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There are so many places to get fantastic views in London. There are rooftop bars like the Sky Garden and Radio Rooftop, or you can hop on board the London Eye or the Thames Cable car.
However, if you want more of an adrenaline rush, the most exciting way to see London’s skyline is by climbing the O2 in Greenwich. Up at the O2 has been on my list for ages so while I was in the capital I decided to pluck up the courage and tick it off.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about climbing the O2 in London and why you should do it.
About the O2
The O2 was originally opened in 2000 as the Millennium Dome to celebrate the millennium. The dome is now a venue for concerts and events with some of the biggest acts in the world performing here including Beyonce and Rihanna.
There are also shops, places to eat, a cinema, bowling alley, and even indoor skydiving. Then there’s Up at the O2, an outdoor climb over the famous roof.
The walkway was added in 2012 to coincide with the Olympic Games in London and has become a popular tourist attraction and a cool thing to do in London. You can choose from daytime, sunset and twilight climbs with giving a different experience.
The height of the dome is 52 metres, which represents the number of weeks in a year. Prices start from £35 for the daytime climb and tickets should be booked in advance as there are a limited number of climbers each day.
How to get to the O2
As with most places in London, the easiest way to get to the O2 is on public transport. The nearest tube station is North Greenwich and it is on the Jubilee line.
I drove to London from Derbyshire and parked at Stanmore tube station, which is handily on the same line. Parking here for the day is just £6 so it’s a great option if trains or buses to the capital don’t work out for you.
Up at the O2 – the climb
Before your climb, you’ll have to fill out a waiver form with an emergency contact. This can be done online or when you arrive.
When you arrive, you’ll meet your guide for the climb at Base Camp and then watch a safety video with the rest of your group. Then you’ll get kitted up with all the safety equipment you need.
You’ll line up and clip on to the safety line. The harness and line makes you feel super safe as you start to walk over the slightly-bouncy surface and has an auto-locking system to ensure you don’t slide all the way down if you stumble.
You’ll start the climb by going uphill – at its steepest point it is 28 degrees. Although the first bit is slightly challenging, anyone with a good fitness level should be able to do it with no problems.
When you reach the viewing platform at the top of the dome, you will get great 360 degree views of London. You’ll see Canary Wharf and its famous buildings as well as the Olympic Park and Greenwich.
There’s also a handy graphic around the edge which tells you what you’re looking at.
Here you’ll have around 10 minutes to soak in the scenery and take pictures. You can also order drinks before your climb to enjoy here.
Champagne is even an option, if it’s a special occasion. This would make a spectacular spot for a proposal!
Then it’s time to head back down to Base Camp. The way down is more thrilling than the ascent with a 30 degree steepness.
All in all, the experience takes around 90 minutes and is so much fun. I would definitely recommend for something adventurous to do in London with friends, your family, or your other half.
Can you climb the O2 if you’re scared of heights?
Although I’m not scared of heights myself, I think if you are you would still be able to climb the O2.
I don’t think it really feels that high as you don’t feel as if you’re on the edge of anything and there’s really no risk of falling. When you get to the viewing platform, the highest point, you may feel a little nervous if you look down as you are stood on a metal grid.
However, you can see the canvas of the top of the O2 not that far below you and so again, you don’t feel that high.
The scariest bit for me was the last descent to the bottom as it was quite steep, a 30 degree angle. I was more nervous of falling than the height as I’m so clumsy!
What should I wear to climb the O2?
You should wear comfortable clothing to climb the O2. Go with trousers or jeans, a jumper and a jacket with zip-up pockets to put your phone in.
If you don’t have the right shoes, you can borrow some of the walking boots here. They also have jackets with zip-up pockets that you can wear.
If you’re climbing in winter, wrap up warm with layers and remember it’s always colder the higher up you go. When I did the climb it was quite windy and I was grateful of my beanie hat.
Where to stay for Up at the O2
As London is so well-connected when it comes to public transport, you can pretty much stay anywhere in the city and it will be easy to get to the O2. Canary Wharf is a great place to base yourself, as it’s close by and on the same tube line.
For a budget stay, try my favourite hostel in London, Wombats City Hostel. This hostel is cheap and cheerful with clean rooms and friendly staff.
It takes around half an hour to get to the O2 from here and you can take the tube or the DLR.
If a hostel isn’t your vibe then try the Hilton London Canary Wharf instead. It’s a short walk from the tube station and just one stop from the O2.
Amenities include free wi-fi, a gym, and a restaurant and bar.
