, visitors can enjoy gliding around the rink all year round where there is a capacity for up to 50 skaters of all ages, although children under 7 years must be accompanied by an adult. A great feature of the ice rink for young and old are the quirky ice bumper cars, and for those wanting to step up their game, the centre offers ice skating lessons with a fully qualified coach.
Movie Theatre – The movie theatre is also located on the top level and offers the latest blockbusters on the big screen with tiered seating and a designated front row for wheelchair users. Movies are screened daily and there are matinee performances on weekends, as well as 3D movies and Event Cinema.
King's Bastion Leisure Centre Dining
On the first level of the centre visitors will find the superb Rock Bastion Restaurant which offers full a la carte dining facilities, a good range of drinks and a cafe area serving snacks, sweets, tea and coffee. Both adults and teens can enjoy socialising at King's Bastion Leisure Centre where the south terrace features Boyd's Wine Bar & Lounge serving a good selection of local and imported drinks. The north terrace offers a Youth Bar & Disco serving non alcoholic drinks, snacks and sweets for youths aged 12 – 18 years and also boasts a chill out area with 2 plasma screen TV's, free Nintendo Wii video games and a disco on Friday nights.