The Climbing Hangar

You'll find The Climbing Hangar tucked away in Plymouth, and it's the sort of place that makes you wonder why every city doesn't have one. This is indoor climbing done properly - vast warehouse space converted into a proper playground for climbers of all levels, from absolute beginners to those training for serious alpine routes.

Walking in, you're immediately hit by the scale of it. The walls stretch up and up, routes colour-coded from gentle introductions to genuinely punishing overhangs. Top-rope setups run alongside a bouldering cave, and there's enough variety that you can spend an hour here or half a day without repeating yourself.

It works brilliantly for families with teenagers who want to do something other than sit about, and climbers training through winter will find it genuinely useful. The staff know what they're doing, which matters when you're talking about safety equipment. You can hire gear if you've not got your own, and there are proper introductory sessions if you've never climbed before.

If you're staying at Dartmoor Domes - that wonderful glamping spot just under six miles away - this makes a solid rainy-day option. It won't replace a day out on real rock, but on a grey Plymouth afternoon, you'll be grateful for somewhere this good. Check their website for current opening hours and prices before you head over; they sometimes run themed sessions or competitions worth timing your visit around.