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.

Roped Climbing

In the Southwest you can try roped climbing at The Arc (or The Church in Bristol). Try a Taster first to get a feel for it. To start rope climbing independently, you must complete a beginners course or be accompanied by an experienced friend who is happy to supervise.

Book a Taster at The Arc

See all Roped Courses

Bouldering

New to bouldering? You don’t need to complete a course or book to try bouldering. Just turn up and hire shoes. Over 16s can boulder unsupervised. Complete forms before you arrive to save time. This includes our safety video.

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 Arc (Chippenham) or The Church (Bristol). 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.

Westmead Lane
Chippenham
SN15 3HZ

View in Google Maps

Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri : 11am-10pm
(Peak 3-8pm)

Wed : 9.30am-10pm
(Peak 3-8pm)

Sat-Sun: 9.30am-6pm
(Peak 9.30am-3pm)

thearc@theclimbingacademy.com

01249 471182

Bouldering
Roped Climbing
Outdoor climbing wall
Auto belay
Cafe
Kids Play Park

Welcome to

The Arc

The Arc has paid parking. Set up RingGo app to save time before you visit. Disabled and bike parking on site.

The Arc is Chippenham’s hub for climbing, bouldering, skating and good times — the kind of place you come to get fit, meet people, and enjoy yourself. Alongside the walls you’ll find a free skatepark, a kids’ play park, a sculpture walk nearby, and a dog-friendly café that’s worth the visit on its own. There’s step-free access throughout.

New to climbing?

The easiest way in is a Taster — a relaxed session to try roped climbing and see how you get on. Come solo, or bring friends and family along to learn together. Ready for more? Our Roped Beginners course will set you up to climb independently.

Book a Taster

Book Roped Beginners

Just here to climb?

No booking or course needed to boulder or for competent roped climbers — just turn up and hire kit at reception. Complete forms online to save time before you arrive. Under 16s must be supervised bouldering (max two per adult), and under 18s roped climbing must be supervised by a registered adult.

“Now we’ve been family members for 11 months I can say this is our favourite thing to happen to Chippenham… Maybe ever. Quality place, great friendly knowledgeable staff, great food, lots of new friends already.”

Google review ★★★★★

The Arc Café

Open 7 days a week from 30 minutes after the centre opens. Light bites, pizza, and plenty of sweet treats — including fresh bakes from Pano Bakery, Marshfield ice cream, and the weekend almond croissants people come back for. We cater for veggie, vegan and gluten-free diets, and work with local suppliers wherever we can. Bright indoor seating with plug points, plus a spacious outdoor deck — covered and open — looking out over the skatepark, play park, and outdoor climbing wall.

Built by CBLC with support from Sport England, the climbing centre is operated by TCA. The climbing centre and skatepark was funded from CBLC's investments together with a grant of £200,000 from Wiltshire Council towards the skatepark and £100,000 grant towards the climbing centre from Sport England.