Whether you’re looking for a new route to challenge yourself or you want to learn to climb from scratch, these are Leeds’ best climbing centres.
If you’re a climbing aficionado, or you want to be one, then you’re in luck. Leeds is packed with loads of climbing centres to choose from. We’ve tried all the dedicated bouldering centres, centres that change climbing routes weekly and entire centres aimed at getting kids scaling walls. There are even centres with gyms, yoga studios and cafes. Who’s ready to get chalked up?
Depot Climbing
A dedicated bouldering centre, Depot Climbing in Armley is the place to go to learn to climb in Leeds. We’re talking bouldering circuits ranging from V0 to V11+, dedicated training areas with a Beastmaker board and a gym with everything from yoga mats to pull-up bars.
The routes are reset weekly for something new to try every time you come in. A climbing beginner? They offer a range of courses for complete novices and those wanting to up their grade. Friday evenings are a free social session for women only, so you can climb without feeling self-conscious (and you can make friends!).
Where? Depot Climbing, 1 Maybrook Industrial Estate, Armley Road, Leeds, LS12 2EL.
How much? Entry starts at £13.50 for adults and £8 for under-18s. Monthly passes start from £39 per month.
City Bloc
City Bloc is a climbing centre in Leeds for everyone interested in climbing. It’s a one-stop shop whether you’re a beginner (they have specific ‘get to grips’ sessions) or an old hand looking for a challenge.
They’ve got three different types of wall to have a go at, a training gym and a yoga studio where you can stretch your muscles. There’s a cafe for refuelling after your climb or relaxing while your kids scale the walls in a weekend session. Forgotten your gear? Climbing tape, liquid chalk and brushes can be picked up at reception.
Where? City Bloc, 1-4 Kitson Road, Airedale Industrial Estate, Hunslet, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1NT.
How much? Entry starts from £11 for adults and £9 for under-18s. Memberships start from £42 per month.
Clip ’n Climb
Clip ’n Climb is like the fun younger sibling of all the serious climbing centres in Leeds. It’s colourful, exciting and challenging – it’s aimed at kids but adults are more than welcome to have a go too. There are 32 walls, each with their own theme and colour scheme.
You might be using picks to scale the ice wall or leaping from platform to platform up-high. Even tiny tots can have a go with their Climb ’n Rhyme Story Time where they’ll rescue their favourite cuddly toy! There’s a cafe to relax in too while you get your kids hooked on climbing.
Where? Clip ‘n Climb, Unit 3, Tristam Centre, Brown Lane West, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 6BF.
How much? Prices start at £16 for adults and children.
The Climbing Lab
The Climbing Lab is a bouldering centre in Leeds where you can learn to climb without ropes. It’s perfect for beginners and pros alike. They’ve got a large beginners and kids section, as well as more challenging climbs like the top out boulder, overhanging, slab and vertical walls.
There’s a training area too, where you can improve your functional strength and practice climbing skills. They hold classes for flexibility and core, as well as specific courses that teach the fundamentals of bouldering. Looking to compete? Try their comp walls on for size.
Where? The Climbing Lab, Units 12, 14 & 15, Kirkstall Industrial Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS4 2AZ.
How much? Entry starts from £11 for adults.
Last Sun Dance
If you’re on the hunt for one of Leeds’ most hip and cool climbing centres, Last Sun Dance is the place for you. Merging bouldering and conventional fitness, there are routes ranging from beginner-friendly to world-class level – what’s more, their expert instructors are always on hand to give that extra push (sometimes literally!).
New routes are introduced every week, and you can hire a pair of climbing shoes and chalk when you arrive. After you’re done, you can even pootle on over to their state-of-the-art gym suite complete with treadmills, ply boxes and more. Now, how about a cup of Dark Woods coffee?
Where? Last Sun Dance, 21 Felnex Close, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 0TN. Entry starts at £10.
How much? Day passes are £10.75 and monthly passes are £30.50 per month.
The Big Depot
The Big Depot is just like Depot Climbing, but, um, bigger. And closer to Leeds city centre. Instead of bouldering, the focus here is on rope climbing. You have over 200 top rope and lead lines to choose from, as well as auto-belays and 60 boulders.
They change the routes weekly, so you’ve always got something new to try. If you haven’t climbed before, there are beginner classes so you can learn to use the equipment confidently and without supervision. You can get one-to-one coaching and sessions for kids four and up here too!
Where? The Big Depot, 100a Gelderd Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 6BY.
How much? Entry starts at £14.50 for adults and £8 for under 18s. Monthly passes start from £39 per month.
