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XC - FOR FOR THE FUTURE

IMPORTANT PROPOSED CHANGES FROM JUNE 1ST 2026

We’ve made some important changes at the XC as part of our Fit for the Future project — designed to make your experience simpler, improve availability, and allow us to keep investing in the centre. This page covers everything you need to know, so you can get the most out of your visit.

We’ve updated how we operate to make the experience simpler, more accessible, and more sustainable. Changes are planned to go live from 1st June 2026. We want to make things clearer and easier for existing and new users, increase availability at peak times whilst being able to continue to invest in the venue – this includes a proposed change in midweek opening hours for climbing, Monday to Thursday to a 2pm – 9pm opening rather than a 1pm – 10pm.

 

All of these changes are about protecting the long-term future of the XC. As a not-for-profit organisation, every visit also supports our work through Absolutely Together. Last year alone, this helped fund over 60,000 free activity sessions for children with additional needs and their families.

That said, your input genuinely matters.

A few things we’d really value your thoughts on:

• Would a 9:30pm close make a meaningful difference compared to 9pm?
• Would seasonal opening hours (summer vs winter) be a better approach?
• Would you prefer higher membership costs in exchange for longer opening hours?
• Are there other ideas we haven’t considered?

You can share your views here:

Feedback Form

More details are below.

CLIMBING CHANGES

  • Monday – Thursday: 2pm – 9pm
  • Friday: 2pm – 10pm
  • Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 6pm

👉 New to climbing?

Fun Climb

  • Autobelay climbing + bouldering (low-level climbing without ropes)
  • Ages 7+
  • No experience needed

👉 Want to try ropes?

Roped In

  • Instructor-led rope climbing
  • Small group sessions
  • Best after Fun Climb

👉 Want to improve?

Private Climbing Coaching

  • Your own instructor
  • Technique, rope skills, or refreshers
  • Like a PT session on the wall

Yes.

Under the proposals, climbing will be available 2pm–9pm on weekdays, with extended hours on Fridays and strong weekend availability.

Yes.

They are now for competent, unsupervised climbers, with a floor walker available for support and advice – it will no longer be a supervised session.

 

Yes – to book these please use a Private Climbing Coaching option and select Bouldering Induction from the drop down.

It is – it has been renamed NICAS Social and the day has changed – please check the online booking system for more information.

Yes these are still running – days and times will have changed, please check our online booking system for dates. We’re also proud to now be offering NICAS LEVEL 4! We are currently working through our waiting list, then this will be available for public online booking.

There will be fewer sessions available at off peak times. It’s really important that you book these in advance online to ensure your space. We won’t be able to guarantee you a specific instructor I’m afraid. 

Long term bookers will receive an exclusive code to book their sessions at a lower rate.

ABSOLUTELY FITNESS

No – opening hours stay the same, and we continue to listen to your feedback for equipment and the setup. Keep your eye on the Absolutely Fitness app for more updates!

SkatEPARK CHANGES

  • Monday: 2pm – 9pm
  • Tuesday: 2pm – 6pm (Skateboard only from 6pm)
  • Wednesday: 2pm – 4pm (ABC Skateboarding lessons from 4pm)
  • Thursday: 2pm – 9pm
  • Friday: 2pm – 10pm (Girls Night 1st Fri of the month; BMX 3rd Fri of the month, both from 6pm)
  • Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 6pm

We’ve aligned sessions to better match demand and improve consistency across the week.

Evening sessions now start earlier, giving you more time to ride.

Yes – and we’ve added a BMX option too! Check our online booking for more details but –

Tuesday – 6pm, Skateboard Only
Wednesday – 4pm, ABC Skateboard Lessons

Friday from 6pm:
1st Friday of the month: Girls Night
3rd Friday of the month: BMX Only Night

 

WHat else is changing?

We’re continuing to invest across the XC:

  • New climbing holds and wall safety updates
  • We are retheming the Caving system as the Lost Mine Adventure! 
  • Improved online booking system
  • Refurbished public areas
  • A maintenance schedule to replace damaged parts of the Skatepark wood

We’re also part of the NICAS Ascend programme, supporting climbers as they progress.

MEMBERS

Your membership remains unchanged — and continues to offer excellent value.

From 1st June, no booking is required — your place on the wall is always guaranteed during climbing hours.

Over the last 6 months:

  • Free climbing kit hire
  • Guest passes increased from 2 to 3 per month
 

From 1st June, we will also be adding:

  • No booking required — guaranteed access
  • 15% off all bookings (up from 10%) using code XCMEMBERS26
  • Membership prices frozen for existing members
  • Priority access to sessions, courses, and new products
  • First access to upcoming Absolutely Fitness gym memberships at a heavily discounted rate – coming soon!
 

The increased discount allows access to all XC products and now applies to the whole booking rather than just the member!

  • Use code XCMEMBERS26 online
  • Member must attend (unless it’s a Kids Party, however this must be for a child of the member or one of their family)
  • Applies to the whole booking
  • Online only – apart from in house services for drinks, snacks etc

Other

If you’ve got any questions, please ask a member of staff or drop us an email on enquires@thexc.co.uk and we’ll get back to you. We understand that change can be challenging, however these changes are essential to ensure the XC is Fit for the Future.

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