Rock climbing outdoors is one of the most exhilarating experiences that many adventurers with a thrill for heights swear by. Being high up where the air is crisp and invigorating, feeling an exhilarating challenge in your heart and well worked muscles burning just right, is just what rock climbers chase after. For a novice climber however, outdoor climbing can be intimidating and quite dangerous.

Though indoor and outdoor climbing seem to be totally different experiences, indoor climbing can be used as a training for outdoor climbing. Climbing indoors is a great way to prepare for outdoor climbing, and can be done throughout the year since it is more accessible. Whether you’re interested in indoor or outdoor climbing, keep reading for the ideal selection of places to go for rock climbing in the UK.

1. Redpoint Climbing Centre — Birmingham

In this indoor rock climbing centre, route-setting allows you to wander from panel to panel while the strange angled walls and stalactites create a unique climbing experience. Redpoint Climbing Centre provides a unique climbing experience in a safe and friendly environment, whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber. Rock climbers will find this spot to be a real paradise, with over 300 routes, 75 lines and the famous stalactites.

2. Land’s End, Cornwall

Known for its towering cliffs and sea views, Land’s End is the most westerly point of mainland England ideal for outdoor rock climbing. Among the 181 climbs available here are Longships Wall (E3) and Land’s End Long Climb, a VDiff route with several pitches that are perfect for beginners. Though Land’s End is best suited to intermediate and expert climbers due to its E3 grade and above climbs. Although the routes can be difficult at times, the views make the effort all the more with it.

3. Summit Centre — Merthyr Tydfil

A beautiful woodland setting overlooks the Summit Centre, which is located in the heart of the Welsh Valleys, south of Merthyr Tydfil. This facility includes over 180 indoor climbing routes, beautiful indoor climbing walls, a separate bouldering area, a cafe, and a man-made caving system that are ideal for your whole family to engage in together. With up to 18 metre high lead and TR walls and 90 climbing lines, Summit Centre is known as South Wales’ highest dedicated climbing centre.

4. Malham Cove, Yorkshire

Malham cove is arguably one the most famous attractions in The Yorkshire Dales National Park for outdoor rock climbers is this 70-metre-high amphitheatre made of rock. There are 325 climbs in total, including some of the best sport climbing routes in the Pennines. Therefore, it’s no surprise that it is a favourite of many of the world’s best rock climbers; making it all the more appealing to families looking for the best rock climbing experience.

5. The Indy Climbing Wall — Anglesey

As opposed to most indoor climbing walls, the walls at the centre have bulging, arching shapes that resemble outdoor boulders. The routes at The Indy Climbing Wall are always updated to meet the needs of climbers of all abilities. With its newly renovated indoor climbing wall, Indy climbing wall gives beginners and experts alike the features they would expect from a modern climbing wall, making it ideal for families looking for the perfect bonding activity. There is a fantastic variety of climbing styles available to all ages along with all climbing routes being changed frequently.

6. Llanberis Pass, Wales

An area of rugged natural beauty, The Llanberis Pass is nestled between Snowdon and the Glyderau of Gwynedd. Because of its different types of rock, this is the perfect place for bouldering. As a trad climbing location, it’s also fantastic, but it is said to offer more on the bouldering front. At Cromlech Boulders, a roadside bouldering spot near the long layby at Pont y Gromlech, bouldering is the main attraction in The Pass. Welsh igneous rock forms these boulders, which rise 201 metres high and provide a series of challenges to climbers.

Pick from any of these indoor and outdoor rock climbing locations in the UK to embark on an adventure with the whole family. If you’re a family of rock-climbers then outdoor rock climbing is ideal for you. However, on the other hand, starting small and letting your family develop a love for the activity is done best in the safety of an indoor rock climbing facility. Start your family bonding rock climbing experience today!