Ending your The Climbing Hangar membership made easy

About The Climbing Hangar

The Climbing Hangar is a growing chain of indoor climbing centres across the United Kingdom, offering bouldering and climbing facilities designed for everyone from complete beginners to seasoned climbers. Since opening their first venue in Liverpool in 2014, they've expanded to multiple locations including Plymouth, Swansea, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, creating vibrant climbing communities in each city.

What sets The Climbing Hangar apart is their focus on bouldering, which means climbing without ropes on walls typically up to 4.5 metres high with crash mats below. This makes it incredibly accessible for newcomers who might feel intimidated by rope climbing. Each centre features hundreds of climbing problems across different difficulty grades, marked by colour-coded holds that indicate the route's challenge level.

Beyond the climbing walls themselves, these centres function as social hubs with café areas, training zones with campus boards and fingerboards, and spaces for yoga and fitness classes. Many members appreciate the community atmosphere, with regular competitions, social events, and coaching sessions available. The facilities also include changing rooms, showers, and equipment hire for those who don't have their own climbing shoes.

Most importantly for this guide, The Climbing Hangar operates on a membership model with various subscription options. Understanding how these memberships work is crucial before we dive into the cancellation process, because the type of membership you hold directly affects your notice period and cancellation requirements.

Plans, features and pricing

The Climbing Hangar offers several membership tiers designed to suit different climbing frequencies and budgets. Keep in mind that pricing can vary slightly between locations, so always check with your specific centre for exact figures. However, the structure remains consistent across all venues.

Membership options breakdown

Additional features and benefits

All memberships include access to the climbing walls, basic training equipment, and the social areas. Members typically receive discounts on equipment purchases, coaching sessions, and guest passes to bring friends along. The centres also run member-exclusive events like competitions, technique workshops, and social climbing sessions.

First-timers should note that The Climbing Hangar requires an induction session for new climbers, which covers safety basics, how to fall correctly, and general gym etiquette. This is usually included in your first visit or membership sign-up. Shoe hire is available for around £3-4 per session if you don't own climbing shoes yet.

Additionally, many locations offer bolt-on services like personal training, physiotherapy consultations, and advanced coaching programmes. These come at extra cost but can be valuable for climbers looking to progress quickly or recover from injuries safely.

Why members choose to cancel

From processing countless cancellations, I've seen several common reasons why people leave The Climbing Hangar. Understanding these patterns helps you make informed decisions about your own membership.

The most frequent reason is simply life changes. People move cities for work or study, and whilst The Climbing Hangar has multiple locations, they're not everywhere yet. Next comes injury, which is unfortunately common in climbing. Even minor finger or shoulder injuries can sideline you for months, making an ongoing membership impractical.

Financial pressures rank high too. Climbing memberships aren't cheap, and when budgets tighten, recreational activities often get cut first. Some members also find they're not using the membership enough to justify the cost, particularly those on peak memberships who realise they only climb off-peak anyway.

Interestingly, some experienced climbers cancel because they've outgrown the facilities or want to try different climbing styles. Bouldering-only gyms don't suit everyone long-term, especially those who develop an interest in lead climbing or outdoor climbing. Finally, a small percentage cancel due to overcrowding during peak times or dissatisfaction with route setting frequency.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Before attempting any cancellation, you absolutely must understand The Climbing Hangar's official policies. This knowledge prevents costly mistakes and ensures you're not charged for months you didn't intend to pay for.

Standard notice period requirements

The Climbing Hangar typically requires one full calendar month's notice for membership cancellations. This is crucial to understand because the notice period doesn't start from when you decide to cancel, but from when they officially receive and process your cancellation request.

Here's where people make expensive mistakes: if you submit your cancellation on the 15th of January, your notice period doesn't end on the 15th of February. Instead, it usually means you'll be charged for the full month of February, with your membership ending on the last day of February. Always factor in this timing when planning your cancellation.

Most importantly, the notice period must be given in writing. Verbal notifications to staff members, casual mentions to instructors, or social media messages don't count as official notice. This protects both you and the company by creating a paper trail of your cancellation request.

UK legal framework for gym memberships

Under UK consumer law, specifically the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have certain protections when cancelling gym memberships. The Climbing Hangar must provide clear terms about cancellation procedures, and these terms must be fair and transparent.

