Absolutely brilliant place. Only just started and can't believe how much stronger I feel. Did the…read morethree week course on climbing techniques and the staff member, Ollie, was great. Looking to do this three times a week now (never done this with any other form of exercise!!). Won't be looking to go anywhere else that is for sure

From the owner: The Climbing Academy offers state of the art indoor bouldering in Bristol. We provide everyone the…read moreopportunity to take up bouldering or progress their climbing to new levels in a welcoming relaxing atmosphere. The centre has a shop, showers, changing areas, lockers, courses, competitions and, of course, a great cafe.

An old church might seem like an odd place to have a climbing wall but it actually works…read moresurprisingly well. The high walls are perfect, with climbs in excess of thirty feet. The view when you get to the top is amazing as well; you literally get a totally different perspective on the building. Plus, it doesn't have that hot sweaty feeling that some climbing walls have - all the space means you can breathe a little better. All the space means the sound gets soaked up a bit too - sometimes gyms can sound like factories with all the machines going, but this place certainly doesn't. Usually the only sounds that will interrupt your thoughts are the echoes of whatever the receptionist has decided to put on the sound system. As well as conventional climbing walls there's a large bouldering area, with soft crash mats that have caught my body on the many occasions that my fingers have decided to give out. The atmosphere's great though, and nobody judges you if your new or just a bit crap like me. If you do want to improve they have excellent instructors on hand, who are very patient (they get a lot of school groups in here so they have plenty of practice. Bristol Climbing Centre is unique, a great place to learn to climb, and a wonderful environment to do it in.

it just never ceases to amaze me the wealth of exiting and slightly unusual things to do in and…read morearound Bristol. Set within an old church, god knows how much effort must have been put in to convert the building to a climbing centre, the South West's biggest Climbing centre - if you didn't know! There are all sorts of levels of walls and sessions available to accommodate for the real beginner (which is where I was) and the more experiences climber. 12 meters doesn't sound very high until you get half way up it and feel like you might be able to reach the clouds with your next step up! They run things like Easter courses so great for kids but also for adults.

This is one of the greatest places to hang out in Bristol! If you're thinking about getting into…read moreclimbing, don't hesitate - sign yourself up for their beginners' course. It costs around forty pounds for two evenings of two hours each and you get great tuition and the chance to meet some nice people to climb with too! There'a a really great bouldering wall, which does get busy but you can always pop upstairs where there's a smaller, quieter one. The toproping section has a variety of levels and although it gets really packed on weekday evenings, particularly in winter, you can normally get on a rope without having to hang around. The Lead section has lots of the intermediate and more difficult climbs, although if you're new to leading, there's only a few climbs at Grade 5 - I guess you'll just have to learn quickly!

I dropped my 7year old daughter off here for her friends birthday party, I thought thats a…read moredifferent place for a kids party but she loved it. They had food, music and even thier own climbing wall with skilled instructor to watch a give a little climbing lesson. We were given a leaflet with a price guide as we left and it's very reasonable and would recomend it to any one.

Do you love climbing but sometimes get a bit fed up of having to climb indoors? The Avon Gorge is a…read morereally convenient place to climb midweek and when you can't get away for the weekend. They have lots of routes at a variety of levels, and there's also some good toproping too for beginners. The only downside with climbing here is the polish! Most of the routes are really slippery from years of being so popular. Go and take a look - there are a few different slabs of rock, so get yourself a guide book and take your pick. Not only is it free, but its so convenient to get to that you dont even need to drive. It takes about ten minutes by bike from the waterfront.

Avon Gorge is truly spectacular. Excellent for climbing and also for walking - although take care!…read moreMany different types of nature and wildlife to be spotted and also organised walks if thats more up your street. Amazing natural beauty at its finest. Well worth a peak!

Nobody is ever too old to go ape and swing about in the treetops. At least, this is how the Bristol…read moreZoo High Ropes course makes you feel. Suddenly, swinging around harnessed on a piece of rope is cool. Not as cool as the 'cool dude' instructors. They are professional and efficient but exude coolness with their shades and laid back attitude. For £12 you can have a go on the course and have as much help as you need - I got stuck a couple of times! Go and let your jungle side out!