London’s gaming scene reaches far beyond consoles and PCs at home. From hands-on retro exhibitions and full-motion racing simulators to cutting-edge virtual reality and laid-back barcades, the city offers gamers a huge range of real-world experiences that mix play with tech, culture, and socialising. Whether you’re a nostalgia-driven retro fan or a thrill-seeker chasing the latest immersive tech, here are some of the best gaming activities to explore in London — along with the practical details you’ll want before you go.
(Venues, prices, and opening times change frequently. Always check each venue’s official website for the latest information before booking a visit.)
Power UP at the Science Museum
The Power UP exhibition at the Science Museum in South Kensington is a hands-on celebration of gaming history, gathering consoles and games spanning roughly 50 years into one playable space. Once a periodic pop-up, Power UP now runs as a regular, ongoing experience, with day sessions open to all ages and separate adults-only evening sessions that have become popular sell-outs.
Inside, you can play your way through a large collection of consoles — from early systems like the Atari 2600 and classics such as the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and the original Nintendo Entertainment System, through to the Mega Drive, PlayStation, N64, and modern machines. There are multiplayer zones for head-to-head Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. sessions, retro favourites, and even VR experiences to try. The adults-only evenings add extra zones — recent additions have celebrated horror and first-person-shooter history with titles like Resident Evil, Doom, and Half-Life — plus a gaming competition with prizes.
Good to know: It’s located at the Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington (nearest Tube: South Kensington). Day passes are modestly priced (around £14, with cheaper prices for booking early), and pre-booking is required as sessions regularly sell out. It’s an ideal outing for retro fans, families, and groups.
F1 Arcade: High-Speed Simulator Thrills
Directly opposite St Paul’s Cathedral at One New Change, F1 Arcade is the world’s first official Formula 1-licensed simulator racing venue, built around “competitive socialising” — racing paired with a full food and cocktail offering. It’s a hugely popular spot, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.
The venue features around 60–69 bespoke full-motion racing simulators, powered by the rFactor 2 racing platform from Motorsport Games and combined with official F1 content. The sims use motion-enabled seats and screens with audio-visual effects to immerse you as you race tracks from Silverstone to Suzuka. Crucially, the experience is designed for every skill level: beginners can race with automatic gears and driving aids, while experienced sim racers can switch to full manual control, so mixed groups can genuinely compete together.
Races are structured into short, back-to-back sessions, and there are different formats for individuals, teams, and larger groups. The venue is aimed at social outings — nights out, groups, couples, corporate events — and you don’t need to know anything about F1 to enjoy it. F1 Arcade has been expanding beyond London, including further UK locations and a US rollout.
Good to know: Located at One New Change, EC4M 9AF (nearest Tube: St Paul’s). There’s an 18+ policy after 6pm, with family-friendly sessions earlier in the day. Check the official site for current pricing and race packages.
DNA VR: Virtual Reality Adventures
For immersive virtual reality, DNA VR is one of London’s best-established VR arcades, billing itself as the city’s first. With multiple locations around town (including Camden and Battersea), it offers a large library of VR experiences for solo players, couples, and groups.
The roster ranges from multiplayer shooters and free-roam adventures to VR escape rooms and co-op challenges — scenarios where you and your team might defuse a device, break out of a virtual prison, or battle through sci-fi worlds together. Sessions typically last around an hour, and staff guide first-timers through the equipment, so it’s approachable even if you’ve never used VR before.
Good to know: DNA VR welcomes a wide range of ages (generally recommended for around 7+ due to headset sizing), and it’s popular for group outings, birthdays, and team events. Book online in advance, and check your nearest location’s address and times on the official site.
Sandbox VR at Westfield London
A newer arrival, Sandbox VR opened at Westfield London in White City in 2025, inside the large TOCA Social venue. It offers full-body, location-based VR: groups of up to six players wear VR headsets, haptic vests, and motion trackers for a roughly 30-minute immersive experience where sight, sound, and movement are all tracked.
Sandbox VR is known for premium, cinematic team experiences, including original titles and branded collaborations. Because everyone in your group is in the same virtual world together, moving and reacting in real space, it’s especially good for friends and family groups wanting a shared, high-immersion adventure.
Good to know: Located within TOCA Social at Westfield London, White City (nearest stations: Shepherd’s Bush and Wood Lane). Experiences run about 30 minutes for up to six players; book ahead and confirm current pricing online.
