VR, or ‘virtual reality’, is a technology that uses computer-generated environments to create a simulated, immersive experience. This generally involves wearing a VR headset that tracks your movements and displays visuals in front of your eyes.
In this article, I’ll explore the best VR experiences in London, taking you on a virtual journey through the city’s top destinations for cutting-edge virtual reality entertainment.
The Best VR Experiences in London
Sandbox VR – A Portal to Another World
Sandbox VR, inspired by Star Trek’s Holodeck, allows you to be transported directly into another world. Playing with up to 6 people, you can experience everything from zombie apocalypses to outer space adventures!
It was great fun to dress up in the haptic suits, and I found that the motion capture cameras and 3D precision body tracking technology allowed me to fully immerse myself in the game. The graphics are sharp and clear, making this VR experience unforgettable.
The original worlds at Sandbox VR are unlike any other virtual reality experiences I’ve tried in London. It’s on the pricier side at £40-50 per person for a 30-minute session, but in my opinion, the technology itself is worth paying extra to experience.
Don’t forget to head to the bar afterwards to be served by the robotic bartender, Toni!
Address: The Post Building, High Holborn, London, WC1A 1PB
IPG VR – Immersive VR World in Battersea
IPG, or Interactive Pro Gaming, at the Four Thieves pub in Battersea is an immersive VR experience offering thrilling multiplayer games.
There are many different games from which you can choose, such as ‘Serious Sam’, where you and your team must work together to fight off waves of aliens with your weapons. Each game has its own backstory and unique aesthetic.
I completely lost track of time while playing at IPG, as I was so immersed in the VR world. The staff were extremely friendly and eager to guide you through the games, helping you make the most of your session.
At £30 per person for an hour of VR gaming, this experience was well worth the price for the amount of fun I had playing with my friends. There’s a wide range of games to choose from, each offering different visuals and skills to try.
Address: 51 Lavender Gardens, SW11 1DJ
Supercharged VR – Thrilling Motorsport Simulator
Supercharged VR’s driving simulator technology allows you to race in a full motion platform which is designed to move around and replicate the forces felt by the car, creating a truly immersive experience.
This racing simulator has many cars from which to choose. Make your driving dreams come true by racing in an Aston Martin, a Ford GT, or a McLaren F1. You can also experience tracks from around the world in any condition, meaning that, if you want, you can try your hand at the Circuit de Monaco!
Supercharged VR offers several different packages, so it’s worth checking their website to see which would suit you best. I opted for the Grand Prix Weekend Experience, which was £29.99 per person. This included 10 minutes of practice and 10 minutes of qualifying racing, followed by a 20-minute adrenaline-fuelled sprint against other players.
This is a perfect activity for any motor head, and the beauty of VR is that you can have longer drives for a fraction of the price of traditional go-karting. Not to mention, it’s much safer and more accessible.
Address: Arch 148 Tilbury Road, Leyton, London E10 6RE
Immersive Gamebox – Compete in Virtual Squid Games
Immersive Gamebox‘s Virtual Squid Game is a must-try experience for fans of the Netflix series and anyone seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure.
The aim of this VR game is to survive all six challenges from the hit TV show; as you advance through the 60-minute game, you can collect rewards and aim to climb to the top of the leaderboard.
I thought that this VR experience was a really enjoyable way to spend an afternoon with a group of friends. The games weren’t too challenging, so you can relax and laugh at how amusing everyone looks. You’re required to wear a light, high-tech visor in order to play the VR games, which I prefer to some of the bulkier headsets used elsewhere.
My favourite part was the intense tug-of-war game, based on the infamous episode of the show. Each game tested my skills and reflexes, and I found that the visual and audio effects were top-notch.
There are Immersive Gamebox locations in Southbank and Wandsworth, with a Shoreditch venue opening in the near future. It’s £37 for an adult pass to play the Squid Games VR experience, but they do offer Blue Light and student discounts on their website.
Address: Arch 3, 83 Scoresby St, London SE1 0XN
Otherworld – Be Transported to a Virtual Island Paradise
You can choose from 16 different VR experiences at this digital theme park, making Otherworld a virtual island paradise. From action-packed shooter games to breathtaking exploration of alien landscapes, there’s definitely something for every type of adventurer.
This cutting-edge VR arcade promises to transport players to new dimensions; the venue itself has a futuristic and minimalist design, which fits nicely with the high-tech theme.
One of the major highlights of Otherworld was the attention to detail in the virtual environments. The graphics were stunning; it genuinely felt like I’d been transported to new worlds.
I also enjoyed the multiplayer aspect; you can book with a group of friends and compete or collaborate during your VR gaming session.
Address: 336 Acton Mews, Haggerston, Hackney, London, E8 4EA
Alice VR Escape Room at Meet SpaceVR – Escape from Wonderland
This bonkers Meet Space VR experience will have you falling down the rabbit hole, straight into a virtual Alice in Wonderland themed escape room.
This was such a wonderfully unique experience; the storyline was intricate, and defeating the Queen of Hearts was just exhilarating. I won’t give too much away about the experience, but I will say that it was incredibly challenging.
The staff members were very welcoming and ensured that the games were explained to us thoroughly, with plenty of time for us to enjoy them.
I loved that this combines VR with an escape room, making this the perfect activity for gamers and puzzle-lovers alike. With just a 20% success rate, this VR escape room will test even the most experienced escape artists!
Address: MeetspaceVR, Box Park, Olympic Way, Wembley Park, Wembley, London, HA9 0JT
DNA VR – Immersive Virtual Arcade
Head to London’s first Virtual Reality arcade, DNA VR, for a range of exciting, immersive experiences.
Survive a zombie apocalypse with your squad, solve puzzles to unlock an escape room, or explore the vast outer space.
You have the option to play from an individual VR Pod, or in the same physical space in a Free Roam session, depending on your preference. If you book with a group of friends, you’re guaranteed a private session, meaning that you never play with strangers, which I believe helps you relax into your games more easily.
My session was guided by an expert VR Master who was excellent at explaining everything and answering all of my questions. I loved that you could try as many games as you like; it’s super easy to switch when you feel like it.
The zombie apocalypse game was my favourite; the graphics were great, which really got my adrenaline pumping.
Address: Units 1&2, Basement, 400-404 York Wy, London N7 9LR
TookStrike is an immersive VR adventure shooter where you and your team must travel through an array of virtual locations to hunt for evil creatures.
Perfect for the beginner VR player and families, TookStrike is designed to automatically adapt to the skill level of its players. I thought that this made the game enjoyable, as you get to start off easy while you get to grips with the various controls.
The graphics aren’t hyperrealistic, with a more cartoonish, almost Minecraft-esque feel to them, but this really adds to the fun of the game.
Prices start from £24, making this one of the cheapest VR experiences in the city. You can play a second game with a 20% discount if you book in advance.
Address: Dickens Yard, Longfield Avenue, Ealing, W5 2UQ
Tips for Planning Your VR Experience
Book in advance. Some of these VR experiences can get pretty busy, especially at weekends and during school holidays, so it’s best to book them in advance. You may also get a cheaper price than you would booking on the day!
Consider the type of VR you want to experience. You may have a specific VR experience that you’d prefer, or you might want an option with plenty of mini-games. It’s good to discuss with your group about what sort of activity you’d prefer, for instance an escape room, virtual puzzles, or perhaps a racing game.
Arrive early. Some of these VR experiences require safety briefings, so try to arrive before your booking time to ensure that your entire party is present for this.
