When you think of mini-golf, “family-friendly fun” might not immediately make you think of Swingers mini golf, one of London’s trendiest (and usually adults-only) crazy golf spots. But with this Swingers London review, we’ll show you how it can be a great choice for family afternoons, too.
It’s a blast. Imagine mini-golf mixed with a retro carnival vibe, complete with neon lights, funky obstacles, and street food.
If you’re looking for a family night out with a twist, here’s everything you need to know about Swingers London for the avid golfer.
For a huge list of things to do with kids in London, check out my forthcoming post on the best activities for kids in London.
About Swingers London
Usually, Swingers is an over-18s venue, but on special family nights, kids get to join the fun, too!
With two locations, one in the West End, just a stone’s throw from Oxford Circus, and the other in the city near the Gherkin, this isn’t your typical mini-golf – think neon lights, carnival decor, and food from some of London’s best street food vendors.
If you’re planning a day out with kids in Central London, Swingers brings just the right amount of crazy to make it memorable.
When can kids go? Swingers is open to families every Sunday before 6 pm. The last entrance time for under-18s is 5 pm and minors must leave by 6 pm.
Booking & Arriving
Since Swingers is a popular spot, especially at peak times, booking ahead is a must, especially for special occasions. The process was easy online for those of us booking for the first time – just grab your reference number and bring a valid photo ID for adults.
Dress codes are no fun, and Swingers Golf doesn’t have a strict dress code, though it’s fun to get in the spirit, and bringing out your “inner Rory McIlroy” with golf-inspired attire during playing time is always a hit for any member of your group!
We booked the “deluxe” option, which includes a meal before mini-golf.
When we arrived, it was busy, but the staff kept everything moving smoothly, and we got checked in quickly.
Just keep in mind that Swingers keeps you on a bit of a schedule. Our plan was to play and then eat, but they prefer you to eat first. Thankfully, they were able to adjust our time slot to let us tee off right away, so if you’d rather play first, just ask!
The Courses
Once inside, you’ll find two crazy golf courses to choose from: Big Wheel and Helter Skelter.
The Helter Skelter course has fun obstacles like a Ferris wheel and a lighthouse, with quirky ramps and a “glory hole” for an extra bit of challenge – definitely not your typical mini-golf!
Every hole had its own theme, and it was the right mix of fun and challenge for kids and adults. The kids loved the playful elements, especially with the themed play areas around the courses.
The Big Wheel course is equally entertaining, featuring more carnival-themed obstacles, ramps, and tunnels that add extra excitement to each shot.
The course provides scorecards to keep things competitive, and each round of golf takes around 30 minutes, so it’s easy to fit both courses into one visit.
While the courses are rated for ages 7 and up, I’d say kids aged 10 and older will enjoy it most, as some of the more technical shots on the windmill course and lighthouse course can be tricky. My 7 year old struggled and definitely had a small tantrum, but was able to keep up for the most part and get some numbers on the score cards.
Food & Drinks
After a couple of rounds, we were ready for a bite, and Swingers brought some of London’s best street food to your table.
Pizza Pilgrims offers classic margherita pizzas – cheesy, fresh, and definitely kid-approved.
They also have Patty & Bun’s burgers, which were solid but not particularly memorable. If you’re in the mood for something with a kick, Breddos Tacos offers options that pack in a little spice.
For drinks, Swingers doesn’t hold back. The main bar has everything on the drinks menu, from cocktails to mocktails, beers, and soft drinks, so there’s something for everyone for a fantastic night.
Kids can have fun with “grown-up” drinks, like the virgin piña colada, while the adults can enjoy a few cocktails – the pink grapefruit gin being a specialty.
If you’re planning a special occasion, you can even look into private rooms for a more exclusive experience.
Final Thoughts
For a unique family experience in the heart of London, Swingers West End is a great time. With its mix of crazy golf, street food, and carnival-style decor, it’s a refreshing twist on your average family night out.
Just remember to book your tee-off time ahead, especially if you’re going at peak times, and bring a valid ID for the adults.
Whether it’s a fun night out or a special occasion, Swingers West End is a fantastic option for families. With its West End branch conveniently close to Oxford Street and plenty of food options from Pizza Pilgrims, Patty & Bun, and Breddos Tacos, it’s the perfect mix of playful fun and memorable moments in Central London.
