The Climbing Academy - The Church
Kids' birthday party venue in Bristol
Mina Road, St. Werburgh's Church, Bristol BS2 9YT
Instructor-led roped climbing inside a converted Victorian church, with a mezzanine café you can book for the cake
About The Climbing Academy - The Church
At a glance
- Age range: 6–12 years
- Guest capacity: ?–9 kids
- Website: https://www.theclimbingacademy.com/locations/the-church/
Photos
Party packages & pricing
Climbing Birthday Party
Instructor-led roped climbing in a converted church, on walls of up to twelve metres. The centre's own instructors handle all the roping and belaying, and the children climb with top-ropes and auto-belays while parents watch from the mezzanine café above. There are also two warm-up bouldering areas. This is the climb-only option, with no café space reserved afterwards.
- Guests: ?–9
- Ages: 6–12
Climbing Party with Café Space
The same instructor-led roped climbing session, with thirty minutes of reserved space in the mezzanine café afterwards. You bring your own cake and party food into the café space — it is not catered, but it is yours for the half hour, and it sits above the climbing floor so the children can watch the wall while they eat.
- Guests: ?–9
- Ages: 6–12
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a climbing party cost?
- The Climbing Academy does not publish party prices online — booking runs through their system and the cost depends on the size of the group and the session you choose. Email the Bristol bookings team with your date and numbers and they will quote you.
- What party options are there?
- Two. A climb-only party, or the same session with a reserved space in the mezzanine café for thirty minutes afterwards. The café space is where you have the cake.
- What do the children actually do?
- The Church is a roped climbing centre, so a party is instructor-led roped climbing on walls up to twelve metres, plus the warm-up bouldering areas. Bouldering is limited here — the centre is built for ropes.
- Is food or cake included?
- No. But if you book the café space you can bring your own cake and food into it. The café itself is open to the public and serves coffee, savouries and sweet treats, which parents tend to make use of while the children climb.
- How many children can come?
- Nine children is the standard party size, though they say they can sometimes take larger groups and other days and times — ask when you enquire.
- How far in advance do I need to book?
- Bookings must be made at least one week before the party date. You only need the birthday child's name to book; the full guest list can follow later.
- What should the children wear?
- Comfortable, non-restrictive clothes — leggings, tracksuit bottoms or a t-shirt — with trainers or plimsolls. Climbing kit is provided.
- Where is it and can we park?
- The centre is inside the converted St Werburgh's Church on Mina Road. There is no car park, but party bookers can use the on-street parking.
- Are the sessions instructor-led?
- Yes. The parties are run by the centre's own instructors, who handle all the roping and belaying. Parents watch from the mezzanine café above.
Reviews
5.0 / 5 based on 5 reviews.
Simon Luxton — Rating: 5/5
This is the original Bristol climbing venue and I first took our children there 25 years ago when it was UCR. So heavy in nostalgia for us. We have climbed here ever since. We did our top rope and lead courses here. Recent addition of auto belays is fab. My only complaint is that it is cold there - really cold for me in the winter. It can be difficult to park but easier for us to get there than Redpoint. Having access to the Church and Mothership in Bristol and the Arc in Chippenham is really good.
Phil Kerswell — Rating: 5/5
Amazingly The Church was the second commercial indoor climbing centre in the UK in the 90s. It’s a characterful roped climbing gym with routes for all and is part of Bristol’s DNA. I first climbed here on a beginners session 20 years ago … the team offer taster sessions, kids birthday parties, corporate events, and climbing instruction from newbies to experienced. Lots of routes for top roping and leading. Climbing is a great sport for people of all abilities. And it helps develop resilience & confidence.
Madelyn Dynes — Rating: 5/5
Beautiful gym setting with some really interesting climbs, especially lead routes. Routes were a great combination of challenging yet accessible. The gym staff were really friendly and great to chat with. Will definitely return if I'm back in the Bristol area!
Rose Copus — Rating: 5/5
Great place! My friends and I visited The Church yesterday as we wanted a change from our usual climbing gym. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful and there were some great sport/lead routes on some really interesting and creatively designed walls which were great for pushing ourselves and boosting confidence on lead routes. Aside from being in a beautiful building, the centre had a very chilled out atmosphere which we enjoyed. We will definitely be back
Matt Hann — Rating: 5/5
Good choice of sport routes and some good top ropes. Make sure you have a belay partner because there aren't any auto belays. The staff are friendly and helpful and the setting is quirky and fun. Parking is free on the street and it's usually not too hard to find somewhere to put your car. All the climbs are graded so you know exactly where you stand before you even get on the wall. Thanks TCA!