Reviews of Thunderbowl. (Sports Complex) in Kettering (Northamptonshire).

Thunderbowl

996 Reviews

110 Comments

Sports Complex

Bowling alley

Rockingham Rd, Kettering NN16 9AW, United Kingdom

Description

Information of Thunderbowl, Sports Complex in Kettering (Northamptonshire)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of Thunderbowl

Popular times

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Reviews of Thunderbowl

H. R.

Prepaid for bowling and crazy golf. They were okay however the theming was good. We enjoyed that. Bowling was about what you'd expect (it's hard to screw up bowling anyway). There aren't many animations that play after your turn so you're bound to see repeats. Screens were unusually blue? I don't know how they messed that one up. Crazy golf wasn't very crazy. Consisted of 9 holes that felt cramped (we were only a group of 3, I feel bad for bigger groups). Was going to play pool but it's 15 pound an hour. No thanks. We left somewhat satisfied

L. R.

Met some friends here today that we met on holiday, we chose this place as it was half way. We had such a great time, staff were so friendly and helpful, food was nice and fresh & hot. Thank you for making our holiday meet up day special. Definitely recommend a visit for a few hours of family fun.

C. B.

Service was a little slow, member of staff seemed to be doing multiple jobs at once. The actual bowling lanes seemed very outdated with older style technology and no option of having the barriers go up and down with each player. Barriers …

J. L.

I really enjoyed my visit today the staff were kind and it was relatively clean. However I went to the gum ball machine and bit into the 'gum' I found out it was a gobstopper and when I asked the staff they lied to me and when u got home I cut it open [out of curiosity] and it was a gobstopper. UNACCEPTABLE !

R. N.

What a place to visit the staff are amazing there is bowling and beer for 9 quid which is a bargin. Crazy golf as well arcades with some really good classic games and a awesome air hockey table. As well there hotdogs are made when you order them so they are as fresh as can be. Also there are some great deals there as well so its not to expensive either.

J. W.

Can I just say I saw your cleaner working today whilst bowling and I realised the following. I love bowling and I have recently swapped to Thunderbowl Kettering because of the price for 3 games . This place is spotless and the staff are so nice they clean the lanes but more importantly the balls are in good condition. This is a great place to go bowling.

N. k.

Booked and prepaid for the unlimited twilight bowling session on a busy Saturday night. I arrived an hour late and was pleased to find they honoured my booking despite my lateness. Excellent display of integrity and worthy of 5 stars for that alone. It was a great finish to a lovely evening, and I'd highly recommend this venue for it bowling and pool. They also have mini golf and escape rooms, which I've not tried, but the variety means you're sure to find something to keep you and your party entertained at a fair price.

D. A. M.

Came to visit my friend and we decided to go bowling. The place is easy to find with a good car park. It's a good idea to reserve a bowling lane in advance if going on weekend evenings. Bowling shoes available on request at reception desk. Cash and card payment possible. The staff is nice and helpfull. Kids friendly place with accesible prices. Upstairs you will find pool tables. Good atmosphere. The city center 5 minutes car drive.

H.

Went with some friends to catch up and usually the experience is great but our burger was horrid and children were allowed to run around everywhere even around our vip bowling area. Hopefully it returns to the good experience we usually have.

M. B.

Good fun but a little bit run down. Everything you touch feels a little bit grimy! My kids love it though. It's an easy way to pass an hour or so.

C. C.

Great place to go and bowl. The arcades look good but with no cash machine make sure you take cash. Will definitely go again

T. O.

I went with a group of 16 we had fun. We enjoyed the bowling,there are other payed games to enjoy. There is food and drinks on site to buy.

L. R.

Thunderbowl boasts a small bowling alley, i believe there are 14 lanes, small indoor adventure golf course, an escape room (we didn't use this) and a small arcade area. The bar is very cheap and cheerful. Hot snacks like pizza, chips, burgers and nachos are on offer at very low prices compared to other leisure centres. Alcohol is also served. There is a pirate theme throughout but the carpet is galaxy/space print-a bit of an odd mismatch. The arcade has a few great machines like PacMan Air Hockey and basketball, but there isn't huge amount of games to choose from compared to other further afield arcades. Here's the issue I can't see past. The place isn't accessible by wheelchair. It is accessed via a staircase and there is no lift and no ramp at the entrance. I am told there is one round the side at a separate entrance. Once inside, there are further stairs to access the adventure golf course, which is absolutely not accessible, the escape rooms and the snooker area. If you use the wheelchair accessible entrance you will only be able to access the bowling lanes and the arcade, not the adventure golf, snooker area, escape rooms and cafe. This oversight is really really disappointing to see. However, all staff we encountered were smiley and friendly; in particular the young lady at reception who was quick to help when I realised I had messed up our prebooking. Super appreciative of you (and your cool glasses!!). For a relatively budget activity with kids, definitely check out Thunderbowl. It won't wow you, but it's a good facility to have in the area. *We've since been to Thunderbowl several times, there are some good mid week offers available to book and our young one has joined the youth bowling club which meets at Thunderbowl each week!

