15 Best Places to Play Games and Have Fun in London
When people think about London, famous landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace usually come to mind.
But what if you've already visited the major attractions? Or you're simply looking for a fun afternoon with friends, family or your partner?
Fortunately, London is packed with places where you can do much more than sightseeing. Whether you want to bowl a strike, hit sixes in a cricket simulator, challenge your friends to crazy golf, relive childhood memories in a retro arcade or solve an escape room together, there's something for everyone.
If you're wondering where to hang out and have fun in London, these are 15 places well worth adding to your list.
1. Sixes Social Cricket – Hit Sixes in the Heart of London
Cricket lovers shouldn't miss Sixes Social Cricket.
Instead of watching from the stands, you'll step into an interactive batting simulator where advanced technology tracks your shots while you compete with friends.
Whether you're an experienced player or have never held a cricket bat before, the games are designed to be fun for all skill levels.
Food and drinks are available too, making it perfect for group outings.
📍 Locations: London Bridge, Fitzrovia, Fulham and White City
Best For: Cricket fans, groups and first-time players.
2. All Star Lanes – Bowling With a Luxury Twist
Forget ordinary bowling alleys.
All Star Lanes combines boutique bowling with stylish interiors, American-style comfort food and cocktails, creating one of London's most enjoyable social venues.
It's ideal for birthdays, date nights or simply spending a few hours with friends.
📍 Locations: Brick Lane, Holborn, White City and Stratford
Best For: Bowling and group nights out.
3. Four Quarters – London's Retro Arcade Paradise
If classic arcade games bring back childhood memories, Four Quarters is the place to be.
Expect vintage arcade cabinets featuring favourites like Pac-Man, Street Fighter, Time Crisis and many more.
Unlike modern gaming centres, the focus here is on nostalgia and old-school fun.
📍 Locations: Peckham, Elephant & Castle, London Bridge and Hackney
Best For: Retro gaming enthusiasts.
4. NQ64 – Neon Arcade Nights
Bright neon lights, colourful décor and dozens of arcade machines make NQ64 one of London's coolest gaming venues.
You'll find everything from classic arcade cabinets to retro consoles, creating an atmosphere that feels part gaming centre and part entertainment venue.
Whether you're visiting during the day or in the evening, it's always lively.
📍 Locations: Soho and Shoreditch
Best For: Arcade games and group hangouts.
5. Swingers – Crazy Golf for Adults
Crazy golf has become one of London's favourite social activities, and Swingers helped make it popular.
Its imaginative courses, lively atmosphere and excellent food make it much more than a simple game of mini golf.
Whether you're competitive or just playing for laughs, it's guaranteed to be entertaining.
📍 Locations: City of London and West End
Best For: Friends, couples and work socials.
6. Puttshack – High-Tech Mini Golf
Puttshack takes crazy golf to another level.
Its technology automatically keeps score while interactive obstacles add an extra challenge to every hole.
The result is a fast-paced experience that's ideal for groups of all ages.
📍 Locations: Bank and White City
Best For: Modern crazy golf.
7. Flight Club – Social Darts Reinvented
Even if you've never played darts before, Flight Club makes it surprisingly fun.
Interactive scoring, different game modes and lively venues turn a traditional pub game into something much more exciting.
It's one of London's most popular places for after-work gatherings and celebrations.
📍 Locations: Shoreditch, Victoria, Bloomsbury and Islington
Best For: Friendly competition.
8. Bounce – Ping Pong Like You've Never Played Before
Bounce transforms table tennis into an energetic social experience.
Alongside traditional ping pong tables, you'll find interactive games, music, food and drinks in a lively setting.
Whether you're highly competitive or just playing for fun, it's easy to spend an entire evening here.
📍 Locations: Farringdon and Battersea Power Station
Best For: Table tennis and group fun.
9. Rowans Tenpin Bowl – A London Favourite
Rowans has been entertaining Londoners for decades.
Alongside bowling lanes, you'll also find karaoke rooms, arcade games and pool tables, making it one of the city's best all-in-one entertainment venues.
