Where to go bowling in London

Rowans, an iconic bowling alley in North London, has been a favourite destination for both children and adults since the 1980s. The venue boasts a retro interior with neon and atmospheric lighting, offering a wide range of entertainment options including bowling lanes, pool, arcade games, and a karaoke booth with over 8,000 songs. Rowans also features a well-stocked bar and a food menu with popular items like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken goujons, making it a perfect spot for family outings, parties, or corporate events.

Strike is housed in the UK's oldest brewery in South London and offers a luxurious bowling experience in a lively party atmosphere. The venue features two types of bowling games - the traditional ten-pin and the lesser-known duckpin - as well as state-of-the-art dartboards and shuffleboards. The bar serves classic cocktails, hard shakes, locally brewed beers, and more, while the food menu features sophisticated diner fare like indulgent burgers and pancakes.

With its lavishly designed suites and beautiful public areas, the Ham Yard Hotel isn't your typical late-night bowling alley. However, it hides a lovely 1950s bowling alley in the basement. Named The Croc, the original venue features comfy seating and soft lighting for a plush lounge feel, a dance floor, vintage bowling shoes, and bespoke maple bowling lanes. Though it's available for individual hire, it's primarily intended for private events and large groups.

Vintners Lanes is a stylish boutique bowling alley launched by the Davy's Wine Merchants next door. Housed in a repurposed Victorian brewery, the venue exudes vintage charm with its rich wooden panelling and speakeasy-inspired atmosphere. It boasts six bowling lanes, complemented by a menu of gourmet burgers, signature cocktails, and other tempting bites. The venue is also available for private hire, making it a great spot for special events.

The All Star Lanes venues around London combine bowling, dining, and drinking into a memorable night out. Furnished in a classic American style, they serve a menu of indulgent American dishes such as burgers, mac 'n' cheese, and sundaes, complemented by cocktails, beer, and other drinks. Entertainment options aren't restricted just to the bowling lanes either - you can sing your heart out at karaoke, play darts, and more.

Situated at the Tavistock Hotel, Bloomsbury Lanes is a lively entertainment venue for bowling, karaoke, dining, drinking, and other entertainment. The bowling alley has eight lanes and offers peak, off-peak and student pricing. Before or after your game you can pop into the diner and enjoy an array of snacks, sharing platters, burgers, and other street food classics. Cocktails, beers, wines, and other drinks are available as well.

Found all over the UK, the Tenpin venues are bowling alleys first and foremost, though they do offer a range of other entertainment options for all ages, from soft play parties to pool, karaoke and escape rooms. Bowling is at the heart of what they do, however, with their state-of-the-art bowling lanes boasting dynamic LED lighting for serious fun vibes. The Acton branch also offers the group's own twist – HyperBowling, where you can score points by bouncing your bowling ball off bumpers.

Lane7 is a unique, adult-oriented bowling experience originating in the UK  and steadily growing across the country. Alongside numerous ten-pin bowling alleys, the Lane7 venues feature an array of entertaining options such as crazy golf, an 18+ arcade area, darts, and beer pong. The diverse activities and vibrant atmosphere make these bowling alleys an excellent destination for a fun evening with friends.

There are multiple Hollywood Bowl venues around London, splashing a bit of Hollywood glamour and American flavour on the classic bowling alley experience. Film paraphernalia adorns the walls, and the branches include American diners serving hotdogs and other street food. In addition to the bowling lanes, you can try your hand at arcade games to win prizes, play pool, and take advantage of special offers.

Queens is an iconic destination for family fun in Central London that sports a year-round ice rink and a bowling alley, as well as offering their crossbreed, curling, on select nights. Between that and retro arcade games, live sports and more, there's plenty of entertainment for kids and adults alike. Food and drinks are provided by the on-site branch of Meatliquor, and there's a rink-side bar too. The bowling lanes come with their own booth seating, and you can also book the VIP lanes with dedicated hosts and a private bar.

Lewisham Lanes offers an affordable and family-friendly environment for bowling enthusiasts. Boasting no-frills vintage decor, this straightforward alley has 22 bowling lanes illuminated by multicoloured lights. With live DJs setting the mood on weekends and an array of packages and deals, it's an ideal spot for group events. Food and drinks are available as well.