Rewarding an energetic outdoor climbing challenge with some fabulous rooftop views across London, Up At The O2 invites thrill seekers to ascend and descend the 52m high roof of The O2 in North Greenwich.
Before you set off, you’ll be given a safety briefing by your guide, shown how to put on the safety harness (above), and sign a disclaimer that says that you’re physically and medically fit and not likely to expire on your way up.
They’ll also check that you’ve got suitable clothing and shoes on – if not, they’ll loan you what you need for hike.
Our fellow travellers strap up. The guide checks that everyone’s harnesses are correctly tightened up before anyone can climb up on to the roof.
Bags can’t be taken on the trip, so have to be safely checked in before you set off – you’ll get them back at the end of the trip.
You’re also only allowed to take up things that will fit in fastenable jacket pockets (like phones and compact cameras) so they won’t let you up with a fancy DSLR camera, telescope or laptop for some al fresco power-working. .
To the left of the picture you can see the enclosed glass stairway that takes you to the start of the walk.
Where’s how the walkway is fitted above the roof’s structure.
The first part of the walk is fairly steep, but with walkers securely fastened to the safety wire there’s no chance of falling off!
You’re not allowed to take photos on the way up, so you’ll have to wait until you reach the viewing platform at the summit.
There’s some great panoramic views from the top.
Looking back at the way up.
You can see the Emirates Air Line cable car from the viewing platform. We really recommend you include this in your day out.
Built in December 1999, The O2 was originally called the Millennium Dome and is one of the largest of its type in the world.
Above is one of the twelve 100-metre-high (330 ft) yellow support towers, one for each month of the year, or each hour of the clock face, representing the role played by Greenwich Mean Time.
Peering down at the centre of the dome.
Looking out at the River Thames.
The descent is the steepest part of journey – it dips down dramatically from this view.
Coming down! The entire experience takes 90 mins.
Verdict
It’s not cheap at £35 – £40 a head, but Up At The O2 is truly a unique experience, offering the chance to dress up as a mountaineer, take on a modest physical challenge and see London from an unusual open air perspective.
The guides were exceptionally friendly (and reassuring to those who were nervous) and given that our guide was both Welsh and drummer (hello Joey!), that’s a double bonus.
We had a great time and enjoyed a truly memorable day out.
More info
Up at The O2
Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX
Nearest tube: North Greenwich station is on the Jubilee Line in Zones 2 and 3.
Booking Terms and Conditions
- Minimum age: 8 years old
- Minimum height: 1.2m
- Maximum weight: not weigh more than 21 stone/130kg/286lbs
- Maximum measurements: maximum waist measurement 125cm, maximum upper thigh measurement 74cm
- U18s For climbers aged 8 to 17, the ratio is 1:5 adults to minors
- Up at The O2 is not suitable for pregnant customers
Climb Day additional Terms and Conditions
- Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time slot
- Climbs start promptly at the time you have booked: late arrivals will not be admitted, exchanged or refunded
- Wear appropriate clothing for the weather. For clothing info click here.
- Climbers must not be under the influence of Alcohol or legal or illegal substances: You will not be permitted to participate and will not be refunded.
- Smartphone and/or Small compact cameras can be taken up in your pocket or pictures on the roof. All other items will be stored away and returned to you at the end of the climb. GoPros and larger cameras are not allowed.
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