If you’re looking to get your adrenaline fix while getting some exercise, then rock climbing could just well be the sport for you. With a little bit of preparation and some expert advice, you’ll be scaling those rocks like a pro. And what better place to climb to new heights than in one of the world’s most exciting capital cities? Here are ten of the best places for rock climbing in London to go and test your mettle. So strap on your harness and get ready to scale some walls. Your next adventure is calling so go and conquer the world one wall at a time!
1. The Arch Climbing Wall
The Arch Climbing Wall is definitely one of the best places for rock climbing in London. The wall has over 300 routes, a 50m traverse wall, a 20m long roof, and an articulated board, making it a great place to challenge yourself and for adventurous souls looking to really test their limits.
Towering two stories high, it offers climbers of all levels a challenge. For those who are new to the sport, there are beginner-friendly routes that will help you get a feel for climbing – for those who are already experienced, there are some extreme climbs that will really push you to your limits. There are multiple venues for this company all over London, from Surrey Quays to the north of London in Burnt Oak, so whatever your skill level, this is the perfect place for you to explore your adventurous side. So, come on up and start climbing!
📍You’ll find the locations of The Arch Climbing Wall on their website.
2. Castle Climbing Centre
The Castle Climbing Centre is one of the premier climbing destinations in the UK. Located in an old converted water pumping station – which looks like a castle hence the name – the centre offers climbers of all levels a chance to experience world-class climbing. With over 450 routes, it’s perfect for climbers of all levels, and their tallest wall stands an astounding 13.5m high.
There’s something for everyone here – whether you’re a beginner or an expert climber. Whether you’re looking to top rope, lead climb, or practice your bouldering, then this is an ideal spot. You can challenge yourself on the rock faces, or take a break in the café and enjoy the stunning views of the castle and surrounding area.
📍You’ll find the Castle Climbing Centre at Green Lanes, Stoke Newington, N4 2HA.
🚇 Nearest station is Manor House.
3. Mile End Climbing Wall
Looking for a unique and exhilarating climbing experience? Then be sure to check out the Mile End Climbing Wall. With its varied routes and challenging problems, this is sure to be a fun (and adrenaline-pumping) activity for climbers of all skill levels.
It consists of plenty of top rope and lead walls, each 10 metres high – four of which are overhanging lead-only walls at an angle of 30 degrees – and a variety of other routes too.
📍You’ll find the Mile End Climbing Wall at Haverfield Raod, Mile End, E3 5BE.
🚇 Nearest station is Mile End.
4. The Climbing Hangar
The Climbing Hangar is a fun and challenging place to climb. With a vast climbing surface which is one of the UK’s biggest, it’s definitely one of the best indoor climbing facilities in the country, and they offer a wide variety of classes and programs for all skill levels.
The Climbing Hangar started out as just a small warehouse in Liverpool, but now it’s grown into one of the largest climbing gyms with seven different locations around the country and over 165 employees. In fact, it’s so popular that every month 10,000 people come through their doors to do some training to improve their climbing skills.
📍You’ll find The Climbing Hangar at 5, Parsons Green Depot, 33-35 Parsons Green Lane, SW6 4HH.
🚇 Nearest station is Parsons Green.
5. Westway Climbing Centre
Westway Climbing Centre is a world-famous indoor climbing facility located close to Ladbroke Grove. The centre offers a variety of routes and challenges for climbers of all abilities, making it the perfect place to improve your skills or practice for your next big adventure. So, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, be assured that there’s something here for you!
They have more than 350 routes on 110 roped lines that reach a height of 13.5 metres, in addition to more than 450 square metres of bouldering space. Set up your harness and invest in a good pair of shoes before you go — you’ll need them to get a good grip.
📍You’ll find Westway Climbing Centre at Westway Sports & Fitness Centre,1 Crowthorne Road, W10 6RP.
🚇 Nearest stations are Ladbroke Grove and Latimer Road.
