Last year during a visit to London we discovered you could walk over the top of the O2 and from that moment Hubby and Kian kept dropping hints that they wanted to do it.
I am an O2 customer and they run half price promotions on certain days of the year, but each time they did it clashed with Hubby’s work so we didn’t get to take advantage of the offers. I decided enough was enough and this half term we had tickets to Comic Con over the river at the Excel so it seemed the perfect time to book them on.
The minimum age for the climb is 10 years old (and 1.2m tall) so it was just Hubby and Kian doing the climb this time. After the initial booking in it was time to watch a short safety video and get ready. You are not allowed to take bags or items up with you so these are packed away in a blue crate which is wheeled around the O2 so they are waiting for you at the other side.
You are provided with a Climbing jacket, Boots, a Harness and the Latch for the climb. Apparently the boots are the most comfortable they have ever worn and once you are ready it is time to climb.
They had planned to take the Go Pro up with us and charged it prior to our trip, but somehow left it switched on so the battery was dead which was a real shame, but thankfully were allowed to take the camera and phone up with them as long as it was kept away until they got to the top. Anything dropped on the way up or down could potentially damage the roof of the O2 and would be unlikely to be retrieved.
Ross, the tour guide, gave another brief safety talk and asked if anyone wanted to lead – of course Hubby volunteered straight away and they were clipped onto a safety line and set off.
Up close the walk looks quite steep but you can go at your own pace and the boys say it was fairly easy. Ross, the tour guide, gave a fantastic commentary and happily pointed out all the sites which included Historic Greenwich, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Canary Wharf.
Our booking was at 3.30pm and the sun was starting to dip which made for an even more spectacular view at 52 metres in the air.
At the top you get to walk around a large circular walkway so you can take in the 360° views.
There is also an app you can download which gives you a labelled view of the skyline as well as staying up to date with the weather.
The climb itself takes around an hour, but with the briefing before hand the whole experience lasts around 90 minutes. At the end of the climb you are reunited with your belongings and offered the chance to purchase photo’s of the climb which were a very reasonable £10 and a great reminder of the day.
Hubby has promised me that next time he will take me to climb the O2 and this time we will make sure the Go Pro is charged!!
Ooh I’m am O2 Customer too and didn’t know that so will be looking into it as Hubby and I fancy doing that too. I love the idea of going up late for sunset too, definitely gives the pics a more special aspect.
What a spectacular view! Didn’t know you can do that. Have a great day
This looks amazing. I always try and visit high up places in cities so I can survey the kingdom… I mean appreciate the birds eye view! I would love to do this one day,but I’ve done the cable cars next to it!
I’d heard that this was fun but I’d never seen photos. It really does look like a great thing to do: active and outdoors with a bit of culture – the perfect activity!
Oh I will have to look at doing this for the boys once Mini turns 10 next year. They love stuff like this
That looks like a fab experience, not for me though I’m not too keen on heights 😉 Lovely photos x
What an amazing adventure and I can so see this being right up your bigger boys street! Gutted for you with the Go Pro, I thought it was only me that made daft mistakes like that. I am s proud I actually managed to record the ghost train properly on mine this year, I think it was last Christmas I had it on the wring setting for the Santa train! That said you’ve done a brilliant job on the video and what a perfect view of the city on the most stunning day. This post will put O2 walking top of everyone’s must do list for London! Thank you for sharing with me on Country Kids.
Oh wow that sounds amazing, I had no idea you could do this at the o2! x
I had no idea you could do this at the O2! Looks absolutely amazing. Must have been quite an adventure climbing that high.
What a great experience, and magnificent views. I can understand why they do not wanting you taking loose items up with you. What a shame about the battery on the go pro. What a great place to take a sunset picture from, not to mention on the video, would not fancy it in the dark I have to say.
I know you are safe and tied on but not sure it would be for me. #countrykids
That looks amazing – not sure I’d be brave enough though but I’m sure the kids would be x x
Wow, what an amazing way to spend an afternoon building up those heart ties with your child! You two are great parents!xx
Wow what a brilliant experience! Fantastic views, but I don’t think I could do it. Kaz x
What a fantastic experience – I didn’t know that you could do this.