If you’re visiting to shoot content, focus on contrast and movement. The bright plastic holds against the dark, industrial backdrop create a striking visual. Snap a climber mid-dyno (a dynamic jump) or the chalk cloud exploding as they grab a sloper. For a moody shot, try the quiet corner by the weightlifting area where the ropes hang like spiderwebs.
Fun fact: The Hangar’s Liverpool location was one of the first climbing gyms in the UK to use 3D-printed holds. Those oddly shaped, alien-looking grips? They’re custom-made to mimic outdoor rock textures, making your training more realistic. And yes, they look rad in photos.
On Instagram, tag your shots with #TheClimbingHangar or #MatchworksMagic—the community is active and loves to share. You’ll see everything from goofy falls to triumphant sends at the top of the 40-foot boulder wall. It’s a visual diary of people pushing their limits.
Plan Your Visit Like a Local
Weekdays are your best bet for a less crowded experience, but weekends have a festival-like energy. Arrive early (9 AM) to snag the best parking spot near the old match factory smokestack. After your session, walk five minutes to the Baltic Market for a flat white or a smash burger—it’s a perfect post-climb ritual.
One more pro tip: Invest in a stick of climbing tape from the front desk. Even if you don’t need it for your hands, it’s great for marking your project (the route you’re trying to conquer) or for taping your water bottle to your harness. Yes, it’s a thing.
Customer profiles - The Climbing Hangar, Matchworks | Urban Splash
If you’re a gear nerd, the Hangar’s in-house shop stocks La Sportiva shoes, Black Diamond carabiners, and the sort of chalk that feels like silk. Ask for recommendations—the staff climb at the gym themselves and will point you to the exact shoe for your foot shape.
