21.10.26
Christmas opening times and gifts at The Climbing Academy
The Christmas break is a great time to try something new. With the whole family together, why not try a sport where all abilities can take part at the same time?
All five TCA centres in Bristol, Glasgow and Chippenham stay open over Christmas and New Year. We’re closed only on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Christmas opening times 2026
These hours apply at The Mothership and The Church in Bristol, The Newsroom and The Prop Store in Glasgow and The Arc in Chippenham.
| Day | Date | Opening times |
|---|---|---|
| Thu | 24 Dec | 9am–6pm |
| Fri | 25 Dec | Closed |
| Sat | 26 Dec | Closed |
| Sun | 27 Dec | 9am–6pm |
| Mon | 28 Dec | 9am–8pm |
| Tue | 29 Dec | 9am–8pm |
| Wed | 30 Dec | 9am–8pm |
| Thu | 31 Dec | 9am–6pm |
| Fri | 1 Jan | Closed |
| Sat | 2 Jan | 9am–6pm |
| Sun | 3 Jan | 9am–6pm |
Normal hours run right up until Wed 23 December and start again on Mon 4 January. See locations.
Climbing gift cards
Give someone an experience this year. Our digital gift card is emailed straight to the person you’re buying for. Choose £10, £20, £50, £100 or your own amount. It can be spent in person at all five centres or in our online shop, on entry, passes, courses, shoes and kit.
Prefer something to wrap? Physical gift cards are on sale at reception. Some centres also have TCA greetings cards. Already a TCA climber? You can also gift passes and day entry from your Capitan account.
Family climbing over the holidays
The days between Christmas and New Year are made for getting everyone out of the house. Climbing suits all ages, whatever the weather is doing outside.
It also works for everyone at once. Kids, parents and grandparents can each pick climbs that suit them and climb side by side, cheering each other on. More on family climbing at TCA.
Your questions
- Do we need to book?
No. Bouldering is turn up and climb at any of our centres. Only roped tasters need booking. - Can we boulder with no experience?
Yes. You don’t need any experience to try bouldering. Complete the relevant forms before you arrive and you’re ready to go. Bouldering is climbing without ropes, on lower walls, over padded mats. If you’d like a guided first visit, you can book an optional induction in Bristol or Glasgow. - What age can children climb?
You can start bouldering or roped climbing at any age, although certain areas will have restrictions for under 8s. Under 16s must be supervised by a registered adult. Each adult can supervise up to 2 others per visit. For roped climbing, under 18s must be supervised by a registered adult. See also FAQs. - Can we use the auto belays?
Yes. At our rope centres, anyone can use the auto belays. Inductions are free on request at The Church, The Prop Store and The Arc. Just pop in to get started. - Can our family try roped climbing?
Yes. If you and your family want to try roped climbing, we run family tasters and adult-only tasters. These sessions run at The Arc and The Church. One of our qualified instructors will guide you through fitting a harness, tying into the rope and belaying. To book a Roped Taster for you and your family visit our Beginners courses page.
Ready to climb? Complete your forms before you arrive, pick your centre and come and climb with us this Christmas.
