London is epic, so I figure you need to do epic things while there. That’s why the Up at the O2 climbing experience was a must for me. I’m not the biggest adrenaline junkie and I wouldn’t say that I’m super adventurous, but it looked awesome AND seemed like something I could do. I figured, why not climb the O2? Should be fun! Right?
It’s easy to buy tickets. You can buy them on the Up at the 02 website and choose the date, time, and choose whether you want to have the Champagne celebration package. I have to say, I didn’t do this but a few others did. So I do recommend it. If you want a drink that isn’t alcoholic, that have you covered, just upgrade to water or Coca-Cola once you’re there to check-in.
The ticket for up at the 02 includes a safety briefing, shoes, and depending on the weather, a full jumpsuit or lighter vest. They will have you put on the harness that attaches to the tether so you can’t fall off. Be sure to dress correctly for the weather and bring gloves if your hands are a bit sensitive. Definitely wear shorts or trousers or at least something that the harness can fit around. To get to all this gear, you have to fill out your consent form with an emergency contact that is not on the climb. Also, if you have any medical issues, you should let the guide know up front.
Anything you brought with you that you don’t take up on the climb will go in a blue box which will then go in a large trunk that is locked up while you’re off burning some calories.
You can take your phones and compact cameras if they fit in the pockets of the vest or jumpsuit. But you cannot take them out until you reach the viewing platform. I understand this rule, but it’s a bit frustrating for someone who wants pictures of everything! Then again, you can’t drop and lose it if you can’t take it out of your pocket.
To help you get the most photos, they have a professional photographer taking a couple of photos before the climb so you can buy them afterward. It’s an attraction — they all do stuff like that. So, I figure, it’s fine and expected.
My up at the O2 climbing experience
Someone had to volunteer to go first and it wasn’t me. Some people move faster than others and i think i held a few people up. I am not a fan of heights but this was tackling my fear. The gear/slide thing that kept you on the line was easy enough to use, but you had to move with it. Some of the parts are pretty steep, and you’d have to pull yourself on the handrail line while pulling up the slide. It’s like the perfect amount of work out needed for you to feel good when you got to the view.
Overlooking London from the top of the O2
When you make it to the top It’s the perfect time to get the selfie and all the photos you could want! There’s plenty of time to not feel rushed.
The view from the platform is pretty spectacular. 360-degree views make you want to look everywhere. Our group was lucky with the incredible weather so it was sunny, blue skies, and very clear. You get about 20 minutes at the top and that’s when they serve your drink if you have ordered one. I am so glad i ordered a water with the warm weather.
There’s a sunset climb or you can time it to be up there when you would like it best. I really enjoyed the our morning climb and the weather was lovely, I am not so sure i would wanted to have done it in the rain.
The climb down
It’s a bit steeper going down…I don’t really know why that is. But it takes a bit of concentration to walk backwards down especially as some people moved faster than others. It’s such a good feeling to accomplish this climb. As I said before, it’s just enough of an effort to make you appreciate it, but not too difficult to where you’d swear not to do it again! Up at the 02 is brilliant fun.
You’ll go inside to take off the shoes, harness, and vest or jumpsuit before going through the gift shop to buy any photos you want to keep. Of course, there are many other things you can buy as well. It is a gift shop, after all!
Interesting facts
It’s all about time! Everything seems to mean something at the O2 which you get a great feel for when you’re climbing the structure.
- Days -The circumference of the O2 is 365 meters which is how many days are in the year
- Weeks – 52 meters above the ground you’ll find the walkway for the climb — this represents 52 weeks in a year.
- Months – the 12 big, yellow support towers represent the 12 months of the year.
How clever is that?!
My tips
The climb, viewing, and decent will take about 1 hour, so go to the toilet before you gear up!
Don’t bounce on the platform. Might seem like fun but the others will not like you. My legs went like jelly when i first started climbing.
Take a small compact camera or a phone if it is good quality – you will want to take plenty of photos.
Wear trousers or shorts so the harness is more comfortable.
Bring socks if you are wearing unsuitable footwear. They will give you shoes, but you’ll want your own socks.
Getting there
This part is easy! Just take the Jubilee line to the North Greenwich Station and follow the signs for the O2. There’s a covered walkway right in front of the doors, following that makes it super easy. Right before you get to the entrance of the O2, take a left. You’ll see signs that say “Let’s Climb” and “Up at the O2” or “Base Camp”. These all mean you are at the right place.
If you are visiting London i recommend climbing up at the 02, something a little different that the usual sight seeing.