L. H.

Great for fun with grandchildren. Only negative it was very cold inside so only had one game

M. K.

Great place to spend your evening with friends and family. I find it a little expensive (£30 for 2 bowling games - no booking), but I am not very familiar with bowling prices. Big parking space, a few choices for food and snacks (I did not eat), nice video and active games on the side, and friendly staff. Four stars because of price, if that's the normal, consider them 5.

C.

Expensive but fun. Cheaper and has good offers Tuesdays.

C.

Its actually got loads of potential, staff are nice, theme is fun, reasonably priced. Would have given it 5 but the loading pins got stuck a couple of times and we had to adjust the scores.

D. N.

No initial tutorial or instruction from staff but the alley was well managed, the facilities clean and our party thoroughly entertained

R. M.

Had a great afternoon for grandson's 16th birthday.

R. A.

Had a pleasant experience at this location. Family friendly too.

P. P.

Went on a Sunday morning at 10am when they opened. All the lanes were in use and if you book in advance you are guaranteed a lane. Flat shoes or trainers fo bowling is a must however they do have bowling shoes available. On site is a bar and food at reasonable prices. The whole place is pirate themed and is great for the kids. Parking is free directly outside the main entrance.m

M. B.

Great place. Nice.staff Very helpfull

u. S.

Excellent customer service from everyone. They make everyone feel like a priority, going out of their way to accomodate varying needs of guests. Thank you xx

e.

Too expensive, 1 bowling game is about 10-15 minutes for £17, crazy price

r. t.

We love bowling for a family games afternoon or evening. Always great fun. They often do offers for families too, knocking off a few ££ making it even more value. Great activity for all the family to enjoy. The place isn't too bad. Staff can appear irritated sometimes when asking for information about something but on the whole, always a positive experience. Food, is what it is, that said we normally avoid the food there.

s. b.

If you like bowling you could go here. I'm not sure there is much to distinguish one bowling alley from another but this is definitely a bowling alley. We had a couple of rounds with the kids which was a fine and normal bowling experience, speaking as somebody who hasn't ever felt a particular inclination towards bowling. We had some drinks which were fine and we had some nachos which were so bad even the kids didn't want them, so I would advise eating beforehand.

V. A.

We had our staff christmas nught out bowling. The bar staff were all great it was a really good night. It felt safe no bad atmosphere and the bar was a good price.

A. S.

Fun experience with my friends. Nice food and drinks. The evenings with the lights and the music are a lot of fun, especially for older kids. My only complaint would be that the lanes get stuck wayyyy too often. Also, the screens which display your scores look like they've been there for way over a few decades. With a bit of new technology it could be fantastic.

G. H.

Very dated needs an up lift . The crazy golf was good and the bowling was good would I go again .... no 👎 the food was very late arrival coming out very slow I had ordered chicken bites curly fries waited for about 40 mins for my friend's food to come out and my mozzarella sticks . ?? Malfunction in the kitchen I hope. The staff was very friendly and good customer service . It was also very cold in there .

K. M.

Easy to book, quick and convenient when we arrived to get going with bowling. Would have felt more comfortable if they had spaced the lanes better as everyone who arrived at opening were put on the first lanes next to each other. There was plenty of few lanes so could have spaced us better for covid reasons. We also had a game of golf. Good value for money, short course but fun to fill half an hour.

E. G.

Friendly staff, great deals for bowling on a Wednesday, when the kids are in school. Nice and peaceful. Lots of lovely games you can play for the kids and for families to. Great music to listen when playing bowling. Lovely food and drink, just lots of great fun for all ages. Plus for Adults there is pool to play upstairs.

J. S.

Good family bowling facilities on site are great, didn't do the golf but pool and darts room clean and tidy. We did the drink and 2 games of bowling fantastic value for money, will e going back 👍

T.

