Youth beginners
There are loads of easy ways for kids to start climbing at The Church – whether you’re looking for a one-off visit or a regular activity for your child. We welcome young climbers of all ages and there are options for both supervised drop-in climbing and structured courses, see Youth pages.
Book a Taster
These fun ‘have-a-go’ taster sessions are designed to introduce you to the world of indoor climbing without committing to a formal course.
Book a Taster – coming soon
Drop-In Climbing
To save time before your visit, you can complete our online forms in advance – these include a short safety video that covers the basics.
Roped Climbing
Roped climbing includes auto belay, top-rope or lead climbing.
- Children of any age can use the auto belays at The Church, once their supervising adult has completed a free auto belay induction (available at reception – no booking needed).
- Kids of any age can also climb with a supervising adult who has been signed off to use ropes. See adult Roped Beginners’ courses.
Bouldering
Bouldering is climbing at low height over mats (no ropes) – a brilliant way to start climbing. You don’t need to book or take a course to start bouldering – just turn up, sign in, and give it a go. There is very limited bouldering at The Church. To start bouldering we recommend that you visit The Mothership which has 2 floors of bouldering in Bristol.
Supervision: All climbers under 16 must be supervised by a registered adult for bouldering and auto belay and all under 18s must be supervised for roped climbing. One adult can supervise up to two children per visit.
Join a Class or Course
We offer a range of fun and structured sessions for young climbers of all ages and experience levels. For a full list of classes, times and availability, visit our Youth page.
Roped Beginners
We offer Roped Beginners’ courses for 12-15s. No previous experience is needed – just a sense of adventure! Led by friendly, experienced instructors, Participants will learn essential techniques including how to tie in, belay safely and move efficiently on the wall. This course is a pre-requisite to joining our Youth Climbing classes for beginners. It runs over two sessions and you must attend both (one month of equipment hire included).
Weekly term-time classes
Our progressive courses are the best way for kids to build climbing skills and confidence. We offer age-specific groups designed to keep things fun and appropriately challenging.
Holiday climbing
Active, engaging climbing sessions during school holidays – ideal for beginners or regulars looking for extra climbs.
Climbing clubs for teens
For young people who want to climb regularly and start developing more advanced skills in a social setting.
Tiny Academy
A fun and friendly introduction to climbing for parents and toddlers – our popular Tiny Academy runs at The Mothership.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you’re unsure whether to book a course or just drop in, feel free to contact us or chat with one of our friendly team when you arrive – we’re always happy to help.
Do you live outside of Bristol? We also run courses and classes at The Arc in Chippenham.