If you're within the first 14 days of signing up, you may have cooling-off rights that allow you to cancel without penalty. However, if you've already used the facilities during this period, they can charge you for the services you've received. Keep this in mind when signing up initially.

Additionally, UK regulations around unfair contract terms mean that excessively long notice periods or unreasonable cancellation fees can be challenged. The standard one-month notice period used by The Climbing Hangar is generally considered fair and enforceable within the fitness industry.

Special circumstances and exceptions

The Climbing Hangar does offer membership freezes as an alternative to full cancellation. This can be valuable if you're temporarily unable to climb but plan to return. Freeze periods typically cost around £5-10 per month and can last up to three months, though policies vary by location.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Now we reach the most reliable method for cancelling your membership: sending a formal cancellation letter by post. After handling thousands of these cases, I can tell you that postal cancellation creates the strongest paper trail and causes the fewest disputes.

Why postal cancellation is your safest option

Let me share some insider knowledge here. Email cancellations can get lost in spam filters, buried in overflowing inboxes, or claimed to have never been received. Online portals sometimes have technical glitches that prevent submissions from going through. Phone calls leave no physical evidence unless recorded.

Postal cancellation, particularly via Recorded Delivery, provides irrefutable proof that your letter was sent and received. You get a tracking number, a signature upon delivery, and a dated receipt. If any dispute arises about whether you gave proper notice, you have concrete evidence that stands up legally.

Additionally, posting a letter forces you to be thorough and include all necessary information in one place. There's no risk of forgetting to mention your membership number or accidentally omitting critical details during a rushed phone conversation.

Essential information to include

Your cancellation letter must contain specific details to be processed correctly. Missing even one element can delay your cancellation or cause it to be rejected entirely, costing you additional months of membership fees.

Start with your full name exactly as it appears on your membership account. Next, include your membership number, which you'll find on your membership card, confirmation emails, or monthly payment receipts. Then provide your date of birth, as this helps them locate your account in their system, especially if you have a common name.

State clearly and unambiguously that you wish to cancel your membership. Use phrases like "I am writing to formally cancel my membership" rather than vague statements like "I'm thinking about leaving." Include the date you're writing the letter, as this establishes when your notice period begins.

Most importantly, provide your contact details including your email address and phone number. This allows them to reach you if there are any questions about your cancellation. Also include your current address, particularly if it differs from the address on file.

Step-by-step postal cancellation process

First, write or type your cancellation letter including all the information mentioned above. Keep the tone professional and factual. You don't need to explain why you're cancelling, though you can if you wish to provide feedback.

Next, print the letter if you've typed it, or write it clearly by hand if you prefer. Sign and date the letter at the bottom. Make a photocopy or take a clear photograph of the signed letter for your records before sending it. This copy proves what you sent if questions arise later.

Address your envelope to the specific Climbing Hangar location where you hold your membership. Each centre handles its own membership administration, so sending your letter to the correct location is crucial. Here's where you need to send your cancellation:

• The Climbing Hangar (specify your location)
• Contact your specific centre for their postal address
• Addresses vary by location (Liverpool, Plymouth, Swansea, Birmingham, Edinburgh)

Take your letter to the Post Office and send it via Recorded Delivery. This costs around £3-4 but is absolutely worth it for the proof of delivery. The Post Office will give you a receipt with a tracking number. Keep this receipt safe, as it's your evidence that you sent the cancellation.

Additionally, you can track your letter online using the Royal Mail tracking service. Once it shows as delivered, make a note of the delivery date. This is when your notice period officially begins.

Using services like Postclic for efficiency

Here's a time-saving option that many people don't know about. Services like Postclic allow you to send tracked letters digitally without visiting the Post Office. You simply upload your letter content, and they print, envelope, and post it with tracking included.

The benefits are significant: you save time by not queuing at the Post Office, you get automatic digital proof of postage and delivery, and the letters are professionally formatted and printed. For busy professionals or people without easy Post Office access, this can be incredibly convenient.

Postclic handles the entire process digitally, providing you with tracking information and delivery confirmation via email. This creates a comprehensive digital record of your cancellation that's easily accessible if needed later. The cost is comparable to Recorded Delivery at the Post Office, but with added convenience.

Following up on your cancellation

After your letter shows as delivered, wait about five working days, then contact your centre to confirm they've received and processed your cancellation. Ask them to email you written confirmation stating your cancellation has been accepted and your final payment date.

