Durham Climbing Centre

You'll find the Durham Climbing Centre just outside Durham city centre, and it's a proper indoor climbing setup that actually delivers. The walls are varied enough to keep things interesting - routes ranging from beginner stuff through to genuinely challenging problems that'll test anyone with proper climbing experience.

It's ideal if you're caravan-based at one of the nearby parks like Grove Farm or Finchale Abbey and want a rainy day activity that doesn't feel like settling for second best. Kids can absolutely do this, though they need to be old enough to follow instructions and have reasonable upper body strength - so probably eight upwards rather than younger. The venue runs taster sessions, which is the sensible way in if you've never climbed before. Families with mixed abilities will find something; while one person tackles the harder routes, others can work on easier walls without feeling out of place.

Bring water and wear something you don't mind sweating in. Climbing shoes are available to hire, which saves luggage space if you're on holiday. The centre's got a good mix of top-rope and bouldering walls, so you're not just repeating the same angle all afternoon.

Allow a couple of hours minimum if you're new to it, longer if everyone's got previous experience and wants proper climbing time. Check their website for current session prices and booking requirements - things change seasonally.