Climbing
Who says you have to leave the capital to get your adrenaline fix?
From challenging yourself on the climbing walls at The Castle to flyboarding in the Docklands, there’s plenty to keep adventure-seekers entertained in London.
01
Abseil down the UK’s tallest sculpture
If climbing to the top of the ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture in the Queen Olympic Park isn’t quite enough of a thrill, you can now abseil down the soaring steel sculpture – all 80 metres of it from the upper observation platform. The UK’s longest freefall abseil, the challenge is guaranteed to get the adrenaline pumping, while also offering sprawling 20-mile views of London and its iconic landmarks. Visit wireandsky.co.uk for more.
Tube: Stratford
02
Make waves in the Docklands
Have you ever wished you could fly? Well, you can get pretty close with flyboarding, a new craze in the watersports world. Using water thrusters attached to your feet and wrists, you can somersault across the water – up to 10 metres above the surface – like something out of Iron Man. Plus, you can do some sightseeing while you’re at it – and all without leaving Zone Three. Check out www.flyboardingexperiences.co.uk for more information.
DLR: Royal Victoria
Housed in an old pumping station in Stoke Newington, The Castle is one of Europe’s best climbing centres, boasting enough challenges to keep even the most accomplished climbers entertained. The site includes everything from a boulder park – where you can climb without ropes – to top-rope climbing walls up to 13 metres high, not to mention a 30-metre abseil down the tower. With 450 climbing routes in the centre, and at least 80 of those changing each month, you’re guaranteed never to get bored.
Tube: Manor House
03
Tackle the rapids at Lee Valley
White water rapids aren’t something usually associated with the capital, but as those who watched the London 2012 Olympic Games know, Lee Valley White Water Centre has enough churning rapids and steep descents to challenge even the best rafting pros in the world. The centre – a short train journey away from central London – caters for all levels, and adrenaline-junkies will enjoy battling their way along the course, which involves Grade Four rapids and a nose-diving 5.5-metre descent. There’s also a water wipeout obstacle course, hydrospeeding, canoeing and kayaking on offer for more watersports adventures.
Train: Waltham Cross or Cheshunt
04
Wakeboard at Royal Victoria Dock
Fancy skimming across the Thames at high speeds, with London’s skyline as your backdrop? WakeUp Docklands is the capital’s only inner-city waterpark and boasts a 160-metre Blue Cable over unobstructed water, and a 180-metre Gold Cable over a course of pipes, rails and kickers for those who like to catch some air. For something a little more chilled, you can also try standup paddleboarding, before relaxing in their floating beer garden – a converted barge called The Oiler Bar.
DLR: Royal Victoria
05
Feel the thrill at Vertical Chill, Covent Garden
You don’t necessarily have to head to the Alps to put your crampons and ice picks to good use. Vertical Chill in Covent Garden, located in Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports, has its own eight-metre ice wall for mountaineers of all levels to hone their ice climbing skills, with a number of routes to tackle in -5 to -12 °C temperatures.
Tube: Covent Garden, Temple, Embankment
06
Hurtle down hills at Go London Zorbing
Does hurtling down a hill in a giant inflatable ball sound like bucket-loads of fun? Well, that’s because it is fun. Seriously fun. You can experience Zorbing at Go Zorbing London. Just half an hour from London Bridge Station by train, the site offers Harness or Hydro Zorbing and a pretty awesome course that’ll have you hurtling down grassy slopes at speeds at up to 25 mph. From March to October.
Tube: London Bridge, then train to Whyteleafe South
07
Be a big kid at Go Ape, Trent Park
Want to feel the buzz of whizzing through the treetops, taking on zip wires, Tarzan Swings and rope ladders? Head to Go Ape Tree Top Adventure in Trent Park, close to Cockfosters tube station, and let your inner kid out. There’s even an epic skateboard zip wire for those that are handy on four wheels.
Tube: Cockfosters