The Climbing Academy - The Mothership Verified listing

The Mothership is Bristol’s home of bouldering; a friendly indoor climbing centre in the heart of the city, spread across two floors with hundreds of problems reset regularly for every level, from first-timers to seasoned climbers. There are no ropes and no experience needed: bouldering is climbing close to the ground over soft mats, so you can just turn up and go. Alongside the walls you’ll find a gym, training boards and a treatment room, plus a café serving locally roasted coffee and a shop stocked with shoes, clothing, gear and guidebooks.

We’re open from 7am on weekdays so you can climb before work. Parking is free, there’s bike parking at the back and there are showers and changing rooms if you’re heading on to work. Gym access is included in your entry and the cafe opens at 7am too.

New to climbing?
You’re in exactly the right place. The Mothership is one of Bristol’s most welcoming places to start, and the easiest way in is a bouldering induction — a short, friendly session where a member of our team shows you the basics and sets you up to climb safely on your own. No experience and no climbing partner required. For a personalised intro to the centre, book a bouldering induction.

Just here to climb?
Already climb? Just turn up. There’s no need to book and no induction required — simply arrive, hire shoes at reception if you need them, and get straight on the wall. New problems go up regularly across both floors, so there’s always something fresh to try, whatever your grade. First visit with us? Please complete our forms online before you arrive. Under-16s are welcome with registered adult supervision (maximum two under-16s per adult).

Facilities include
Bouldering
Shop stocking climbing shoes, clothing, gear and guidebooks, open to non-climbers too.
Treatment Room (Sports Osteopath)
Training Facilities
The Café, at the Mothership is open to the public — no registration or climbing required — serving great coffee, sweet treats and savoury snacks. Just passing? We do takeaway hot drinks for a quick caffeine (or decaf) fix.

Mon-Fri: 7am-10pm
(Peak 3-8pm)

Sat-Sun: 8am-8pm
(Peak 8am-3pm)

Find out more and book