Far Peak Climbing

The climbing wall at Far Peak is housed in a converted barn near Cheltenham, and it's genuinely impressive for what it is - two storeys of artificial rock with routes ranging from beginner friendly to genuinely testing stuff. The space feels less like a sterile gym and more like someone actually put thought into the layout. You're looking at a solid indoor climbing venue, not a tourist attraction dressed up as one.

If you're a climber already, you'll know what to expect. If you're thinking of trying it for the first time, they've got beginner routes and staff who know their stuff. The real draw here is the variety - top rope, lead climbing, and bouldering all in one spot. Kids can absolutely do this, though it depends on their confidence and age. A nervous seven-year-old might find it daunting; a coordinated ten-year-old could have a brilliant afternoon.

Allow two to three hours if you're actually climbing, which gives you time to get sorted and work through a few routes without rushing. The barn setting means it doesn't feel institutional, which matters when you're hanging twenty feet above a mat.

For a caravan holiday based at Bourton-on-the-Water, this is a decent rainy-day option or a proper activity day if you've got climbers in the group. It's close enough not to be a faff - about five miles from the campsite - but far enough that you're not constantly tempted to pop in. That's actually ideal for holiday planning.