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Climbing

Climbing
British Lead Climbing Championships

The climbing championships, this year held over the weekend of 24 and 25 May at George Bancroft Park , are one of the biggest dates in The British Mountaineering Council’s (BMC) calendar and the country’s top climbers and international competitors are expected to attend.

To accompany the competition the  the rest of the park will be available to make the weekend into a real community event. Activities for families are planned to make both days as fun as possible. The events starts daily from 9.00am . 

Further information is available at: 

British Lead Climbing Championships
Competition countdown and new sponsors
Visit Blackpool

General Service Information

Come climbing to any one of our three climbing sites in Blackpool and choose from a newly refurbished dedicated bouldering room, a brand new 9m lead wall, or The Towers, outdoor 20m lead and top rope walls built in the middle of Bancroft Park. 

Climbing is a unique sport and delivers exciting rewards, both physically and mentally.  If you are adventurous and want to push yourself in new ways, learning to climb is the challenge you need.  If you are bored of the television or just fancy trying something different, climbing can keep you fit, strong and exercise your mind.

Standing in the shadow of the famous Blackpool Tower our two 20 metre high, international standard climbing towers create a dramatic wow factor for the completely regenerated gateway to Blackpool (climbs were established by Ian Vickers and Entre Prises, and walls were built by Volker Stevin).
The first official climbing of the landmark towers was done by mountaineer Alan Hinkes, the first Briton to climb the world’s 14 highest peaks.
Each face of the two towers contains climbing routes which are marked in different colours. In total there are 36 routes which are tailored for you. Grades are from French 3 to 7C+.

Slabs, vertical walls, overhanging walls - whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced rock legend we run courses that should enable you to climb in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere.

The £14 million make over, which has received over £9 million from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), includes the creation of an urban park – the first new park in Blackpool for 80 years, landscaping 650 car parking spaces including 85 designated for disabled people, introducing modern lighting, and remodelling the road to make it an easier journey into the town centre.

The road was originally a railway line into Central Station which ceased to exist many years ago. The track was converted into a road between 1986 -1988 but like most railway lines into town centres was never particularly attractive either for local residents or visitors to the town.

The park was opened on 24 May 2006 by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Alan Hinkes, Ian Vickers and the British Climbing team. The park is dedicated to George Bancroft - the former leader of the Council and is Blackpool’s first new major park since 1926. The park contains approximately 650 trees and 70,000 shrubs and plants.

The opening times for these facilities have been reduced through the winter due to low number attending.  However we are available to open on other nights for groups and clubs, on request.  Please contact us for more information.

Current opening times:
Monday       6.00pm - 9.00pm 
Tuesday 6.00pm - 9.00pm    
Wednesday     Closed
Thursday     6.00pm - 9.00pm
Friday     6.00pm - 9.00pm
Saturday     11.00am - 5.00pm
Sunday     11.00am - 5.00pm

All routes on the climbing towers are floodlit and we always have a trained first-aider on the premises.

'Due to ongoing lighting issues the South Tower will be closed to all climbers before it gets dark. In addition as a result of vandalism the lighting on the bouldering area is currently not working. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused

Equipment is included in the climbing sessions.  If you are an experienced climber and want to climb by yourself, then you will need 50 metre minimum rope, up to 14 quick drawers, belay device and 3-4 slings.  Please note that we do not hire ropes.

At present, the only method of booking sessions is by phone.   In the near future, you will be able to book online using this website.  Bookings can be done over the phone through Blackpool Sports Centre, providing you also have a Blackpool Leisure card.

We accept credit/debit cards, cheques and cash . Cheques should be made payable to Blackpool Council.



Related Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Question
How much does it cost to use the Climbing Towers?
Frequently Asked Question
Do you have a bouldering area?
Frequently Asked Question
What is the best way to start if I have never climbed before?
Frequently Asked Question
Can I just turn up and climb?
Frequently Asked Question
Can I bring my children along to climb?
Related Forms/Publications

Conditions of use
Conditions of use
Information about undertaking climbing activities
Climbing Courses
Climbing Courses
Leaflet about Climbing Courses
Junior Registration Form
Junior Registration Form
Participation Statement - agreement to take part in climbing activities
Schools and Youths
Schools and Youths
Information about climbing sessions for schools and youths.
Rules
Rules
Information about climbing safety rules
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Blackpool Council
Customer First Centre
Municipal Building
Corporation Street
Blackpool
FY1 1NF

Tel: (01253) 477477
Mon - Fri 8am to 6pm
Sat 9am to 2pm
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Contact Details
Base Camp
Central Corridor
Unit 1
George Bancroft Park
Off Stansfield Street
Blackpool
FY1 6JB

Email: Click to email
Tel: 01253 349749

Monday 6.00pm - 9.00pm Tuesday 6.00pm - 9.00pm Wednesday Closed Thursday 6.00pm - 9.00pm Friday 6.00pm - 9.00pm Saturday 11.00 am -5.00 pm Sunday 11.00am - 5.00pm