Of the 3 gyms we hit, this was our favorite for a number of reasons. It's a non-profit that tries to promote climbing for kids, so the day pass for a kid was the lowest, but their early morning entry (7-9am) for absolutely anyone is even lower, at only 5 GBP. The bouldering area was maybe not as large as some others, but the "secret garden" area (half outdoors) with competition climbs having very large holds made it unique and was my kid's favorite area in the gym. Their community was also welcoming and encouraging and chatted with us. It's also a lovely walk along a canal through a park from either nearby bus stop to get there. read more

MECW is my local and I come at least 3 times a week most weeks but don't ask if I've gotten any better at climbing as I spend a lot of my time watching some real pros absolutely killing some of the routes in the Monkey House (the place where all the ceiling climbs happen.) So alright it probably isn't as big as The Arch and it's not as polished, branded or as... hipster but there's definitely a charm to this place which I didn't find at The Arch. Not to mention there is a little top rope for those who are that way inclined and there's a secret (shhhh) beginner's room past the top rope section where you newbies can go if you feel dissuaded rather than inspired by the muscular machines in the main rooms. There are classes available and every Thursday evening a member of staff is on hand to give you tips on improving technique. It's very busy at peak times, this means weekday evenings after 5 and weekends. I try to come around lunchtime on weekdays and avoid the weekends. A monthly membership costs £45 or £40 concession. There is a shop on site, owned and operated by the wonderful Rock On, an independent climbing specialist. They stock a variety of gear and are more than happy to assist you in getting the right pair of shoes. Day access does not differentiate between peak and off peak access like The Arch so you pay £7 for the day and that's all day. Locker rental is 50p which is refundable but goes towards charity if you don't want the refund. The one criticism I have is that their opening hours could be longer. They could open earlier on weekdays and close a little later, especially in the summer. Keep in mind that their main rival, The Arch, opens at 6am and doesn't close until 10pm. There is parking on site but it is limited at peak times. Plenty of bicycle racks though and easily accessed via Mile End tube. read more

Mile End Climbing Wall - New top out boulder in the secret garden. Does The Arch have one of these? No mate, they don't. - Rock Climbing Near Me - London, XGL

This place scares the Crap out of me. i used to live just by it, and yet i would choose most other climbing places in a heart beat. most of the routes are traverse, which gets boring and annoying - going sideways isnt really my thing. then most of the routes that are up and up are so much UP that i get two thirds of the way and think "i really wish i was tied in. if i fall from any higher then this, i could seriously hurt myself." if you go in the middle of the day, ok, you'll be able to find a place to climb. but in the nights and weekends they let it get so packed, its just not safe. with in 10 min of being there the last time (a sunday at 3pm) i saw 3 people taken out by the medic. congrats, youre a busy gym, but they really should put some kind of controls in so its still safe. ive heard (and this isnt official, so it could be false, but it sounds about right) that since theyre non-profit, Mile End Climbing Center was able to not have to adhere to come of the codes for safety and what not. once in a blue moon i may go back, but frankly, id rather not. read more

Get your boulder on at Mile End Climbing wall. As mentioned above, it may not be the biggest centre in London but it is the best. The staff are all helpful and the community spirit is incredible. Everyone seems to have an interest in ensuring you get the most out of your experience no matter if you are a beginner or experienced. Even the guys who have been doing it for years will take time out to answer a question or explain how to do a particular move. The price is comparable with elsewhere and if you are looking for a day of fun or a new hobby, this is the place to go. read more

The best thing about this place is the variety of different climbing spaces, I love that you can explore the different rooms and have a completely different feel. There is also a nice community feel, you can take a break on the benches or go to the on-site shop and get brilliant advice on climbing gear. Even during the day it can get quite lively, especially when the route-setting and kids classes overlap, but you can usually find a nice space to work with if you have time. With the park and canal next door, it's really worth making a day of it. read more

With mountains in short supply in London you'd forgive rock climbers for showing a little despair. Well for those not in the know, Mile End Climbing Centre has over 16,000sq ft of climbing surface. This gives wannabe mountaineers the opportunity to get all the practice they need. With bouldering, top rope and lead climbing walls there is plenty to keep you busy. There are also the excellent board and monkey rooms for the more advanced climbers. There is a £5 membership fee then it is £7 per visit. For a one month unlimited pass it is £35. The laidback staff and atmosphere means it doesn't feel intimidating for first-timers. There are enough tough rooms at Mile End though to test the most advanced climbers. read more

I did a bouldering course here over 3 weeks. The teacher was rotated each week which was great to see climbing from a different perspective each time. The venue is quite small which is fine when the place is less busy in the mornings, but during the afternoons and evenings, if gets uncomfortably busy. The place is generally well run, lockers and shoe hire are cheap, the walls are refreshed every few weeks so as not to get stale. I always look forward to a nice almond croissant after a sunday morning bouldering session. In all, if you're a beginner, the place can be a little daunting so definitely come with a friend/group or somebody more experienced. The courses are good and the level 1 bouldering course includes a 1 month unlimited pass which you can redeem either during your course or after it, meaning you can take the skills you've learned and hone them. read more

