Top 7 Climbing Experiences
Whether you have never tried climbing before or got some experinece we are sure one of these is a great gift idea. Whether that gift is for yourself
How We Found the Best Climbing Experiences in the UK
Experts Interviewed
Real Visitors Opinion
Experiences Tried
The Top Climbing Experiences in the UK
Climbing is an amazing sport, pushing the body to its limits. Like most sports its pretty easy to get into and we would highly recommend you get some professional training before heading to the great outdoors.
As well as being one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, the event also make its debut at Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Beginner
About the Activity:
Rock climbing is perfect for those who enjoy a challenge and get a buzz from tackling heights. It will test your fitness as well as your ability to work as a team. This introductory session will teach you the basics and leave you with an appetite to perhaps take this up as a new hobby.
You will be in the safe hands of a professional rock climbing instructor who will teach you how to put on the safety harness, tie a knot and how to belay. The instructor will also give you advice on your technique as well as the best tips to improve. There are different levels of difficulty for all ages and fitness.
Once you arrive you will both be fitted with a helmet and given a safety briefing. With your instructor you will then learn all the basics of how to rock climb on the various walls on offer at the venue. Depending on your competence during the session, you may then have the opportunity to continue rock climbing unsupervised for the rest of your experience This decision is made at the end of the session and is at the discretion of your instructor.
The locations available are all specialist indoor centres.
Why we chose it
This is ideal for any beginner – offering you a safe space indoor to learn the basics and get the hang of climbing.
The beauty of this being indoors, means it’s a very controlled environment, with lots of safety mats and easy paths to learn.
Plus the weather isn’t a factor. In fact many pro’s during the winter months use indoor centres to keep practicing ready for the warmer weather.
Experienced
About the Activity:
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, so why not give it a try and see what all the fuss is about? There is a real sense of fun and adventure in deciding the route you want to take and making progress over the obstacles you face. Whether you make it 5 feet or 50 feet off the ground, you are sure to feel a sense of accomplishment!
This is an introductory session, suitable for all abilities, learn the basics of this exciting sport and try climbing some brilliant routes. The session will be tailored to your ability and aspirations. With a qualified local guide you will scale the rock face and depending on the location you may have the chance to abseil back down. There is an enormous sense of achievement so don’t forget your camera or your friends will never believe you! The type of rock you will climg may vary depending on location, please check on booking.
Why we chose it
This is a great way to try the outdoors for the first time. Once you have become more confident then you can venture out on your own, but until you have got that confidence and the knowledge about outdoor climbing, we would always recommend you use a official climbing company.
Something Different
About the Activity:
Are you up for scaling Europe’s most challenging indoor ice wall?
On arrival at the venue you will meet your instructor, who will conduct a full safety briefing. Then it’s time for you to get kitted up with all the safety gear before heading to the ice wall. Your climb will be under strict supervision of an instructor at all times and tuition is on a one to one basis. Your experience will include 40 minutes ice climbing with a 20 minute briefing.
Why we chose it
This one I was super excited to try, I have done climbing both indoor and outdoor since I was in the cubs (a good few years ago), but I have never tried this.
It didn’t disappoint – what an experience this was and something I would highly recommend.
Whether you have been climbing all your life or never done it don’t worry. The briefing at the beginning covers everything you need to know.
I will probably try it a few more times over the next 12 months to improve my skills before heading to Scotland next winter.
Four
About the Activity:
For those with a thirst for adrenaline and a love of the extreme, abseiling can give you the buzz you’re looking for. The exhilaration of hanging on a rope no thicker than your finger is immense, feel the delight as you lean back over the edge and make your descent. This abseiling course is perfect for those who are complete beginners who want to try something new or for those wishing to polish up on their abseiling technique.
The Mendip Hills have the best limestone cliffs in Britain and are perfect for you to descend 150 foot cliffs. With this experience you’re guaranteed an adventure to remember.
At the beginning your instructor will carefully explain the whole process and ensure your complete safety and wellbeing. During this experience you’ll learn the basics of abseiling, happy in the knowledge that you are attached to a safety rope.
Why we chose it
Climbing is fun, its a great challenge working your way up to the top, planning the best route, using all your muscle and skills to beat the mountain.
But the real adrenaline rush is coming back down. This can be a great way into climbing, once you have had the buzz of ‘falling” down the side of a cliff, you will quickly want to learn how to climb back up so you do it all over again.
Five
About the Activity:
Are you brave enough to undertake the greatest mental and physical challenges known to man? Take on incredible trials with this remarkable experience at the NEC in Birmingham. Carefully selected instructors will put you to the test and challenge your limits with an exhilarating assault course. Then, get harnessed up to conquer an incredible hour-long climbing challenge, inspired by some of the most demanding peaks from all four corners of the world – including the giant formations of Fontainebleau (France) and legendary belay face of El Capitan (Yosemite, USA). With 20 different routes to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice – regardless of your climbing ability!
Why we chose it
It basically has something for everyone, whether you want to try yourself on the world’s toughest mountains or just the beginner route it has something for you.
Six
About the Activity:
If you consider yourself to be a true adrenaline junkie, you’ll love this exciting indoor abseiling experience. A thrilling test of wits, your heart will race as you lean backwards over the edge of the 150ft high Face of Steel, surrounded by almost absolute darkness. Then it’s time to throw caution to the wind as you push yourself from the comfort of the cliff edge and plunge into the awaiting Abyss – before climbing back to the top and experiencing this unique adrenaline rush all over again!
Why we chose it
Similar to the outdoor experience, but you will learn the skills and knowledge indoor.
If you would much rather learn the experience indoor before going outdoors this is a great start.
This is also good for children to start and learn.
Seven
About the Activity:
Calling all thrill-seekers! Head to London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to freefall abseil down the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the iconic symbol of London’s 2012 Olympics. Standing at 115 metres, it is officially London’s tallest sculpture. Head up to the platform 80 metres high and marvel at spectacular views of the capital. You’ll both be strapped in by the expert Wire and Sky staff before it’s time to lean back and take the plunge! Freefall abseil side-by-side down to the ground without touching anything on the way.
Why we chose it
I remember going to the Olympics in 2012 and seeing this magnificent statue and when I had the opportunity to abseil down it, well I had no choice.
Firstly the view of London from the top is amazing and then you get to free fall down it, the great thing is this is for two people so you get to share it with someone special or a great friend and make memories for life.
What level of climber are you?
If you are an experienced climber, why not purchase one of these for your friend / family member and get them into climbing.
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