Kids had a great time, staff very friendly but the food lets it down. Took ages to come and the hot dog rolls were rock hard! Would definitely go again for the fun but not bother with eating there.

J.

The staff were absolutely brilliant! So, so friendly, great communication from the barstaff, restaurant, and reception! You guys rock the joint - Thank you for making an our lads birthday count xx

s. s. (.

not too bad for a hang out. went with my office team, had a good time bowling. The place is not overly crowded or noisy. offers decent range of drinks and fast food. There are few more gaming areas and a good place to visit with children aged between 10 and 15.

J. B.

Not good at all for people with autism. Loud and flashy lights. The cafe in there sells you a pizza for £10 but it's just a frozen Chicago town pizza which is usually like £3 from the super market. The arcade is small and lackluster but I guess it'll keep a kid happy. The bowling was good but like I said, as someone with Autism (Asperger's) it was really hard for me to stay in without my headphones on.

P. E.

Not been for yrs . Enjoyable afternoon . Crazy golf . A few games of pool and bowling . A good place to go when the weathers not great outside ..

A. R. A.

Amazing........................., my first time and i love it

I. S.

Always fun to go bowling. Usually being a carer taking my client with learning difficulties for some fun I get a carer rate but today they said it is only during the week which made it a little expensive., Which is why only 4 stars. The staff are very good and raised the bumpers for me. They have a good selection of bowls of different weights and sizes and you are never hurried to finish.

R. R.

Typical bowling alley. The lanes are in good condition and plenty of balls in various weights and hand sizes. Bar is well stocked, arcade machines are decent, and they have good lighting systems and music to create an atmosphere. Even the toilets were pleasant!

S. G.

We have been here several times, but to be honest... only because it is good value for money and conveniently close. There are definitely better bowling allys nearby. We felt let down when having our son's birthday party here and couldn't - hand on heart - recommended it for a children's party. We felt like we were an inconvenience more than anything else and it is not like they were overly busy with other customers. But for a value bowling visit then bowling is bowling whereever you go.

C. B.

Great place to meet family and friends, great bowling,pool and arcade. Great choice of drinks, friendly atmosphere and staff.

E. P.

I have been to 3 escape rooms at thunderbowl now. 2 of them were actually really good and the right level of difficulty for me and my little sister who is 11, however one was a bit far fetched and the clues didn't really make sense. We went to the new Egyptian one the other day and unfortunately did not have the best time. The woman who was giving us the clues was really unhelpful, she gave us the wrong clues a few times. There were times we were on the right tracks and she would give us a clue that completely threw us off as she would fail to acknowledge that we were not yet at that point in the game. She would also ask us "what bit are you on?" and I would have to waste valuable time trying to explain when she should really be paying attention. I have never had to explain to an escape room host where abouts in the game I was before. Overall good enough rooms but the clue giving could definitely be improved. Not sure I would go there again simply for that reason.

I. S.

Great value. Had a great time. Was unsure going as I'm partially sighted but staff were very helpful nothing was to much for them

S. P.

Great fun and really good deals throughout the week. Convienant location and restaurant downstairs is good for a fast food dinner but not really a full dinner for an adult.

D. B.

Good bowling alley. Bar, pool tables, arcade. Good deals on during the week.

A. H.

Visited during school holiday, really busy. But a good bowling ally.

P. W. L.

Very Welcoming at reception, lots to see for the family. BOOKING for the bowling lanes, taken over the phone. Beautiful Bar.

P. G.

It's good has good staff and has bowling pool gold escape rooms and some arcade machines the only complaint I have is that some of the arcade machines don't work the best the zombie machine is broken

T. P.

Great bowling alley with a really good pirate theme. Lots of other things to do there as well with the crazy golf and escape room. Definitely recommend a visit.

S. E.

Loved this, spontaneous afternoon bowling. Easy to book online, staff friendly and lots of parking available. Will visit again soon

R. p.

Nice vibe in the place. Bowling is good. Staff super friendly. Side activities also ok.

A. D.

Popped in during school holidays on a whim with the youngest, only wanted 1 game and a drink each, only offer available included a burger but we had just eaten, so declined, just shy of £25 for around 30 mins for 1 adult 1 child and a pint and a half of pepsi

J. B.

Had a great time at the Thunderbowl. Friendly atmosphere there. The staff we're very helpful. And I Will go again to bowl very soon !