I'm a fan. I've been climbing on and off for a dozen years now, since I lived in California, and Mile End has made it into my top 3 gyms. I'm partial to bouldering, which is their specialty (don't go looking for extensive top-rope or lead routes, they've only got a couple), and they succeed on a number of fronts where other London gyms have disappointed me. 1) Variety. Good mix of problem types, short and long, close to the ground up to highball, with different inclines and angles. I don't know how often they change up problems yet, but I expect it's pretty often. 2) Layout / Space. With a bunch of different rooms, everything's not all packed together, which is very helpful when you've got mad boulderers careening off the walls. There's usually space to climb and fall without landing on someone, and it's nice to have different places to go and explore. 3) Add-ons. Besides straight bouldering, I really like their training room with campus and hang boards, and they've got a traverse wall, an instruction room, a coffee bar, and a small but solid gear shop. 4) Cleanliness. It's still a gym, so of course it's not spotless or lemon-fresh, but it doesn't have clouds of chalk floating through the air or discarded items of ragged clothing from dirty climbers chucked into the corners. Trust me when I say that this can happen in other places. 5) Cost. Seems fair, cheaper than many in the US, and they have a variety of packages. So overall, I like it a lot. I'd love if their hours stretched a little later into the evening, but I've been able to make it there at some point during each of the last 3 weekends, a trend I hope to continue. See you there. read more

I first started coming to Mile End Climbing Wall about two years ago as part of a misguided attempt to exercise whilst at university. I came for the climbing but stayed for the atmosphere. Two years on I'm no better at climbing but I still show up occasionally to have a laugh. The wall itself is located just a short walk from Mile End Road along Regent's Canal and sits directly opposite local boozer The Palm Tree. Though not as large as other walls in London, they really make the most of the space available to them with routes to suit all styles and standards. Prices can be a little high unless you opt for the membership but the refreshments on offer are all reasonably priced. The wall also offers the opportunity of taking part in trips abroad to practice your newly acquired skills. Prices for these include accommodation, equipment and guidance and, though I haven't been, I've been advised by others that they are well worth coughing up the cash for. Mile End Climbing Wall brings something new to this diverse area of London and is a great place for exercises, new experiences and meeting new people. read more

Mile End Wall, you are like a long lost love. I cannot wait for you to come back into my life. Having been cursed with the dreaded carpal tunnel syndrome for the past month or so, I've had to eschew all fantasies of hitting French bouldering grade 6A by December 2008; and instead turn my energies to sorting my dodgy fingers out. Now I'm fighting fit, I thought it would be a great time to say how much I adore this place and think that (if you like bouldering as much as I do) you'll agree that Mile End Wall is the best place in the UK to get your rock fix until it's bearably warm enough to consider venturing outside. Ensconced within one of the few leafy conservation areas in East London and situated next to London's canal it's probably at its finest in the spring, when there's the hope of actually getting outside in the near future on the horizon and it's warm enough to sit in the park outside the pub a minute away looking at the flowing water after a hard day's work on the wall. For the new year's resolution brigade: cancel the gym membership and try this. Personally climbing changed my relationship to exercise completely; I used to plod along the treadmill bored stiff, desperately trying to avert my eyes from excruciatingly dull music videos of airbrushed pop-stars prancing around, in case I fell asleep right there and then. When my 30 mins was up I was onto the weights, gagging for the end of the hour when I could finally get to the fun bit, namely the sauna. When you're learning to climb, you have no choice but to focus wholly on what you're doing and it's very mentally engaging. It's even better to do it in a friendly, non-elitist and supportive environment where perfect strangers say hello to you; which always happens here. I have lost track of the times when I have fallen off and been helped to do a move with more grace by someone I've never met before. For a sport that sometimes conjures up images of chest beating machismo and competitiveness, this is the possibly the most friendly place I've been. As well as having enormously varied climbing facilities and a well stocked Rock On! Shop, they're also the only financially viable option post credit crunch in my opinion! You can get a month's unlimited climbing for around £35, locker hire is 50p and shoe hire is £2. You have to pay a one off registration fee of £2 as well if you're a newbie as well. The only thing they can really do with improving (and I include all fitness centres when I say this) is WHY OH WHY must there be no cheap or appetising fruits available (bananas can't be that much of a hassle and they get crushed in my backpack) and loads of chocolate, fizzy stuff and 'isotonic' junk? I've weakened many a time when I've been starving and it's not good. I swear it's part of a conspiracy to keep people chasing that oh-so elusive six pack. read more

If you are afraid of heights, which I am, then you might not think a climbing wall is the best place to attend. However, this is in fact the place to get over such fears. Situated by the Regent's canal, the Mile End climbing Wall offers challenges to the very experienced outdoor specialists right down to the likes of me, with a low traverse wall. Much like hanging, climbing focuses the mind and is one of those excercises that works all parts of the body. At £7 a go, the path to fitness is not cheap, but the path to enjoyment is assured once you get the satisfcation of reaching the top of a wall. For more details visit their website read more

