Keeping fit while budget travelling is a challenge. Squeezing kit into your luggage isn’t easy and a gym is a gym whichever city you’re in.
Fancy discovering a fun, accessible form of exercise in a mind-blowing building with all equipment rentable and affordable? Excellent, read on.
Parthian Climbing Centre, a short bus ride or walk from central Manchester, is housed in a former church and allows visitors to clamber all over its godly interior to their hearts’ content.
Introduction to climbing classes cost £ 15 and include explanations of the equipment, techniques and safety procedures. If you’ve never tried climbing before, or if you’re nervous but intrigued, book yourself in for bouldering (i.e. climbing at a much lower height, with no need for safety equipment).
Seasoned climbers or boulderers can skip the intro and get on the walls for £ 10 a session, or can buy membership from £ 45 a month.
For those who don’t fancy getting physical, onlookers can rest in the café, which looks out over the walls, while soaking up the sun as it streams through the stained-glass windows.
Manchester’s climbing community is thriving, so there are regular social events at the centre, including films, competitions and challenges. Go along and get as high as you like in this beautiful former church.
