Looking to get the blood pumping but dare not step outside the M25? Why not check out one of the many climbing walls that have popped up in London in recent years, many of which have revitalised empty buildings into centres dedicated to community, health and wellness. So whether you're dedicated to your fitness or just looking for an activity to tire out the little ones, these climbing centres will have something for you.

Best for top-roping and lead climbing

CASTLE CLIMBING CENTRE
Located in an old Victorian water pumping station, the Castle is one of the largest dedicated climbing centres in the UK, with over 400 top roping, lead climbing and auto-belay routes that span from grades 4 to 8A across five floors. There are also ten bouldering areas - three of which are located outdoors in the Castle's organic garden, which supplies their cafe with fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables. They also host plenty of events aimed at improving general health and wellness, such as gardening workshops and sustainable beekeeping courses.
Castle Climbing Centre, Green Lanes, £12.50 (£7.50)

Castle Climbing Centre / credit: Ben Grubb
CLIP N CLIMB CHELSEA
If you're looking for something slightly different, the Clip 'n' Climb Chelsea offers a more structured, but wildly colourful and fun approach to the climbing wall. Book in for an hour-long session and tackle 21 climbing challenges on auto-belays, whether its ascending to new heights on the Skyscraper or racing against the clock on a Speed Climb. The Clip 'n' Climb also runs exercise classes that incorporate the climbing walls for a fun, full-body workout. Perfect for both adults and children ages 4+.
Clip 'n' Climb Chelsea, 19 Michael Road, Fulham, £19.50 (£17.50; certain challenges cost extra)

Here’s what you can expect down at our Adult Only Evening Sessions.... 🧗‍♂️🧗‍♀️
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#clipnclimbchelsea #clipnclimb #climbing #adultonlyevening #session #indoorclimbing #events #worknightout #dateideas #datenight #fitness #workout #workoutwednesday #humpday #fun #climbingvideo #girlswhoclimb #competitions #fit #fitspo #getitdone #londonliving #londonfitness #thinngstodo #somethingnew #london #chelsea #fitfam #londonfitfam

A post shared by Clip 'N Climb Chelsea (@clipnclimb_sw6) on Jun 27, 2018 at 6:59pm BST

Mile End Climbing Wall
A staple of London's climbing community since 1986, Mile End has over 16,000 square feet of climbing surface for both new and experienced climbers, and is particularly well-known for their advanced training areas the Monkey House and Board Room. They also run a wide range of classes, from improvers session and instructors training, to strength and conditioning and first aid classes, as well as leading outdoor climbing trips. Proceeds from the climbing wall go towards running sessions for vulnerable young people and people with special needs
Mile End Climbing Wall, Haverfield Road, £9.50 (off peak £7.50; £5 registration fee)

On Sunday 1st July the GB bouldering team had a training day here at Mile End Climbing wall.
Here are some pictures from the day taken by @dandonovanvisual.
Thanks to the amazing setters @alexander.lemel @lx.grips @gavinsymonds..
#climbing #climb #climber #rockclimbing #indoorclimbing #routeset #routesetting #routesetter #climbingwall #bouldering #mileendwall #mileendclimbingwall #mileendclimbing #london #climbingholds #climbinggym #climberlife #setting #sport #climbing_pictures_of_instagram…

A post shared by Mile End Climbing Wall (@mileendclimbing) on Jul 5, 2018 at 5:06pm BST

Best for bouldering

ARCH CLIMBING WALL: THE BISCUIT
Set in an former Peek Freans factory - hence the name - the Biscuit now boasts over 10,000 square feet of bouldering space. New routes are regularly set, with 200 new problems for climbers to tackle weekly, and they also offer training to aspiring routesetters. The Biscuit hosts a monthly competition for charity, as well as yoga-for-climbing masterclasses and a free weekly improver session for those looking to work their way up the grades.
Arch Climbing Wall: The Biscuit, Unit E.01b, Tower Bridge Business Centre, 100 Clements Road, Bermondsey, £11 (off peak £8.50)

The man behind the camera 🎥 @pajama_tom pinching until his hands explode 🙈💥
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For those looking to push into the harder end of the green circuit this one comes in around V8(?). Set by the masterful @jakesleepsnclimbs!
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#archclimbing #bouldering #climbing #climbinggym #boulderinggym

A post shared by Arch Climbing (@archclimbing) on Jun 22, 2018 at 6:56pm BST

VauxWall West Climbing Centre
In addition to three spacious general bouldering rooms that run from VB to V7+, the VauxWall offers specially calibrated walls that are ideal for boulderers looking to brush up on their technique. The 35 degree symmetrical training board is good for strengthening both sides of your body and preparing you for more difficult overhangs, whereas the circuit board and the traverse wall boast longer routes to improve endurance. There is also a gym and a cafe on-site.
VauxWall West Climbing Centre, 46 - 47a South Lambeth Road, £12.50 (off peak £8.50)

Some stunning light at #VauxEast on the longest day of the year.
This old building definitely has tons of character and with the light like this how can you not enjoy your session!
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New Bakerloo set also getting lots of attention this evening. Have you tried them yet? What’s your favourite? Comment below
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#climbing #vauxwall #longestday #midsummers #summersolstice #solstice #climbinggym #climbing_is_my_passion #london #londonclimbing

A post shared by VauxWall Climbing Centres (@vauxwall) on Jun 21, 2018 at 7:27pm BST

THE CLIMBING HANGER LONDON
A friendly climbing centre for all levels, the Climbing Hangar sports 4.2 metre high walls and refreshes their routes weekly. They also offer instructor training courses and yoga sessions to improve your flexibility and strength whilst climbing. Their MoonBoard - a 40 degree bouldering wall - is linked to an app that allows climbers to create, share and collaborate on problems together. The Hangar also holds the occasional singles night, wherein climbers draw a partner at random and tackle a couples climb together.
The Climbing Hangar London, 5 Parsons Green Depot, 33-35 Parsons Green Lane, Fulham, £10 (off peak £8.50)

The Climbing Hangar