6. The Reach
South of the river in Woolwich, The Reach climbing centre – as the name would suggest – is a great place in which to learn to climb. They have friendly staff who are always willing to help, and the facilities are top-notch.
The climbing walls at this facility are taller than most other regions in the country, with climbs topping out around 55 feet. There’s also a 15-metre regulation speed wall for you to challenge your ability against gravity, as well as many thousand-square-foot boulders available so that no matter what type or level of rock climbing you prefer, there will be something here for you.
📍You’ll find the Reach at The Reach Climbing Wall, Unit 6, Mellish Estate, Harrington Way, Woolwich, SE18 5NR.
🚇 Nearest station is Woolwich Dockyard.
7. London Climbing Centres
London Climbing Centres has one of the most affordable rock climbing walls in London located across seven different locations. They offer a wide range of climbing challenges for all levels of climbers, from beginners to experienced climbers. With their one pass, seven playgrounds policy they encourage the climbers to choose the playground that suits them best from their seven locations without breaking the bank.
VauxWall in Vauxhall is the second-largest and HarroWall in Harrow is the largest bouldering centre in London – and both are incredibly popular. HarroWall is a premium indoor climbing facility located in North London, and it is one of only five BMC National training centres in the UK. Vauxwall on the other hand comes with over 14,000 square feet of rock climbing surface, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re ever south of the river.
📍You’ll find the locations of London Climbing Centres on their website.
8. White Spider Climbing
White Spider Climbing is a great place for rock climbers of all levels to enjoy some indoor climbing fun. Don’t let its size fool you, this unassuming project is making real waves in London Town. The weatherproof roof of the stalactite provides a safe haven for climbers, with routes stretching up to 20 metres – so this is an all-weather climbing venue! The grade 3-8b difficulty ensures that even those without experience will find something they can try. There are also over 200 boulder problems available including one massive comp wall and many other interesting challenges dotted about the venue.
Race your friends to the top of the climbing wall, or take on one of the challenging obstacle courses – there really is something for everyone here.
📍You’ll find White Spider Climbing at 225 Hook Rise South, Surbiton, Greater London, KT6 7LD.
🚇 Nearest stations are Tolworth and Chessington North.
9. Stronghold Climbing Centre
Stronghold Climbing Centre offers its guests a state-of-the-art facility for rock climbing and bouldering. Their centres are equipped with top-of-the-line climbing walls, routes, and equipment, and they strongly believe that rock climbing is a great way to challenge yourself and relieve stress. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber – you’ll find something suitable here.
The centre situated at Tottenham Hale is housed in an old brewery – a converted artists’ community now offers both rope and unroped climbing. With 45-foot high walls, this past warehouse now houses some really incredible climbing spaces. The London Fields centre further to the south provides a kilter area and more than 200 boulders too.
📍You’ll find the the Stronghold Climbing Centre at The Archives Unit, 10 High Cross Centre, Fountayne Road, London, N15 4BE and Unit 30, Canal Place, Andrews Road, London, E8 4FX.
🚇 Nearest stations are South Tottenham and London Fields.
10. Battersea Power Station
Until this Sunday 20 August, visitors to Battersea Power Station’s summer sports and games event, The Battersea Games, will reach new heights and soak up the heritage setting with the indoor rock-climbing wall located inside the power station’s historic 1950’s Turbine Hall B. It costs just five quid per person for two climbs, and the attraction is the perfect entertainment for families with kids from the age of 6 and up, with wider free activities available inside and outside the iconic London landmark. Restaurants, shops, bars… you name it it’s here at Battersea!
📍You’ll find the Battersea Power Station at Circus Road West, Nine Elms, London, SW11 8AL.
🚇 Nearest station is Battersea Power Station.
So there you have it – nine of the best spots in town to go rock climbing in London if you want to try and have a go at this extreme sport. So strap up and get ready to scale some walls a la Cliffhanger!