The spread of climbing gyms is balanced across London, although restrictions on space do mean that most gyms cater for bouldering only. Fortunately, all climbing gyms now have cafes, and each of these below has showering facilities with towel rental.

In the east of London, Mile End Climbing Centre offers plenty of top-rope climbing, areas that are separate from their bouldering rooms. The Arch operate three climbing gyms in the London metropolitan areas, with their adjacent Bermondsey venues, The Biscuit Factory and Building One being to easiest to get to. Building One has a useful training zone with kettlebells, fingerboards, and plenty of hanging space.

London’s most central climbing gyms are at Edgeware Road and Vauxhall. West I Climbing Wall is at the Seymour Leisure Centre, right around the corner of Edgeware Road Tube Station.  Just south of the Thames is the more substantial VauxWall Climbing Centre. On the West side of the further west is in Fulham is The Climbing Hangar and three miles due north in White City is Westway, who do offer top-line and lead climbing.

Further afield are three other gyms. The Reach offer top-rope and bouldering on the south bank of the Thames just downstream from the Thames Barrier in Greenwich. In the north-east, you can find The Castle, London’s best gym for top-rope climbing, and Stronghold Climbing Centre in Tottenham, which has kettlebells, Olympic barbells and dumbbells.