Looking for a bit of old-school fun and games in the city? Discover the best arcades in London, featuring popular retro classics, car-racing simulators and interactive games for adults and kids alike.
Transform your next evening out, birthday celebrations, day out with the kids or date night into a thrilling session of arcade fun, complete with top-notch food, delicious cocktails and a healthy dose of competitive socialising!
Best arcades in London
- Head to Peckham in south London and follow the glow of retro arcade game screens into The Four Quarters: Exchange £2 for the titular four American quarters, grab a beer and get ready to play some classics like Street Fighter or Sega Rally. The upstairs area also hosts film nights and Mario Kart competitions during the week and DJs at the weekend.
- Play old-school arcade classics at Queens, a gaming gem near Hyde Park: Take your pick from popular games including Pac-Man and Mario Kart, or enjoy other fun activities like year-round ice skating, curling and bowling. Not just for kids, this cool destination also includes a cocktail bar and a MEATliquor diner to satisfy all your cravings.
- Team up with friends and family for an exhilarating race at F1® Arcade in central London: Jump into the driver's seat and experience the heart-racing thrills of cutting-edge simulation racing, with 69 full-motion racing simulators on hand, as well as great food and cocktails to top it off!
Adult arcades in London
- Indulge in nostalgic fairground games at adults-only Fairgame in Canary Wharf: Get ready to be transported back to your youth as you play old-school favourites, including Whac-A-Mole and Shoot The Clown. Then refuel with juicy street food, cocktails and craft beer.
- A Battersea pub with a hidden retro gaming den upstairs, The Four Thieves is one of the best indoor arcades for adults in London: Head to the first floor of this converted Victorian music hall to find glorious arcade fun, from old-school games and dance machines to racing simulators and VR booths.
- Find all the retro arcade machines and consoles you could dream of at NQ64 Arcade Bar in Soho: This neon-splattered, adults-only gaming hangout has it all – game-themed cocktails (Kong Island iced tea anyone?), old-school tunes, pinball machines, free consoles and all your favourite arcade games, including Mortal Kombat, Mario Party, Super Smash Bros, Tekken and much, much more.
Arcades for kids in London
- From bumper cars and kiddie wheels to vending booths and the newest and coolest arcade video games, discover a world of gaming fun at Babylon Park: Opened in 2022, this outer space-themed amusement park in Camden Town is perfect for families with kids of all ages, including toddlers and teens.
- Head to The Heart of Gaming in Croydon for one of the best family-friendly arcades in south London: Get a day pass and enjoy all your favourite arcade games, from beloved classics like The Simpsons to the latest sensations like Maimai. There are plenty of consoles too, including the iconic SNES, Megadrive and Nintendo 64, as well as pinball machines.
Retro arcades in London
- It's time to be a kid again! Play all day long with Loading Bar’s great selection of free retro arcade games in Stoke Newington: Throw in pinball machines, the latest consoles, dozens of board games and top-notch game-themed cocktails, and you've got one of the best arcade bars in London.
- First known as an indoor racing den, The Glitch Bar in trendy Shoreditch has become one of the best retro arcades in east London: Play dozens of iconic arcade games for all ages, as well as air hockey, basketball hoops, beer pong and remote-controlled racing.
For more inspiration, check out the ultimate guide to London for gamers and the best London experiences for all ages, from top activity bars and escape rooms to immersive experiences and adventurous activities.
