Perfect for social climbers – no, not like that – the Arch has become firmly embedded in London’s climbing culture.
It began life in 2008 in a railway arch in London Bridge, and has since grown into two full-sized climbing centres, in Bermondsey and Surrey Quays. Both spaces are supremely well-equipped, offering vast expanses of creatively-designed climbing space – 15,000 SQ FT with 300 set problems in Bermondsey and 7,000 SQ FT with 130 set problems in SQ.
There are classes for people of all skill levels – from beginners to mixed-abilities to 1:1 sessions. However, what really stands out at Arch is the sheer friendliness of the climbing community – it’s a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with experienced regulars more than happy to help newcomers who are finding their feet (and their hands).
There’s a well-rounded programme for kids, too – the ‘Marmosets’ club offers climbing for children from 4-8, after which they can join the ‘Spider monkeys’ club for ages 9-12.
As well as working wonders for your tendon strength and core, climbing (in this case, bouldering, which doesn’t use ropes or harnesses) is an immensely therapeutic way to pass the time. The act of scaling your chosen route combines the long-forgotten fun and freedom of tackling the playground climbing frame with a sense of near-meditative focus, meaning you’ll find that your session at The Arch flies by. And, whilst there are all manner of vertiginous surfaces you can gradually build up to, the bar – and indeed the wall – for beginners is pleasingly low, so newcomers can happily get stuck in and there’s no excuse for being a wallflower (or, in this instance, a floorflower).
What’s more, The Arch has recently become part of Climbing District, a European climbing operator, which in practical terms means they’ve joined forces with Stronghold UK – who offer superb climbing walls in Tottenham Hale and London Fields – and now operate under one unified membership and pricing structure. Single sessions are £15, or ten for £125 – alternatively there are monthly recurring memberships, offering you unlimited climbing, for £72 or £55 (off peak).
Meaning whichever side of the river you find yourself, a gripping experience is within reach (provided you’ve warmed up correctly, of course).
NOTE: Arch Climbing Wall has two sites: Bermondsey and Surrey Quays. For more information, or to book, visit their website here.
Bermondsey | The Arch Climbing Wall: Building One, Drummond Road, London, SE16 4DG
Surrey Quays | The Arch Climbing Wall: Surrey Quays, Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, London, SE16 7LL
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