P. M.

Amazing time great friendly atmosphere well worth a visit my advise would be to book up as it can get busy

J. B.

Great place for birthday parties 🥳

S. B.

Staff were abit stressed out as eas busy with some other rowdy guests but they were really friendly and tried to keep everyone else happy, otherwise good music and bowling always fun, reasonable price one game for 6 people £30.

K. “.

Clean, friendly staff, for value for money. Didn't try the food but many were

E. D.

The food is very nice and the activities and arcade are awesome!! 10/10 definitely recommend!! 😁

J. R.

The bowling was reasonably priced and the staff were nice and friendly. The cafe / restaurant at the front was quite expensive and the pizza we received was quite obviously a frozen pizza which was grossly overpriced.

G. B.

Great place for a spot of bowling, we didn't eat but the food that was around looked quite nice, nice arcade and pool table area

S. S.

Nice place, clean and tidy. The staff seemed friendly.

G. G.

Great family fun! And I always win 😂

O. W.

Haven't been in a while but used to be really good here plenty of activates to do

L. B.

Me and my friends had an amazing time at Thunderbowl. The food and atmosphere were excellent.

M. M.

Had a great time with my niece and nephew very helpful and friendly staff

D. I.

Very good place to spend some quality time, good prices and great staff, love it.

J. M.

Great place, kids friendly, good prices and a lots of fun! Love it there!!

D. S.

My family and I always have a great here. We've been here several times and there's never a dull moment.

A. B.

The customer service lacked the pricing is too high but its a nice atmosphere. A good hour out

N. H.

Good venue, friendly staff, good food. A lot of fun activities packed in a small venue.

P. R.

Had to wait a bit but really enjoyed our game. Staff polite and friendly.

R. D.

Good evening of bowling. Food and drinks are also available at a decent price. The scoring software could do with an update! (1995 version currently)

U.

Escape rooms were enjoyable and well worth the money. Service was also really good quality

d. c.

I have been going to here since I was young and each time has been great.

G. B.

Would recommend for a few hours of passing some time if local...

S. M.

Great bowling centre. Helpful, efficient staff. Reasonable prices.

V. J.

Didn't need to pre-book which was good. Staff are helpful and friendly

N. C.

Ok...cheap bowling and keeps.kids entertained so good all.rpund

L. M.

Fun family fun ..cocktails are lovely bowling and food is on point too

A. M.

Great place, had fun staff friendly and helpful

A. K.

Lovely place for having fun with friends:)

S. W.

Great place to go for a lot of family fun

S. M.

Good fun and unlimited bowling was a good deal

C. L.

Mega - family-friendly, with an arcade for the kids, at any time, for hours.

N. A. F. G. V.

The right place for the whole family! I loved it!!!

S. A.

N. G.

T. G.

L.

o. f.

F. F.

C. M.

M. A.

I feel they could do something like Wellingborough bowling and have all the lighting effects and music, makes it much nicer but yes it's a decent bowling place.

M. L.

Based on Rockingham road on the site adjacent to the former Kettering Football Ground This bowling alley is well worth every penny The staff are incredible Nothing is too much The bar prices are reasonable too Just be aware in peak times there can some times be a wait. There are toilets and food facilities on site and also a pool table.

E.

Everything you would expect. Very outdated decor. Pricey most of the time. Good selection of entertainments to choose from. Food average. Service good. Cleanliness on the poor side.

J. T.

It's a bowling alley! Does what it says in the description have some decent deals. Avoid party deal as you can create your own party at the right time much cheaper

A. H.

ok for a few games but the place is rather dated also u feel rushed to finish your games food was the only high point with the mozzarella dips beeing out of this world

J. J.

Good prices good facilities and fun for everyone, new escape rooms look brilliant and all the arcade is good, pool tables are pretty good and the mini golf looks like fun

p. p.

Great place to visit for a few hours fun. It had ten pin bowling, an arcade, escape rooms and a bar. Downstairs has a fat franks diner.

D. H.

Went for the Escape Rooms, but as they were not working stayed for 2 games of bowling, food, drink and some arcades. Staff were very friendly.

S. L.

Good hour or so out with the kids, arcade needs more play games and less grabber style games tho

K. E.

Enjoyable game with friends, but do the lanes need redoing, they don't seem very flat.

S. R.

Great place for family fun. Would recommend and staff brilliant

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