23
Nov,2025
Want to bowl without blowing your budget in London? You’re not alone. Thousands of people hit the lanes every week looking for fun that doesn’t cost a fortune. The good news? You can get a full night of bowling, shoes, and snacks for under £15-if you know where and when to go.
When to Bowl for the Lowest Prices
The biggest secret to saving money on bowling in London? Time of day. Most centers slash prices during slow hours. Weekdays are your best bet, especially Tuesday through Thursday. Avoid weekends if you’re trying to save.Between 10 AM and 4 PM, many venues offer budget bowling rates that can be as low as £4 per game. Even after work, from 6 PM to 7:30 PM, prices stay low before the dinner rush hits. Some places, like Tenpin in Croydon and Bowlplex in Wembley, run daily ‘Early Bird’ deals: 2 games, shoes, and a soft drink for £8.99.
Don’t overlook late-night slots either. After 9 PM on weekdays, lanes are nearly empty. That’s when places like Laser Bowl in Peckham drop prices to £5 per game with free shoe hire. It’s quiet, fun, and perfect if you’re not a morning person.
Where to Find the Best Deals in 2025
Not all bowling centers are created equal when it comes to value. Here are the top five spots in London for budget-friendly lanes right now:- Tenpin (Croydon, Bromley, Sutton) - Their ‘Twilight Bowl’ from 5 PM to 7 PM on weekdays is £6.99 per person with shoes included. They also have a £10 family pack for 2 adults and 2 kids.
- Bowlplex (Wembley, Romford, Slough) - Offers £4.50 per game Monday to Thursday until 6 PM. Free shoe hire with online booking. Their ‘Bowl & Brew’ combo includes a pint and two games for £12.
- Laser Bowl (Peckham, Brixton) - The cheapest in the city after 9 PM. £5 for unlimited games until closing. They also have £1 pizza slices after 8 PM.
- AMC Bowl (Islington, Stratford) - Runs a ‘Student Night’ every Wednesday from 6 PM to 9 PM. Show your student ID and get 2 games, shoes, and a soda for £7.50.
- BBQ Bowl (Lewisham, East Dulwich) - Not just bowling. They serve cheap burgers and beers. On Tuesdays, bowl for £5 and get a free side of fries.
Pro tip: Always book online. Most centers give you 10-15% off if you reserve ahead. You’ll also lock in the discounted rate-even if prices go up later that day.
How to Stretch Your £15 Even Further
You don’t need to spend more to have a great night. Here’s how to make £15 last:- Go with 3-4 people. Most places offer group discounts. Four people bowling together often get 20% off the total.
- Bring your own socks. Shoes cost £2-£3 extra. A good pair of non-slip socks (like the ones from Decathlon) work fine and save you cash.
- Skip the food. Most centers overcharge for snacks. Grab a sandwich or pizza from a nearby shop before you go. You can eat in most places without issue.
- Use cashback apps. Rakuten and TopCashback sometimes offer 5-10% back on bowling bookings. It’s free money.
- Join loyalty programs. Tenpin and Bowlplex have free apps with weekly vouchers. One user in South London saved £120 last year just by using their app.
What to Avoid
Not all ‘deals’ are real deals. Watch out for these traps:- ‘£10 for unlimited bowling’-this usually means 30 minutes, not all night.
- Hidden fees. Some places charge £2.50 for shoe hire even if they say it’s ‘free’-check the fine print.
- Weekend specials. Friday and Saturday nights are always pricier. £12-£18 per person is normal. You’ll pay more for the crowd.
- ‘All-you-can-bowl’ passes at tourist spots like Covent Garden. They’re expensive and crowded. Stick to local centers.
Real Example: A £12 Bowling Night in North London
Last month, a group of four friends from Tottenham planned a night out. They booked online at Bowlplex in Wembley for Tuesday at 6:30 PM. Each paid £4.50 for two games and shoe hire. They brought their own snacks and drank tap water. One person used TopCashback and got £1.50 back. Total spent: £18. Total fun: hours of laughter, high scores, and zero regrets.That’s the sweet spot: cheap, simple, and satisfying. You don’t need fancy lights or karaoke. Just good company and a few rolls down the lane.
Why Bowling Still Works in 2025
In a city full of overpriced bars and crowded clubs, bowling stands out. It’s social, active, and doesn’t require skill. You don’t need to know how to dance. You don’t need to sip cocktails. You just need to roll a ball and laugh when it goes in the gutter.It’s also one of the few night activities that works for mixed groups-students, coworkers, parents with teens, even retirees. And with inflation still high, places that keep prices low are rare. That’s why these budget bowling nights are more popular than ever.
London’s bowling scene isn’t about luxury. It’s about connection. And the best part? You can get that for less than the cost of a coffee and a pastry at some trendy cafés.
What’s the cheapest time to go bowling in London?
The cheapest times are weekday mornings (10 AM-4 PM) and late nights (after 9 PM). Many centers offer £4-£6 per game during these hours. Avoid weekends, especially Friday and Saturday evenings, when prices double.
Do I need to book online for budget bowling deals?
Yes. Most budget deals are only available through online booking. Even if you walk in, you’ll likely pay full price. Booking ahead also guarantees your lane and locks in the discount.
Can I bring my own bowling ball?
Most centers allow it, but you’ll still need to rent shoes unless you wear clean, flat-soled shoes. Some places charge a small fee for using your own ball-usually around £1. Always call ahead to check their policy.
Are there any free bowling nights in London?
No official free nights exist, but some centers run ‘pay what you can’ events during holidays or community days. Check local Facebook groups or community boards for pop-up deals. Otherwise, aim for the lowest priced slots-£5 is as close to free as you’ll get.
Is bowling still popular in London in 2025?
Yes. After a dip during the pandemic, bowling has made a strong comeback-especially among younger crowds. It’s seen as a nostalgic, low-pressure social activity. Tenpin reported a 22% increase in weekday traffic in 2024, mostly from people looking for affordable nights out.
Next Steps: Plan Your Night
Start by picking a center near you. Use Google Maps and filter for ‘bowling’ with ‘deals’ or ‘discounts’ in reviews. Then check their website for current offers. Book online. Bring socks. Skip the overpriced snacks. And roll with friends.Bowling doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to be fun. And in London, that’s still possible-even on a tight budget.
