First time climbing?

Getting started is easy

You can pay per visit or buy passes for discounted entry. View prices.

Pay Once, Climb Twice

If you’ve never visited a TCA centre before, you can pay for your first visit and your second visit is completely free. View offer.

Bouldering

New to bouldering? The easiest way in is an induction — a short, friendly session where a staff member shows you around and gives you the pointers you need to head off and climb on your own. Come solo, or bring friends and family along to learn together.

Prefer to jump straight in? Just turn up and hire shoes. Over 16s can boulder unsupervised. Complete forms before you arrive to save time. This includes our safety video.

Book an Induction

Roped Climbing

In the Southwest you can try roped climbing at The Church or The Arc. To start rope climbing, you must first complete a beginners course or be accompanied by an experienced friend who is happy to supervise. Find out more about Roped Beginners’ Courses and Tasters for all ages:

See roped courses

Bringing kids?

Please note that there are some restrictions for under 8s whether roped climbing or bouldering. See FAQs

Bouldering

Under 16s must be supervised by a registered adult. Each adult can supervise up to 2 others per visit.

You can boulder at all TCA centres, although if you’re in Bristol, head to The Mothership as bouldering at The Church is limited. The upstairs bouldering space in The Arc in Chippenham has family-friendly climbs.

Roped Climbing

Under 18s must be supervised by a registered adult.

You can try rope climbing at The Church (Bristol) and The Arc (Chippenham). We offer kids term time classes, holiday sessions and birthday parties. Visit locations for more info on youth climbing.

Experienced climbers can save time by completing forms online in advance.

Can I visit without climbing?

Yes, we have cafes in every centre where you can enjoy great coffee, sweet treats, savoury snacks and beer. These are open to the public. You do not need to register to use the cafes. We offer take out hot drinks if you are passing and need a quick caffeine (or decaf) fix.

85 Barrow Road
Bristol
BS5 0FD

View in Google Maps

Mon-Fri: 7am-10pm
(Peak 3-8pm)

Sat-Sun: 8am-8pm
(Peak 8am-3pm)

themothership@theclimbingacademy.com

01179 072 956

Bouldering
Shop
Treatment Room
Training Facilities
Cafe

Welcome to

The Mothership

The Mothership is a friendly bouldering centre in central Bristol — the kind of place you come to get fit, meet people, and enjoy the workout. Spread across two floors you’ll find bouldering, a gym, multiple training boards and a treatment room. Our café pours locally roasted coffee and serves savouries and sweet treats, and our shop stocks shoes, clothing, gear and guidebooks, with expert advice whenever you need it.

New to climbing?

The easiest way in is a bouldering induction — a short, friendly session where a staff member shows you the ropes and sets you up to climb on your own. Not essential, but a relaxed way to start. Come solo, or bring friends and family along to learn together.

Book Bouldering Induction

Just here to climb?

No booking or course needed to boulder — just turn up and hire shoes at reception. Complete forms online to save time before you arrive. Under 16s must be supervised (max two per adult).

“Best bouldering centre in Bristol! Problems are changed regularly…fantastic team of route setters. Lots of different angles and hold types. Staff are always friendly and very inviting to new people. Real sense of community.”

Google review ★★★★★