If you’re an adventure enthusiast seeking a thrilling yet safe climbing experience in Cornwall, look no further than The Tide Climbing Centre. Located on the outskirts of the picturesque town of Wadebridge, this indoor climbing facility offers an exhilarating escape for climbers of all skill levels.
We recently had an induction as a family (two adults, two kids) to introduce us to their rope walls, auto-belay walls and bouldering. As we live in Newquay, around a 25-minute drive away from the Wadebridge Climbing Centre, we decided to sign up for a membership for our family.
Having been a few times to the centre, I’ll share with you a quick review of the centre and what to expect, as well as my personal opinion of the centre and some Tide Climbing Centre photos from our visits.
Whether you’re on holiday in Cornwall and looking for an indoor activity, or live nearby, read on to see what to expect at The Tide Climbing Centre.
Conquer New Heights at The Tide Climbing Centre in Wadebridge, Cornwall
Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, the Tide Climbing Centre is a haven for those who crave the vertical thrill. In this blog review, we’ll explore what makes this climbing centre a must-visit destination for both beginners and seasoned climbers, as well as holiday-makers looking for a fun indoor activity on a rainy day in Cornwall.
Facilities and features at The Tide Climbing Centre Wadebridge
The Tide Climbing Centre boasts an impressive array of climbing walls and bouldering challenges. Here are some key features that set it apart:
- Diverse Climbing Terrain: Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced climber, you’ll find routes suited to your skill level. From easy-start walls to challenging overhangs, there’s something for everyone.
- Safety First: Safety is a top priority at the Tide Climbing Centre. The staff is well-trained and ensures that all climbers are equipped with the necessary safety gear, including harnesses and helmets.
- Family-Friendly: This centre welcomes climbers of all ages, making it a fantastic family outing. Kids can enjoy specially designed walls while adults take on more demanding challenges.
- Bouldering Paradise: Bouldering enthusiasts will appreciate the dedicated bouldering area. It’s a great place to test your strength and problem-solving skills.
- Climbing Experience: One of the standout features of the Tide Climbing Centre is its commitment to providing a memorable climbing experience. The routes are regularly updated, keeping things fresh and exciting for repeat visitors. The staff we’ve encountered so far are friendly and always ready to offer tips and guidance.
- Fitness Timetable: As well as climbing, the centre offers yoga, pilates and acro-yoga classes. These can be booked pay-as-you-go, as a fitness-only membership, or they are included in the climbing memberships.
Review: Wadebridge Climbing Centre as beginners
Having been members for around six weeks as I write this review, we are so far very impressed with The Tide Climbing Centre as a family of beginner climbers. Our children are currently 11 years old and 8 years old, and it’s a fun family activity we can do together no matter what the weather, but especially on rainy days in Cornwall.
As well as enjoying the centre as a family, my husband and I can also take our laptops and work during the week while the kids are at school. The Tide Climbing Centre has a lot of benches, tables and chairs, with reliable WiFi, so it’s perfect for some remote working on workdays with some climbing breaks in between emails!
As we attend twice a week currently, the family membership is good value for us. We were also able to take three family members as guests, as we each get two guest passes per month (for new Tide climbers only). This will be a great benefit for anyone who stays with us who fancies a climb.
We hired climbing shoes to start, I think it was £2.50 per shoe hire, however, we have now invested in our own climbing shoes each as this will be more cost-effective over time. However, the Tide Climbing Centre has plenty of equipment for hire such as shoes and harnesses if you need them.
The auto-belays are a lot of fun, and if you haven’t climbed before then I would recommend their induction/taster sessions. We attended one as a family to see if we liked the centre and to learn what to do before we signed up as members. We don’t use the ropes, but we may one day, however use of these by ourselves would involve me or my husband (or both of us) doing a short course at the climbing centre to “learn the ropes”!
We have mainly been bouldering and challenging each other to do certain colours. It’s so satisfying when a route is tricky and then you manage to complete it or work out how to do it! There are super easy routes which are good for the kids, or to warm up on, then some more challenging ones, and then expert level which we often have no clue how to do, but hope to get there one day!
There’s a cafe on-site with a few vegan options suitable for us. I hope they will add more vegan cakes and lunch options over time.
As for any negatives, the on-site café, while offering some vegan options, could expand its menu to cater to a wider range of plant-based tastes. Additionally, the availability of free parking can be limited and we’d rather not pay for parking. We tend to go early to get a free parking spot and avoid the busier times of day.
Location, accessibility and parking at Tide Climbing Centre
Situated in Wadebridge, Cornwall, the Tide Climbing Centre is easily accessible by car. There’s ample parking available nearby, making it convenient for visitors. It’s also a great stop for those exploring Cornwall’s beautiful coastline.
One thing to note is there’s only limited free parking directly outside the climbing centre. These parking spaces are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please park responsibly to ensure as many climbers as possible can enjoy the free parking!
If the free spaces are full, there’s a pay-and-display area that has plenty more spaces, no more than 20 metres from the entrance to Tide.
If you’re a member you can claim back the cost of the parking against cafe purchases. If not, make sure you budget for parking when visiting the centre, just in case.
The Tide Climbing Centre
Unit 2 Barnfields Business Park,
New Trevibban Farm,
St Issey,
Wadebridge,
Cornwall.
PL27 7SE
Tide Climbing Centre pricing and membership
Tide Climbing Centre offers flexible pricing options, including day passes and monthly memberships.
At the time of writing, a day pass for non-members costs:
- Adult £12.50
- Concession £11.50
- Child £10.50
Check their website for the latest rates and discounts: https://tideclimbing.com/
For those who live nearby and want to climb regularly, there are several membership options too for unlimited climbing each month!
Members enjoy perks like 10% off in the shop, value-for-money if you attend regularly, subsidised parking on cafe purchases, free birthday pizza, guest passes and more.
For memberships, there are off-peak and peak options. It’s also flexible, so you’re not locked into a contract.
As a family of four, we pay £85 per month for a peak membership. Check the website linked above for the latest prices.
We are currently taking the kids once a week, and we go as adults once a week too, making use of the WiFi to work while having a climb. Going twice a week, and taking guests when they visit us, really maximises the membership. Just taking the kids twice a month equals two entrance fees as a family, so we are getting our money’s worth. I expect we may go even more as the winter kicks in with dark evenings and rainy, cold days.
One thing we really like is that we can go all day and don’t need to book. We have passes which we simply scan when we enter. We don’t have to prebook, but just turn up and stay as long as we like. We really like this flexibility so we can decide on a day that we want to go, and don’t have to think about it or plan in advance.
Final thoughts
To sum it up, the Tide Climbing Centre in Wadebridge, Cornwall, is a hidden gem for climbers and adventure enthusiasts. As a family of beginner climbers living just a short drive away in Newquay, we’ve found it to be a fantastic addition to our weekly activities, especially on those rainy days when outdoor adventures are less appealing.
In conclusion, the Tide Climbing Centre combines adventure, family fun, and even remote work, making it a versatile destination for all. Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced climber, this centre’s warm and inviting atmosphere, diverse climbing choices, and unwavering commitment to safety make it a top pick in Cornwall.
So, if you’re ready to conquer new heights and create lasting memories, make your way to Wadebridge and experience the thrill of the Tide Climbing Centre!