In my previous post I mentioned my experience of climbing London's O2 Arena. I'd been wanting to do this for ages but I didn't really fancy doing it in the freezing, rainy winter months. So at 9am on a sunny-ish, July morning, I tubed it to the Dome and prepared myself for the climb.
Once you've arrived and checked in, you enter 'Base Camp' with your group of about 15 others, where you start to question whether you are about to climb a 52 metre building or scale an Alpine Mountain. My advice? Embrace it. And if you're a little height-nervous, don't let this bit put you off!
I was totally up for getting suited and booted in a full-on boiler suit, but it was a very warm day so I had to settle for the very attractive vest. They give you appropriate shoes too, so don't worry about having to sport your hiking boots for the rest of the day.
Once you've been briefed on safety, got harnessed up and posed numerous times for professional photographs, its time to begin the climb.
You're attached to the safety rope, and gradually edge your way up the raised walkway, trying desperately to resist the gusts of winds which attempt to send you flying. The walkway is designed to mimic the feeling of climbing on the actual roof. Bouncy and rubbery.
You're attached to the safety rope, and gradually edge your way up the raised walkway, trying desperately to resist the gusts of winds which attempt to send you flying. The walkway is designed to mimic the feeling of climbing on the actual roof. Bouncy and rubbery.
Its a shame you're not allowed to bounce. Its so tempting. You feel as though you're essentially climbing a huge trampoline. I guess the idea of being catapulted over Canary Wharf was enough to worry Health and Safety. Shame.
It takes about 20 minutes to reach the top, but you're given plenty of breaks on the way up to admire the views. Once you're released onto the viewing platform, it's quite spectacular. Beyond the many wires and yellow posts which help give the building its iconic look, you can see for MILES.
It was a relatively clear day when we went luckily, but I reckon even on a cloudy one it would still be worth it. I could see the Olympic Park, Thames Barrier, London City Airport, Greenwich, Canary Wharf and all it's pals and funnily enough in the distance, the Crystal Palace mast which is not far from my old house. Also, peaking through the buildings of the Docklands are the Shard and City Hall. I gave BoJo a wave of course ;)
Our knowledgeable, enthusiastic guide told us about how there are plans to build Europe's second largest urban beach by the O2. Doesn't paddling in the Thames sound tempting...
I managed to quickly skim read the information they provide on your 360 degree view at the top, but we were whisked away to begin our descent after about 5 or 10 minutes as the next group were hot on our heels.
Landmarks such as the Gherkin, BT Tower and London Eye don't grace the skyline until you're on your way down the other side, so unfortunately you can't get pictures of this. If this is what you're after, take the Jubilee line to The Shard or the London Eye.
I think the main emphasis of 'Up at the O2' is on the actual climb rather than the view from the top. More of a climbing activity rather than a viewing experience. But nevertheless I would recommend it to anyone, no matter how old you are.
Bare in mind however that it's certainly a climb. The first section of the ascent is blumin steep and quite hard work, especially when the wind is not on your side. But after this, it levels off and becomes very entertaining and fun. I would 100% recommend.
Bare in mind however that it's certainly a climb. The first section of the ascent is blumin steep and quite hard work, especially when the wind is not on your side. But after this, it levels off and becomes very entertaining and fun. I would 100% recommend.
If you have climbed the O2 and have any tales to tell, I'd love to hear them! Also if you are thinking of doing it and have any questions about the experience, I'd be more than happy to try and answer them.
Read about the rest of my weekend here.
Visit the O2 website here.
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