Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) is the largest indoor climbing arena in Europe, with walls that stretch up to 28 metres high. Whether you’re into lead, top rope, speed climbing, or bouldering, this place has it all, and it caters to every skill level.

One of the highlights? Their newly developed bouldering wall was built to Olympic standards. It’s a huge draw from serious climbers looking to test their skills.

We noted that they’ve made space for more casual fun, too—with the Clip N Climb area offering a great intro for kids and families.

The extras don’t disappoint, either. There’s a full gym, a lovely cafe with a view of the walls, and plenty of free parking, which makes it easy to hang out for a while—even if you’re climbing or just watching. 

The catch? It’s tucked away on the outskirts of Edinburgh, and public transport isn’t the most convenient. The closest bus stop is almost 2 km away.

But hey, for the sheer scale and variety, EICA is definitely worth the trip.

Friendly and helpful staff

“Son and friend had a great time at the clip and climb. Friendly and helpful staff. The climbing walls are awesome! Good first experience and introduction to climbing.”

Scott Murphy, Google Review

Many routes, high walls

“Awesome place! Very nice and supportive staff! You do feel for the climbing community! Many routes, high walls etc. Awesome!”

Arvydas Gudelis, Google Review

The Climbing Hangar Edinburgh features 18,000 square feet of bouldering space and a constantly rotating selection of problems. With new routes added every week, there’s always something fresh to test your skills—no matter your level.

What we love most is how family-friendly it is. They welcome climbers as young as 7, and with supervised sessions and designated zones, which is a great way to introduce kids to the sport in a fun and safe environment.

And if you’re looking to level up, the gym has a strength training area with tools, including Scotland’s only Kilter Board and a Mood Board. It’s an effective setup for climbers wanting to sharpen their technique and build power. 

Now, if rope climbing is more your thing, just note that this place is all about bouldering—no top rope or lead walls here.

Still, with its welcoming environment, smart layout, and even an on-site cafe for post-climb hangs, The Climbing Hangar is a solid go-to for boulderers of all ages.

Great for beginners and experienced climbers 

“Great facility for beginners and experienced climbers a like. Friendly inclusive atmosphere. Cafe with lots of dietary options for when you need a take a break.”

Nicola Sangster Shaw, Google Review

Welcoming and chill

“I’m not a serious climber but this place is welcoming and chill for even the likes of me. Took my son and had a great time. Cafe does nice food too.”

Ian McMillan, Google Review

Eden Rock is home to two massive bouldering halls—each one big enough to rival a standalone gym. Thanks to all that space, it never really feels scraped, even when the place gets busy.

With over 300 problems spread across eight different circuits, there’s something for everyone here, from total beginners to experienced climbers. The routes get updated frequently, too, so there’s always a new challenge waiting.

If you’ve got kids in tow, Eden Rock makes things easy. There’s a dedicated children’s zone decked out with castles, caves, and slides—basically a mini adventure playground that introduces them to climbing in a fun way.

Here’s another cool perk: you’ll find a solid gym setup with free weights, benches, rowing machines, and even a Beastmaker training room packed with wooden holds.

But, we feel a bit iffy after hearing climbers mention that some holds can feel a bit grimy or slippery—probably from chalk buildup over time.

Nonetheless, between the spacious layout, top-notch gear, on-site cafe, and shop, Eden Rock Edinburgh is a strong contender for any bouldering fan.

Huge with great route variety

“We had a great time bouldering on a quiet Monday morning. The place is huge with great route variety. Will go back.”

Alkistis Pourtsidou, Google Review

Amazing location for bouldering 

“Amazing location for bouldering. Perfect for people just beginning or people who have had years of practice. It is often quite busy on the weekends however weekdays and evenings seem to be good times to go. They have a great range of difficulty on their walls and they are organised really well. The kids area is really nice and has a lot of space. The cafe is also very good!”

Charlotte Duncan, Google Review

Climbing under the vaulted ceilings of a former church gives alien rock a vibe you won’t find at your average rock climbing gym. The unique architecture, paired with handcrafted climbing surfaces, makes for a pretty unforgettable experience. 

This place has around 200 routes starting 3+ and upwards, there’s a nice variety to suit different skill levels. You’ve got options for both top-rope and lead climbing, so it’s great for mixing things up.

On the other hand, if bouldering’s more your thing, alien bloc (another Edinburgh location) brings over 500 square metres of angled walls and tons of problems to work through. It’s a nice bonus for anyone looking to level up their training. 

Just a heads-up, though: while you can grab a tea or snack, there’s no full-on cafe like you might find at other gyms on this list.

On a positive note, we like how approachable the place is. They offer taster sessions, climbing courses, and a regular kids’ club, making it a great choice for families and first-timers, too.

Patient staff

“Have been having a great time taking my 4 & 7 year olds here. I did the refresher course as it’s been a while since I climbed properly. The staff are very patient with you, it’s a nice relaxed atmosphere.”

Calum Robinson, Google Review

Great rock climbing facility

“Great rock climbing facility! My kid is taking the beginners course, and the instructors are patient, knowledgeable, and great with kids. The environment is safe and well-maintained. A bit chilly in the waiting area, but a good cup of coffee/tea definitely helps 🙂 Highly recommend for anyone looking to get into climbing!”

Ksya Chanchikova, Google Review

The fun thing about Gravity Active Edinburgh is that each wall in their Gravity Rocks section is uniquely-themed—almost like climbing through an art gallery. It’s visually creative, beginner-friendly, and ups the fun factor for climbers of all ages.

We also like that they offer combo packages that let you pair climbing with trampoline sessions at a discounted rate. There’s a lot to explore beyond these, like dodgeball courts, airbags, and slam dunk zones, all of which add to the energy of the place.

However, seasoned climbers might find the challenges a bit underwhelming and feel bummed since it leans more towards fun than technical. And with climbing sessions usually capped at 30 minutes, you might feel like you’re just getting warmed up when it’s time to hop off.

Regardless, Gravity Rocks is a bright, lively spot—perfect for families, casual climbers (especially kids!), or anyone just looking to have a good time while trying something new. 

Fantastic time 

“We had a fantastic time at Gravity Park in Edinburgh! Took the kids for a fun day out, and they absolutely loved it. The facilities were great, everything was clean and well-maintained, and there was plenty of space for them to jump around and enjoy themselves. A special shoutout to Connor from the staff—he was incredibly helpful, kind, and made the experience even better with his friendly attitude. Definitely a great place for families, and we’ll be back for sure!”

syeda asma ali, Google Review

Great activity for kids and adults

“Great activity for kids and adults. You must reserve a certain time and purchase appropriate socks from the company. Restaurant, snack bar, toilets, lockers and changing rooms all available. Climbing wall available at an additional fee.”

Sarah Jamieson, Google Review