Rainy Day Activities: Climb the walls of St Werburgh’s Church
Bristol
Test your strength as you climb up the walls of this 15th-century church on an indoor activity break in Bristol.
When the architects set about creating St Werburgh’s Church back in the fifteenth century, it's pretty unlikely they envisaged their handiwork eventually being used by intrepid climbers rather than rapturous worshippers. But that’s exactly what happened.
Today, the church’s tower (yes, even the gargoyles) has been transformed into an innovative climbing space. Don’t worry though, you won’t have to clamber up the side like King Kong. All climbing is done indoors on a 12-metre wall and a 250 square-metre dedicated bouldering area. First timers must enrol themselves in a beginners course before tackling the wall by themselves.
Experts, meanwhile, will lap up the 150 routes available. With certain sections of the wall requiring you to navigate tricky pillars, fins, overhangs and arches, it's not plain sailing. The key to success? Stay calm, look for your hold, and maintain those three points of contact.
The thrill of reaching the top is unrivalled, but even if you fail there’s something satisfying about falling to the matting below.