Keep all confirmation emails and documents together with your postal receipt. Check your bank statements after your membership should have ended to ensure no further payments are taken. If you are charged after your cancellation date, contact them immediately with your proof of cancellation.

Common mistakes to avoid

Don't assume your cancellation is complete just because you posted the letter. Always get written confirmation. Don't cancel your direct debit before your final payment is due, as this can cause complications and potential debt collection issues.

Never send your cancellation to head office if you're supposed to send it to your local centre. The letter might get forwarded eventually, but this delays processing and could mean your notice period starts later than you intended, costing you extra months of fees.

Avoid sending cancellations by standard post without tracking. The few pounds you save isn't worth the risk if the letter goes missing and you have no proof you sent it. Similarly, don't rely solely on handing a letter to a staff member at reception unless they provide you with a signed and dated receipt acknowledging they've received it.

Tips from former members

Having spoken with hundreds of former Climbing Hangar members, I've gathered invaluable insights that can smooth your cancellation process and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Timing your cancellation strategically

Smart members time their cancellations to minimize wasted payments. If you know you're moving house in March, submit your cancellation in late January or early February to ensure your membership ends right when you need it to. Don't wait until the last minute, as processing delays could mean paying for an extra month.

Consider the payment cycle too. If your membership renews on the 1st of each month and you submit cancellation on the 28th, you'll likely pay for the next full month plus the following month as your notice period. Submitting earlier in the month gives you more control over timing.

Alternatives to full cancellation

Before cancelling completely, explore whether a membership freeze, downgrade, or transfer might better suit your situation. Former members often regret cancelling entirely when a temporary freeze would have preserved their membership status and made rejoining easier.

If you're moving within the UK, check whether there's a Climbing Hangar at your new location. Transferring your membership is usually straightforward and maintains your membership history, which can matter for certain perks or grandfathered pricing.

Additionally, if cost is the issue, consider downgrading from peak to off-peak membership or switching to the flexi pass option. This keeps you connected to the climbing community whilst reducing your monthly outlay significantly.

Handling payment disputes

If payments continue after your cancellation should have taken effect, don't immediately cancel your direct debit. Instead, contact The Climbing Hangar first with your proof of cancellation. Give them a reasonable timeframe to investigate and refund you, typically 14 days.

Document all communication about the dispute. Send follow-up queries by email rather than phone so you have written records. If they don't resolve the issue satisfactorily, you can then dispute the charges with your bank, providing all your documentation as evidence.

Most importantly, stay calm and professional in all communications. Former members report that polite persistence gets better results than aggressive complaints. The staff are usually helpful when approached respectfully.

What to do with remaining guest passes

Many memberships include guest passes that reset monthly. If you have unused passes when your membership ends, they typically expire and cannot be refunded. Plan ahead by inviting friends to climb with you during your final month to get full value from your membership.

Some members have successfully arranged to use their final month's guest passes even after submitting cancellation, treating it as a farewell tour with different climbing partners. This maximizes the value of what you've already paid for.

Rejoining considerations

If there's any chance you'll want to rejoin The Climbing Hangar in the future, leave on good terms. Complete your notice period properly, ensure all payments are settled, and return any borrowed equipment. Former members who maintain positive relationships find rejoining much smoother.

Keep your cancellation confirmation emails indefinitely. If you rejoin and later cancel again, having records of your previous cancellation process can be helpful. It also protects you if there are ever questions about whether you properly cancelled the first time.

Final administrative tasks

Before your membership ends, remove your payment details from any online accounts if possible. Download any climbing statistics or progress tracking data you want to keep, as you'll likely lose access to member portals after cancellation.

Return any equipment you've borrowed, including locker keys or access fobs. Check whether you're due any refunds for unused services or prepaid coaching sessions. Clear out your locker if you have one assigned, as centres typically reassign these quickly after memberships end.

Most importantly, if you've genuinely enjoyed your time at The Climbing Hangar despite needing to cancel, consider leaving positive feedback about your experience. This helps the climbing community and maintains goodwill. Many former members return to climbing later and appreciate having left on positive terms.

Remember that cancelling a membership doesn't mean you can never climb there again. Day passes are always available if you want to visit occasionally without the commitment of membership. Some former members find this arrangement works better for their lifestyle, giving them flexibility whilst still accessing the facilities they enjoyed.