The Best Places To Go Climbing In London

THE ARCH CLIMBING WALL

Three separate walls fall under the umbrella of the Arch: one in Acton, one in Edgware and one in Bermondsey. Each location is expansive and uniquely challenging. The Arch North – the newest of the three – boasts state-of-the-art bouldering walls and horizontal climbing, as well as strength-training facilities for anyone looking to make the jump from indoor climbing centres to rocky cliff faces.
 
Various locations

Visit ArchClimbingWall.com
 

THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTRE

This is the place to go for top-rope or lead climbing. It’s a mammoth space, with 450 routes spread over five floors. There’s the option of bouldering here (with outdoor boulders in a cool garden space) but it’s the rope climbing you come for. You’ll just need to attend an introductory class before navigating the walls alone. Once you’re registered, it’s pay as you go – though you’ll need a few visits to conquer some of the tougher routes.
 
Green Lanes, Stoke Newington, N4 2HA

Visit Castle-Climbing.co.uk
 

THE CLIMBING HANGAR

Tucked away in Parsons Green, the Climbing Hangar is a specialist bouldering centre with a dedicated training centre. It’s MoonBoard is a powerful interactive training wall allowing users to join competitive rankings with other climbers around the world. Elsewhere, there are more than 100 climbing routes and coaching sessions for beginners.
 
33-35 Parsons Green Lane, Fulham, SW6 4HH

Visit TheClimbingHangar.com

MILE END CLIMBING WALL

One of the biggest and best centres in town, Mile End has been open since the 80s. Visitors can partake in top-rope and lead climbing, but the real gem here is the Monkey House, where bouldering routes are located across the ceiling and routinely switched around to keep things challenging. The centre has a number of training courses for beginners, as well as areas for more advanced climbers to tackle harder routes.
 
Haverfield Road, Mile End, E3 5BE

Visit MileEndWall.org.uk
 

THE REACH

This one is worth the trek to Woolwich. Alongside a good range of routes, there’s a testing overhang project wall, as well as bouldering, auto-belays and top-rope areas. The centre caters for any age or ability and its relatively new walls are matched by impressive modern facilities, including full equipment hire.
 
Unit 6, Mellish Industrial Estate, Harrington Way, Woolwich, SE18 5NR

Visit TheReach.org.uk
 

VERTICAL CHILL

For a unique climbing experience, head to Covent Garden’s Vertical Chill. Aiming to deliver a true mountaineering experience, the venue does not offer the cushioned warmth of most indoor climbing centres. Its 8m ice wall calls for extra equipment – think pick axes and eye protection. There are lessons for beginners and expert instructors on hand throughout for a bit of course guidance. Top tip: take a warm coat.
 
Tower House, 10-12 Southampton Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 7HA

Visit Vertical-Chill.com

VAUXWALL CLIMBING CENTRE

A new addition to the London climbing scene, Vauxwall is already a community favourite. It’s actually two venues in one: Vauxwest and Vauxeast. Like the Climbing Hangar, they are bouldering only, with handy coloured grading systems for climbers of different levels to track their routes. If you’re just starting out, there are low walls and easy problems along the routes. Vauxwall is also a good spot for groups.
 
Arch 46-47a, South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall, SW8 1SR

Visit VauxWest.co.uk
 

WESTWAY CLIMBING CENTRE

Inside the Westway gym, this climbing centre is a labyrinth of expertly designed challenges across 350 routes that are changed monthly to test regulars. Strength and conditioning are to the fore as users develop their climbing skills around the 200m2 space. The walls at Westway are generally held to be tougher than those at most other London climbing centres, so prepare to get a sweat on. 
 
1 Crowthorne Road, White City, W10 6RP

Visit EveryoneActive.com