Highball Climbing Centre — Attraction in Norwich

I have been here x3 times now and my first two experiences were great. The place offers a great climbing experience as well as a cafe with plenty of refreshments, snacks and various seating areas to rest. The building is huge and has lots of different walls to climb on with plenty of variation that changes everytime Ive visited.

Overall, it seems to be a well run and managed place that caters to people at any level of experience.

I did however have a very negative experience with a member of staff on the front desk which was very discouraging to make me want to continue to come back. It was more or less expressed that I was lying about an experience relating to my previous visits. I was pretty shocked and left feeling incredibly anxious that an official representative of the business would boldly suggest that I would lie to them. I felt quite helpless in the fact that if that was a reflection of the team then my experience that day may not have been taken seriously. Just to note that I also had a witness that had felt the same way when hearing the conversation.

Other than that, it has all been very positive and I have found myself making friends everytime...

Booked on the website and saw that someone on your team needs to be an experienced climber so booked two people on for an introduction course. Had a fantastic time, the instructor was clear and we got to spend an hour afterwards free climbing. You get discount cards after completing the course which is fantastic. Have been once since and the atmosphere is amazing. Lots of kind people out to have fun and willing to help you when you get stuck! I'm still getting used to things and have a fear of heights so it's always a boost when a total stranger helps guide you down or cheers you on. There are lockers to use but everyone's so chilled that I'm comfortable just leaving my bags in the cubby holes. Something that really stands out is that you can buy or rent climbing chalk from the front desk and they have a mini cafe for emergency snacks (most from bread source woo hoo!). The cafe food is delicious honestly, and even if I pack snacks, I will still buy a little something next time I come. I got a chicken wrap last time and boosted me to climb for another hour. Looking forward to my next...

5 star facility ~ unfortunately the freezing temperature knocked it down a star.

It was probably a 3 star experience because my hands and feet were very cold but it feels rude to give 3 stars to such a wonderful gym with really fun setting. I asked a fellow climber if it was normally this cold as I thought maybe the heating was broken but she said it’s always like this and was also struggling to stay warm/motivated despite both of us wearing warm, puffy jackets.

There were also few times I wished there were more down climbing jugs ~ esp on the slabbier walls where the holds are just smaller in general. I prefer my cruxes on the way up, not the way down.

I also want to mention the fitness/workout room as I had read through reviews, looked through photos on google and dived in to the website and couldn’t find any info on exercise equipment. There are free weights, barbells, hangboards, rowing machines and I think air bikes. There’s also bands and rings. So, plenty to keep you occupied!

I hope this review doesn’t sound too negative as I think it’s a high quality...