Want to make climbing a habit this year? Great choice! Climbing regularly improves your problem-solving, focus, and grit, and is fantastic for your mental and physical health. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new pals (that doesn't have to involve the pub) and be part of an active and friendly community.
We know that starting a new sport can be daunting, so here's all the details you need to try climbing at Mile End Climbing Wall. We've got some fantastic offers running through January, so don't miss out! We can't wait to welcome you to the wall this year.
A great first place to start is our taster sessions.
Led by our friendly, qualified instructors, these 1.5 hour sessions are designed to give you a full insight into what climbing is all about and whether it's a sport you'd like to try some more. During the session, you'll try both rope climbing and bouldering (climbing without ropes). All equipment will be provided - you just need some comfy clothes and a water bottle. Plus, until Wednesday 15th January, we're offering you a free climbing day pass with every taster session space booked, so if you like what you do you can keep practising your new found skills across our bouldering walls at the centre (please note that if you want to carry on rope climbing, you'll need to book a space on our Rope Climbing Beginners Course).
Taster sessions and our beginner courses are running through January. Book a space at the bottom of this page or click here for more information.
Want to dive right in? You can boulder at our centre without taking a course too! Simply buy a day pass to access all of the bouldering areas in the centre.
And if you're serious about trying climbing this year, consistency is key.
To help you get started, we’re offering a New Year deal... buy two climbs, and get your third climb FREE.
That's £9.66 per climb for general entries, £8.66 per climb for Blue Light, and £6.66 per climb for concession entries!
This offer is running through January and is available to buy at reception.
See our full list of climbing prices and our full courses programme.
Mile End Climbing Wall is the oldest indoor climbing wall in London, first opening its doors in 1986. Since then, we've been bringing London's climbers together. As a not-for-profit, we’re driven by a genuine passion for climbing - not filling the pockets of investors. Our mission is simple: to make climbing accessible. Everything we do is focused on celebrating climbing and advancing its benefits for everyone, regardless of their financial situation, physical ability, or skill level.
We're here to make climbing accessible, not easy. Climbing here requires you to try hard - practising determination, pushing your grit, testing your bounce-back and focus, and requiring you to work hard to achieve something. And that's fantastic! You'll practice mindfulness, improve your fitness and physical health, develop your ability to face and overcome fear, analyse risk, solve problems, and push through challenges to achieve an end goal. We believe in and promote these benefits, and understand that they look different for everyone. You can experience these benefits at any level of climbing.
As a charity, all of our profit goes back into improving the centre and delivering our community programmes, including grassroots youth development and offering low cost or free climbing to those who could most benefit from this in our community.
Put simply, we love climbing. Form our counter staff to route setters, we're so passionate about this incredible sport and sharing it's benefits with everyone. Visit us in 2025 to see what we're all about!
Our address is Mile End Climbing Wall, Haverfield Road, London, E3 5BE.
The nearest tube station is Mile End on the Central Line. From Mile End tube station, turn left. At the large set of traffic lights, turn right and walk north along Grove Road. Go past the petrol station and under the railway bridge. Continue until you reach the Britannia Fish and Chip shop. Turn left along Haverfield Road and enter Mile End Park. Follow the road around to the left and you will see our blue building next to the canal. There are also 2 Santander Cycle Hire docking stations a short walk from the centre.
Do I need to do anything before I come to the centre? Before you get involved with anything at the wall, you'll need to complete our adult waiver form. This includes watching a safety video and checking a few safety questions. For all first time climbers at the wall, we always ask a few safety questions on your first visit. Don't worry about these questions - our team are an incredibly friendly bunch so if you get a question wrong or you don't know the answer, they'll help you and make sure you're happy!
You can fill out this form at the centre, but we recommend completing it early to save time at reception and get started with your climb as quickly as possible.
What do I need to wear and bring? We recommend wearing comfortable gym clothes that you don't mind getting a bit chalky! We also recommend bringing a water bottle. We have water taps on site.
Do I need any special gear? You will need to wear special climbing shoes, which you can hire from the centre for £3.50. We also recommend using chalk which you can buy from the Rock On shop. Chalk is not mandatory.
Do you have changing rooms? Yes, we have individual changing rooms and hot showers.
Do you have lockers? Yes, you will need a £1 coin to operate the lockers which is refundable. You can also buy a reusable locker token using your card at reception if you forget your £1.
Do I need to book in advance? For general climbing, you don't need to book in advance. We recommend booking courses in advance to guarantee a space.
How much does it cost? See our full list of climbing prices here.
Are there instructors available for beginners? Yes, see our full range of courses here or contact reception to book a private session with one of our friendly instructors.
What are the rules for kids or families? We champion youth climbing at Mile End. Under 18's cannot climb at Mile End Climbing Wall unless they are under the supervision of a pre-booked instructor or a registered adult (over 18 roped climber) or unless already signed off otherwise. For more information, please visit our Junior Climbing page.
What is the typical duration for a climbing session? Climbing sessions can last for as long or short as you like, but for your first session expect to be at the wall for around 1.5 hours.
What are the different types of climbing available? We offering bouldering, top-rope, autobelays and lead climbing at Mile End Climbing Wall.
What's the difference between bouldering and top-rope climbing? Bouldering involves short, rope-free climbs with crash pads for protection. Top-rope climbing uses a rope anchored at the top for safety, allowing climbers to tackle longer routes.
How can I get help if I’m uncomfortable or need assistance? If you have any questions at all or don't feel comfortable, please speak to a member of our team who will happily assit you. If you're on the wall and feel unsafe, climb down using any of the holds available. Our safety video also explains ways to safely fall from the wall if you cannot climb down.
Is there a membership or discount for regular climbers? We have plently of membership and entry optiosn to suit all budgets. See our climbing prices page for more details.
How do I contact the Mile End? Call us on 020 8980 0289 or email enquiries@mileendwall.org.uk. You can also send us a message on Instagram.