It's particularly popular with families and larger groups.
📍 Location: Finsbury Park
Best For: Bowling and family outings.
10. Babylon Park – London's Indoor Theme Park
Hidden beneath Camden Market is Babylon Park, one of London's newest indoor amusement parks.
It combines arcade games with family-friendly rides, interactive attractions and colourful themed spaces, making it an excellent option whatever the weather.
Children will love it, but adults often enjoy it just as much.
📍 Location: Camden
Best For: Families and rainy days.
11. Powerleague – Five-a-Side Football
Gather your friends and book a pitch at Powerleague.
Whether you're organising a casual kickabout or a competitive tournament, these well-maintained football pitches are available throughout the week.
Equipment can usually be hired if needed.
📍 Locations: Including Shoreditch and other London venues
Best For: Football fans.
12. Goals Soccer Centres – Casual Football Fun
Another excellent choice for football lovers is Goals.
With quality artificial pitches and flexible booking options, it's one of the easiest ways to organise a game while visiting London.
Many locations also have cafés and social areas where teams can relax afterwards.
📍 Multiple Locations Across London
Best For: Friendly football matches.
13. Whistle Punks – Try Axe Throwing
Looking for something completely different?
Whistle Punks introduces beginners to the surprisingly satisfying sport of axe throwing under the guidance of trained instructors.
No previous experience is required, making it a memorable activity for groups looking to try something new.
📍 Location: Vauxhall
Best For: Unique group experiences.
14. AIM Escape Rooms – Work Together to Beat the Clock
Escape rooms remain one of London's most popular indoor activities.
At AIM Escape, you'll solve puzzles, uncover clues and race against time to complete immersive story-driven adventures.
Communication and teamwork are essential, making it ideal for groups of friends and families.
📍 Location: Aldgate
Best For: Puzzle lovers.
15. Hurricane Room – Pool and Snooker
Sometimes the classics are still the best.
Hurricane Room offers high-quality pool and snooker tables in a relaxed environment where friends can challenge each other over a few games.
It's a simple but enjoyable way to spend an evening.
📍 Location: King's Cross
Best For: Pool, snooker and casual hangouts.
Which Activity Should You Choose?
If you're not sure where to start, here's a quick guide.
For Sports Lovers
Sixes Social Cricket
Powerleague
Goals Soccer Centres
For Arcade Games
Four Quarters
NQ64
Babylon Park
For Friendly Competition
Flight Club
Bounce
Puttshack
Swingers
For Something Different
Whistle Punks
AIM Escape Rooms
For Classic Entertainment
All Star Lanes
Rowans Tenpin Bowl
Hurricane Room
Tips Before You Visit
Book ahead for weekends, as many of these venues are especially popular on Friday and Saturday evenings.
If you're visiting as a group, check for package deals that include games, food and drinks.
Comfortable clothing is recommended for sports-based activities such as cricket, football and axe throwing.
Many venues have age restrictions in the evening, particularly those that operate as bars, so check before visiting with children.
Why These Places Are Worth Visiting
London isn't just a city of museums and historic landmarks it's also one of the best places in the UK for social entertainment.
Whether you're bowling with friends, hitting cricket balls into virtual stadiums, solving an escape room or playing classic arcade games, these experiences offer a fun way to see a different side of the city.
They're also perfect for rainy days, birthdays, date nights and evenings when you simply want to do something different.
Final Thoughts
Some of the best memories in London aren't made while standing in a queue for a famous attraction.
They're made while laughing over a game of crazy golf, celebrating a strike at the bowling alley, finally escaping a locked room or hitting your first virtual six in a cricket simulator.
So the next time you're looking for somewhere to hang out, skip the usual sightseeing for a few hours and try one of these fantastic game venues instead.
You might discover a new favourite way to experience London.
Discover More Fun Things to Do in London
Looking for more unique experiences, hidden gems and local favourites? Visit LondonYaar.com for beginner-friendly travel guides, seasonal ideas and unforgettable activities across the capital.
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