I have been to several other indoor climbing walls, but this place is my favourite! I love the outdoor bit, especially in chilly mornings, when the stones are wet. Gives the feeling like I am in Wales. I love the atmosphere. The location and parking are good to. Would recommend to visit off peaks then you can have 100% enjoyment and space for parking. read more

I decided to visit this climbing centre on Saturday with a friend. It was fantastic and great for all ages. Especially the Monkey Wall where you can try advanced climbs and great for building strength in your whole body. The team on site is also super friendly and knowledgable. read more

Mile end climbing wall is smaller than some of the other indoor centres in London, but what it lacks in size, it makes up with it's friendly atmosphere. It opened in the eighties to the public, and is housed inside an old pipe engineering works. More geared towards bouldering, but the centre does have top-roped climbing although not as extensive as some of the other centres. They have regular courses for beginners, as well as advanced leading and first aid courses. I haven't been on any of the courses but I've heard they are excellent, and a good way to meet other climbers. It can get very busy, especially during the evenings and weekends, but it's a friendly, non competitive vibe so not always a bad thing. Queuing up for routes gets annoying though so if you have time during the day I'd recommend going then. If you're super keen you can pay for unlimited use, £35 per month, which can work out a lot cheaper if you think you're going to use it regularly. They also do student discount, so no excuse not to give it a try. Much more interesting than going to the gym, it's a good workout during the winter months. read more

Great facilities here, and while the centre is smaller than The Castle in N.London, the pricing is slightly cheaper (£7 compared to £10.50 at Castle). They do a range of training courses which cater for all levels, while the taster session is great for anyone looking to check out what indoor climbing is like but without having to commit long term. read more

Went here a few years ago and it's quite a small place mainly bouldering walls. It is good for its size and nice to have in east london. There are better climbing walls around London. read more

Went for the 3 weeks evening beginner class. Very good to learn the basic of climbing and bouldering, including how to tie knots. There is a good atmosphere and you can stay until close after the class. All gear included in the class, very good value for money read more

I went here for the first time last weekend and it was awesome. I haven't had an adrenaline rush that big for a long time - it was well worth the 12 pounds (membership, plus shoe hire, plus £7 for session). The coffee was also very tastey and only 60p a cup! I'd been led to believe that climbers could be a bit nerdy-cliquey and hostile to newcomers, but the staff at Mile End Climbing Wall were really friendly and smiley and even lent me a pair of nail clippers so i could get my girly hands into the crevices (durrrgh). Tip: If you're new to climbing take my advice and ignore the cheap coffee - you don't need to make yourself any more jittery - you'll get 'disco' or 'motorbike' leg anyway once your 5 ft up. read more

Good for it's size, and wonderful to have in the heart of East London. Recently extended, there is a great deal of space dedicated to bouldering, inculding the 'monkey room' which is awesome. Not a lot of top roping last time I went if you're a beginner, but still worth a visit. Training room for the more hardcore climbers is worth a visit. Courses avaliable. read more

Good bouldering though some of the routes are ridiculously high without a top rope. Monkey room is good with nice low ceilings and plenty of cushioning. Sports climb is fairly small but the routes are good. Some are top roped and some are for lead climbing. Reception desk is friendly and helpful. They serve coffee and snacks which are low cost. They also have a great little climbing shop attached to the building. It got very busy when we were there and when my belayer and me politely told a woman who was wandering sideways into our space that she was in danger (I did fall and just missed her). She apologized and said she was having instruction and didn't know. The instructor was very sarcastic to us and told me I should be looking out beneath me before coming down. I said, 'I fell' and he turned away from me and back towards his class before quietly telling them I was an amateur. I was not impressed. He made a mistake and put one of his students in danger but instead of correcting that mistake, he made it out to be our fault. He has just told a group of 3 people that its ok to walk directly beneath and between a belayer and his climber!!! Grrrr. Perhaps I should of had a word with the management. Anyway we had a fun day and will certainly go back, though not on a weekend. read more

Nice enough people, but perhaps only superficially. Very strict no-refunds policy on unused/ expired climbs that they do not consider bending on, whatever the circumstances. The centre itself is nice, but be wary of buying climbs in advance. Their staff are at times a tad arrogant. read more

This review isn't actually about the climbing centre as it is for the store "Rock On" where one may buy gear at the centre. We traveled all over, in and out of london to find a good selection of climbing boot before finding this place. It really made our day. Dominick, who ran the place was able to provide advice and guidance so much better than others we met and the prices were competitive even with the internet. There is no Ego there either, but someone who understands gear and people and who can get a good fit together. There are plenty of places to get gear, but so often people don't really understand and I see so many people with the gear that doesn't fit properly or isn't suitable. These folks could solve that. I mean, why pay £80 for a set of top shoes if the fit is so bad, a pair of £40 shoes would have been better? Well worth the trip. read more

My favourite climbing wall in London. Tried most of the new walls that have popped up over the years and this one has the best atmosphere. It's chilled out, everyone is friendly and helpful and I thoroughly enjoy climbing here. Better atmosphere than the westway, castle and biscuit factory combined! Also there are almost none of the topless showboating males you get at the other walls. Very enjoyable climbing in the presence of such modest people who don't need to get undressed to pull some random women...far too much of that macho rubbish at the other walls! read more