The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience: Teamwork Under Pressure
Inspired by the cult 90s TV show, The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience drops teams into themed zones — think Aztec, Industrial, Futuristic, and more — to solve physical, mental, mystery, and skill challenges against the clock, collecting crystals along the way. It’s a brilliant option for gamers who love collaborative, real-world puzzle-solving, and it captures the same appeal as escape rooms and other live-action adventures.
The experience leans into teamwork, quick thinking, and a good dose of nostalgia and physical comedy, which makes it a popular choice for groups of friends and corporate team outings alike.
Good to know: Best enjoyed as a group. Check the official site for the current London location, session lengths, and team sizes, and book in advance.
Loading Bar: Retro Gaming & Craft Drinks
For a more relaxed vibe, Loading Bar is a gaming-themed bar offering retro consoles, board games, and themed cocktails in a laid-back setting. It’s the low-key counterpoint to the high-octane venues above, emphasising community and casual play over competition.
Gaming bars and cafes like this have proliferated across London, creating welcoming spaces where players can hang out, try classic games, and join casual events — from retro tournaments to trivia nights — without the pressure of elite competition. It’s a great spot to socialise with fellow gamers over a drink.
Good to know: Ideal for casual gamers and groups looking to unwind. Check the current location, opening hours, and event schedule on the venue’s official channels before visiting.
Beyond Gaming: A Night Out in Mayfair
If you want to round off a gaming day with some upscale nightlife, Tabu London is a luxury club in Mayfair known for its Japanese-inspired design, celebrity-studded events, and high-energy atmosphere. It’s worth being clear that this is a nightclub rather than a gaming venue — there’s no gaming on offer — but for groups looking to swap controllers for cocktails after a day at the arcades, its glamorous, high-production setting makes for a memorable evening out.
Tips for Planning Your Gaming Day Out in London
- Book ahead. The most popular venues — Power UP, F1 Arcade, and the VR arcades — regularly sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. Reserve online in advance.
- Check age policies. Several venues have age restrictions or time-based policies (for example, F1 Arcade is 18+ after 6pm), so confirm before booking a family visit.
- Mix and match by area. F1 Arcade (St Paul’s) pairs well with a City walk; the Science Museum sits among South Kensington’s other museums; Sandbox VR is inside Westfield if you fancy combining gaming with shopping.
- Confirm current prices. Pricing changes over time and varies by session, so always check the official website rather than relying on older figures.
Conclusion
London’s gaming landscape is a rich mix of history, innovation, and community. Whether you’re reliving classics at the Science Museum’s Power UP, racing full-motion F1 simulators opposite St Paul’s, diving into virtual worlds at DNA VR or Sandbox VR, cracking challenges at The Crystal Maze, or simply relaxing over retro games at a gaming bar, there’s something for every kind of player. Gaming in London is a lifestyle, not just a pastime — so pick your experiences, book ahead, and press start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best gaming activities in London?
Top picks include the Power UP exhibition at the Science Museum (hands-on retro gaming), F1 Arcade (full-motion racing simulators), VR arcades like DNA VR and Sandbox VR, The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience (team puzzle challenges), and gaming bars for casual play.
Is Power UP at the Science Museum still running?
Yes. Power UP now runs as a regular, ongoing experience at the Science Museum, with day sessions for all ages and popular adults-only evening sessions. Pre-booking is required as sessions frequently sell out.
What racing simulators does F1 Arcade use?
F1 Arcade uses bespoke full-motion simulators powered by the rFactor 2 platform from Motorsport Games, combined with official F1 content. The experience caters to all skill levels, from beginners with driving aids to experienced sim racers using manual controls.
Where can I try VR gaming in London?
DNA VR (with multiple locations including Camden and Battersea) is one of London’s most established VR arcades, offering multiplayer games and VR escape rooms. Sandbox VR at Westfield London offers full-body, group VR experiences using headsets, haptic vests, and motion tracking.
Which London gaming activities are good for groups?
Almost all of them — F1 Arcade, DNA VR, Sandbox VR, and The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience are all designed for groups, friends, and corporate outings. Gaming bars like Loading Bar are also great for relaxed group socialising.
Do I need to book gaming activities in London in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is strongly recommended. Popular venues like Power UP, F1 Arcade, and the VR arcades regularly sell out, particularly on weekends and during school holidays.
