VERDICT: WE GAVE 4 OUT OF 5 TICKETS AND HERE’S WHY!
O2 Arena, London
Climbing the O2 – A rewarding vista awaits you at the summit! The following article was written by my husband as this was not for me:)
I’d always heard about the O2’s magnetic pull, its rich history of entertainment and adventure, its towering presence on London’s skyline, but nothing could have prepared me for the breathtaking experience of actually climbing it.
On a sunny Tuesday afternoon, I found myself gearing up for a thrilling ascent that offers an unparalleled view of London’s landmarks. Climbing the O2 wasn’t just a physical challenge for me, it was a real adventure for our two teenage grandchildren. And as we stood on the summit, the sprawling beauty of the capital below us, we realized this is one of London’s must-do experiences.
The Climb: A Journey of Adrenaline and Awe
Climbing the O2 is a unique experience that I simply couldn’t pass up. As we all fastened our harnesses and secured the appropriate climbing shoes, I felt the adrenalin kicking in. The expert guides were there to ensure that the ascent was safe, but make no mistake, the incline is steep and the climb exhilarating.
The O2 climb is not just a straight walk up. You start at the base, facing a fabric walkway suspended above the structure, and immediately your legs feel the strain as you ascend to the viewing platform. The incline reaches up to 28 degrees in places, and with a height of 52 meters (170 feet) above ground, it’s enough to get the blood pumping. But as you make your way to the top, the sensation is nothing short of spectacular.
Reaching the summit, the view was nothing short of stunning. To the south, the Thames snakes its way through the city. To the west, you can spot Canary Wharf with its glimmering high-rises. Eastward lies the verdant stretch of Greenwich Park and the striking towers of the Royal Naval College. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. What’s more you can pre-order drinks including Champagne or simply a refreshing bottle of water.
It’s the kind of view that makes you feel like you’re on top of the world or at least on top of London. Up at The O2, a 360-degree panorama of the city stretches out in all directions, reminding you of the scale and beauty of London. We were given about 15-20 minutes to rest, enjoy our drinks and take some photographs.
Why The O2 is a Must-Visit
The O2 is more than just a music venue; it’s a fully realized entertainment complex. From world-class concerts to innovative exhibitions and a collection of restaurants, it’s a microcosm of culture, leisure, and adrenaline in London. Whether you’re catching a performance or scaling its heights, there’s always something to engage with here.
The venue is a massive structure, measuring 365 meters in diameter, the dome is a true architectural feat, originally built as the Millennium Dome. Its white canopy is supported by 12 steel masts, representing the months of the year, and its interior houses more than just a stage. There’s an IMAX cinema, exhibition spaces, bars, restaurants, and even a bowling alley.
For me, the most memorable part of the visit wasn’t the celebrity-studded lineup or the trendy eateries. It was the feeling of standing on the O2’s summit and looking out at the city with our teenage grandchildren, knowing we had conquered one of London’s most iconic structures.
Key Information: Opening Times, Admission, and Travel Tips
• Opening Times: Climb times vary, but climbs generally start from 10:00 AM and go as late as 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM in summer.
• Admission: Prices for the climb start at £35 per person. Additional packages are available, including sunset and twilight climbs.
• Best Way to Travel from Paddington Station: Take the Bakerloo Line from Paddington to Baker Street, transfer to the Jubilee Line, and continue to North Greenwich station. The O2 is a short walk from there. Alternatively, a Thames Clipper riverboat offers a more scenic route, and there are always ride-sharing services like Uber available.
What You’ll See at the Top
When you reach the top, you’ll be treated to views of:
• Canary Wharf: London’s premier financial district, with its towering skyscrapers.
• Thames Barrier: The impressive engineering feat that protects London from tidal surges.
• The Shard: The tallest building in the UK, standing proudly along the Thames.
• The Olympic Park: The legacy of the 2012 games with the iconic stadium and aquatic center.
Notable Artists and Celebs at The O2
The O2 is a magnet for global talent. Over the years, artists like Beyoncé, Adele, Elton John, Drake, and Ed Sheeran have graced its stage. You can find the full lineup of upcoming artists here.
And the celebrity appeal doesn’t stop at performances. Famous personalities have tackled the climb too, including Bear Grylls, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, and even Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones.
Stats that Impress
• The O2’s roof is the largest of its kind in the world, covering a surface area of over 365,000 square meters.
• The masts supporting the roof each stand 100 meters tall.
• The arena can hold a staggering 20,000 people for concerts.
Essential Information
Contacting the Box Office
If you would like to get in touch please email boxoffice@upattheo2.co.uk
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
- Once tickets are confirmed, there is no refund or cancellation
Am I Fit To Climb?
We’re sorry but you can’t climb if you are pregnant or have had an epileptic seizure in the last 12 months
Please contact the Box Office boxoffice@upattheo2.co.uk before making a booking if you have any of the following medical conditions relating to:
- Cardiovascular
- Respiratory
- Mobility
- Limb Differences
- Current Injuries (e.g. fractures/sprains)
- This list is not exhaustive
We provide a free carer ticket for a climber who requires a carer to be with them throughout the climb. Email boxoffice@upattheo2.co.uk a form of evidence (front page of a DLA, PIP, or access card), along with a brief description of why the climber needs a carer, so that we can confirm the climb is suitable for them.
Climb Day additional Terms and Conditions
- Please 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.
Weather
- Climbs will take place in all weather conditions other than gales, lightning, heavy snow or ice or extreme weather conditions which we reasonably believe will make it unsafe to climb. If we have to cancel a climb due to weather conditions we will rebook or refund your climb.
- There is a risk that the weather will change during the course of the climb. You will not be able to leave the climb early in the event of a change in the weather unless we decide to cancel it on health and safety grounds.
- In light of extreme hot weather, we’re encouraging all climbers to wear appropriate clothing (including a hat if required), apply sun cream, keep hydrated throughout the day and make sure to have eaten before your climb.
- In the event of adverse weather conditions climbs may involve climbing back down Up at The O2 the same way you climb up.
Declaration & Waiver
You will be required to complete in advance an online Declaration and Waiver on your behalf and on behalf of any under 18s you are supervising
Rescheduling tickets
We can reschedule your tickets to another date of equivalent value with a reschedule fee as below:
- If the notice period is more than 48 hours in advance of the climb date and time, the cost is £5 per ticket.
- If the notice period is within 48 hours and up to the date and time of your climb, the cost is £15 per ticket.
- We can’t reschedule if the climb is taking place or has occurred.
- Rescheduled bookings must be within 3 months of the original date.
- Each time a booking is rescheduled, the appropriate fee applies.
- Subject to change
Wheelchair Climb Events
If you’re looking for a wheelchair accessible activity in London that will get your heart pumping, then a wheelchair climb at Up at The O2 is the right activity for you. With a clever pulley system, a team of specialised guides will pull you up and over the walkway in our bespoke wheelchair. Wheelchair climbs take place on specific dates of the year and are always high in demand. For more information Click Here or please contact boxoffice@upattheo2.co.uk for any further details.
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