London experiences,
July 06 2024
Whether you’re looking for the adrenaline rush of high height climbing or something more challenging like free climbing on bouldering walls across London, we’ve chosen the top climbing walls in London to get your blood pumping and build your strength. Available for climbers of all ages and abilities - let us show you the ropes.
Indoor rock climbing is a safe and exciting full-body workout during which you climb artificial walls that are mounted with holds. The height and gradient of the wall and size of the holds will impact how challenging the climb will be. The walls are built to mimic an outdoor rock climbing experience and the venue will provide you with ropes and harnesses.
It’s never too early or too late to start climbing! Some venues may require children are over a certain height to adhere to safety regulations but it’s best to check this directly with your chosen venue.
Bouldering is a great way to get and stay fit. The intense workout involves free climbing (without ropes or harnesses) over safety mats at a very low level. As bouldering is full body cardio and strength training it’s a great regular activity to help you get fitter and stronger – and you’re in luck because there are lots of locations to try bouldering in London.
The adrenaline rush of bouldering can be hard to beat, free climbing is exhilarating and noticing progress can make it an addictive activity, but it’s also important to take the time to rest. Bouldering is quite an intense workout, so we’d recommend 2-3 days rest between each session to allow your muscles to repair themselves.
Two of our favourite indoor rock climbing centres in London are VauxWall East and VauxWall West. They boast multiple climbing areas and bouldering walls of varying intensities, including beginner-friendly areas for both adults and children. If you’re looking to learn the ropes before you commit completely you can book a private coaching session and rent climbing shoes directly from the centre.
One of the best climbing walls in London featuring outdoor rock climbing is at The Castle Climbing Centre in Finsbury Park. This rock climbing venue is one of the most unique in the capital, located inside a Victorian water pumping station that looks just like a castle. There are 3 outdoor bouldering areas in the grand gardens and a total of 10 other areas to explore indoors and outdoors. Make it a day out with the kids and enjoy lunch at the café, they’re open 7 days a week including bank holidays!
A UK-wide bouldering gym, The Climbing Hangar has climbing venues across London, Liverpool and Edinburgh. Their London location is in Parsons Green and boasts an enormous 3-floor indoor climbing centre. Whether you’re new to the sport or a hardcore hanger, group classes are available for all ages and abilities – plus they’re included in your entry fee. The experienced coaches will help you improve your technique and climbing shoes will be provided free of charge with entry.
If you’re looking for rock climbing in Bermondsey, The Arch could be the right place for you. The 15,000 SQ FT building opened 15 years ago as the self-proclaimed first dedicated bouldering centre in London. The community-focussed centres are also available in Acton, Surrey Quays and Burnt Oak and offer a range of classes for adults and kids of all abilities. Their fun, DJ-hosted monthly climbing events promote healthy competitions for members of the community, with the chance to win prizes too.
While climbing a bouldering wall in London is a great workout, we imagine you might be looking to relax after an intense session. Book with us at Thistle for a way to unwind, we have hotels in Holborn, Bloomsbury Park, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly and Park Lane.
