Bowling alleys are a childhood throwback for many, but no matter what age, there’s always fun to be had when you go bowling. Whether you’re looking for fun things to do with the family or are heading on a date night, visit one of these bowling alleys in the south west and let the good times roll.
The most central bowling alley in London, All Star Lanes in Holborn, is simply striking. This underground spot boasts a four-lane hall plus two lanes you can hire privately for larger groups.
When you’re all bowled out, it’s time to head to the bar and restaurant to feast on a selection of American favourites.
Price: ££
How to get there: From London Waterloo, All Star Lanes is a half-hour walk, or catch the 188 bus to Russel Square and get off at Southampton Row Theobalds Road.
Queens offers a whole day of entertainment with an indoor ice rink, a 12-lane bowling alley and a vintage arcade. The underground lanes shine under cool blue neon lights, with individual booth seating and a lively soundtrack to get your groove on.
Turn on your lane-side light for service, or head to Queens’ American-style burger restaurant after your game to refuel and quench your thirst.
Price: ££
How to get there: Catch the train to London Waterloo, then hop on the northbound Northern tube to Tottenham Court Road. Switch to the westbound Central line and get off at Queensway, then Queens is a two-minute walk away.
Surrey Quays Leisure Park, Surrey Quays Rd, London SE16 7LW
With an impressive 28 lanes, Hollywood Bowl at Surrey Quays can be enjoyed with friends and family. Offering good old-fashioned bowling, amusements and dining, it’s a great all-rounder at a reasonable price. The alley hosts events throughout the year, including Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties, so keep an eye on the website to be in the know.
Price: £-££
How to get there: You can get from London Waterloo to Hollywood Bowl in 18 minutes. Catch the eastbound Jubilee tube to Canada Water, then walk for 10 minutes to reach the bowling alley.
2nd Floor, Waterloo Station, Unit G, 01 The Sidings, London SE1 7BH
Hosted by much-loved beer brand BrewDog, Duckpin Bowling will be your new Friday night favourite. A bowling alley with a difference, Duckpin has lighter balls and smaller pins, perfect for a fast-paced game. There’s a bar stocking your favourite Brewdog beers, plus an area for table tennis – what more could you want?
Price: £-££
How to get there: Brewdog is at London Waterloo station, so getting there has never been easier.
Rowans Bowling is the best spot for retro-style bowling in North London, featuring 24 bowling lanes, 12 pool tables and a colourfully-lit amusement arcade.
On Friday nights and over the weekend, you can enjoy live entertainment and bowling, from DJ sets to karaoke. If you want to catch up on the sport, there are also large screens showing all your favourite games throughout the venue.
Price: ££
How to get there: From Vauxhall, catch the northbound Victoria tube to Finsbury Park, then walk for two minutes.
In an urban-themed venue, Bowl Central is one of Bournemouth's top places to bowl. Boasting lit-up lanes, HD screens and a bar serving delicious cocktails and handmade made pizza, it’s the perfect place for an evening out or a weekend of entertainment. After your game’s over, head to the arcade, load up a Game Card and win some prizes!
Price: ££
How to get there: Bowl Central is a 19-minute walk from Bournemouth station, or you can catch the number 2, 5 or m1 bus and get off at Westover Road.
Providing enjoyment for the whole family, the bowling alley at Oasis Fun is just one of many things to do at the entertainment centre. Rock and bowl at one of the alley’s six bowling lanes, then continue your family fun day with a game of adventure golf, a round of pool or some friendly competition in the arcade.
You can also find soft play for the little ones, and there is an on-site bar and restaurant to satisfy your hunger cravings.
Price: £-££
How to get there: Walk from Bournemouth station to Oasis Fun in 16 minutes. Alternatively, catch the number 2, m1 or 6 bus, get off at Top of Bath Hill and walk for five minutes.
From VIP lanes and adult bowling to discounted student sessions, there’s something for all ages at Southampton’s Hollywood Bowl. For bowling with a twist, book a HyperBowling game. This revolutionary, video game-inspired session consists of multiple levels and channels, taking the competition to a new level.
Finish your trip with some food, drinks and amusements, with the opportunity to win excellent prizes.
Price: ££
How to get there: Hollywood Bowl is a 10-minute walk from Southampton Central station.
Brand new for 2022, Woking Superbowl boasts state-of-the-art bowling lanes perfect for a family day out. There’s also an arcade, American Pool and Shuffleboard, an exciting menu and drinks to keep you energised.
You can enjoy a bowling session for as little as £5.00, so this fun family activity doesn’t have to break the bank!
Price: £-££
How to get there: Woking Superbowl is just a seven-minute walk from Woking station.
In Portsmouth town centre, just a stone’s throw from Portsmouth station, Hollywood Bowl is the ideal all-rounder for bowlers of all ages. There’s something for everyone at Hollywood Bowl, from kids' parties to adults-only sessions.
Challenge your friends to some friendly competition in the amusements arcade, then grab a burger or a portion of mac n cheese at the American-style diner.
Now you know which bowling alleys are the best in the south west, it’s time to plan your journey. Book your train tickets in advance for a stress-free trip, choosing from our flexible range of ticket types.
