Climbing the o2: For Hubby’s birthday, I booked for us to climb to the top of the o2 previously known as the Millennium Dome. The now popular entertainment venue gives people the opportunity to take part in a roof walk. And see incredible views of London and famous landmarks it is very popular.
Climbing the o2
I must admit I left it till the last minute so when I went in to book there were no normal climbs left. However, they did have a celebratory climb for the time we wanted. This is basically exactly the same except for the fact you get a glass of champagne at the top. Weekends look popular so if you are thinking about doing it then you would want to make sure you booked plenty of time in advance. They also run a sunset climb and twilight climbs as well. Make note of the minimum height and maximum weight allowances when booking. Unfortunately, the children were too short to be able to join us on this adventure.
Getting ready to climb the London Landmark
You can only arrive 15 minutes before your allotted time. Base camp is just to the left of the main entrance to the O2. When we entered we were given a declaration to read and sign. As well as completing our details. Including next of kin and emergency contacts. I am not great with heights, I struggle to get into the loft with the step ladder. Or rather back out again. So it wasn’t until we were given the form that I had even thought about it potentially being a problem.
Thankfully I didn’t have much time to worry about it as we were whisked into the safety briefing room. Where we were told safety information and shown how to put the harnesses and climbing gear on. You can only take mobile phones or small digital camera up with you. Everything else is put into a blue crate with a number on it. We were given the choice of a full climbing suit or a gillet. With the weather threatening to come in I opted for the full climb suit. Please note that the maximum waist measurement 125cm to wear one of the suits. While Hubby opted for the gillet. We did get a little bit of rain at one point so I was quite smug that I had opted for the boiler suit. Shoes and all safety equipment is provided.
Clothing for the o2 experience
The full suit has a pocket on the arm to put you camera or phone. Our harnesses were then checked before heading out. You are not allowed to take photos of videos at any point during the climb. Until you are at the top of the roof of the o2. However, you can pose when you first go out onto the platform. We had our photos taken and I was hoping to buy them although they were quite blurry! For £25 I would expect them to be in focus. Which was a little disappointing although we took plenty ourselves.
After the photos, you are then attached to the wire by the climb guide and shown how to move the safety harness that attaches you to the wire. You have to manoeuvre it through joins as you climb up every step of the way. Turns out that I wasn’t great at this bit but managed to wriggle them through. The guide would stop periodically to make sure that everyone caught up. The initial climb is pretty steep. I am not sure why I was thinking it wouldn’t be. Even though neither of us are particularly fit we managed it fine. The promise of the photo opportunity at the top was enough to motivate us.
On the roof of the o2 arena
Once at the top you are unattached and free to wander around the viewing platform. We also had our glass of champagne. It was tricky managing the plastic glass, the camera and the wind! The groups are small at a maximum of sixteen which means you can take photos easily. The guide is also on hand to help if you would like a photo of all of you and can’t quite manage a selfie. I think we must have had about fifteen minutes at the top before starting our descent. There was plenty of time for us to do what we wanted. The panoramic views are stunning. You can see so much including the London Eye, Tower Bridge, the Emirates Air Line and Canary Wharf. It gives you a 360-degree views of London, historic Greenwich and the River Thames.
Coming back down again
The descent was in two parts the first wasn’t too bad but the second part was very steep. So steep that I actually went down backwards and struggled not to go too quickly! Having to stop myself at several points for fear of running into the person in front of me. Hubby went down forwards fine, so it was probably just my little legs!
Our conclusions of climbing the o2
The climb time is meant to take around 90 minutes, ours took 75 minutes and despite there being a group in front of us and another behind us I didn’t feel rushed at all. I would like to take the boys once they are old enough although the minimum age is nine so we will have quite a wait. I would also probably pick a sunset tour in the early Summer. We really enjoyed our climb up the o2. It was a fantastic experience and a great time to celebrate a special occasion. If you are looking for something to do that’s unusual on your next trip to London then I would definitely recommend this. It is great fun. You can buy your o2 climb tickets from Up at the o2.
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46 Responses
OMG not sure I could do this but my husband would love it. Well done!
WOWZERS – something I’ve wanted to do for a long time – great experience
What a fab treat for you both and a fantastic adventure! Being up there sounds great but I don’t like the sound of the climb up or down. lol
I did this last September and loved it. It’s a great way to see London and I loved the climbing part. Its a shame about your photos, ours came out really good x
Ooh that looks like an unusual gift experience but not one for me! I am terrified of heights, I feel a bit sick thinking about it! That said, maybe it would be just what I need to overcome my fear!
I’m terrified of heights, but this is definitely worth a shot!
Omg this sounds like a wonderful adventure. I hope you guys had a great time
Oh my goodness what a gift! I think I’d need the champagne at the top to help me down again. Shame the official photos were blurry which is quite rubbish, but what an experience to have had!
I’ve never done that before but I love the view! Definitely going on my bucket list!
What an adventure!! Wished I was brave enough to do stuff like that!
Oh that sounds like a fab thing to do. It would be the coming down part that I would find hard. I once went up our local church with the Brownies and was so terrified coming down!
What an amazing experience. I don’t know if I could do it myself, I think I would have jelly legs. I have discovered that I am not great with heights!
It sounds like an amazing challenge! What a great birthday treat though. I reckon I would be the one getting stuck most of the time.
Wow, you guys are amazing! I probably won’t try this even if my husband insists, haha.
I’ve decided that I’m going to do this in 2019! It sounds fab. The steep final part is a little bit nervous sounding for me but good to be prepared! Sounds fab x
This looks so scary to me ! I’m such a wimp , the hubby would absolutely love this though! X
Although I’d love to do this I’m not sure if I’d manage it. While I don’t have a fear of heights I once climbed the side of a fuel storage container on the side of a docks and couldn’t wait to get back down. But it sounds like it could be good fun.
This looks like so much fun!!
What a cool and unusual experience! I bet you won’t forget that for a long time! We’re big scaredy cats so probably wouldn’t be brave enough x
Oh I’d love to do that! However, I’m not sure I’m fit enough – that looks really steep!!
My husband did this with my teen whilst I waited at the bottom with the little ones – hopefully it will be my turn next time as it looks brilliant fun
Wow this looks intense and a bit scary but so cool that you guys did it!
I had no idea you could climb it. I’m afraid of heights, but I do love a good view!
SO glad the descent was in two parts! I couldn’t handle it all at once! I wish you would have taken more photos?!
That was a great idea, i would definitely try this once i got the chance to.
It was such a challenging activity to do. I love it. I will definitely do that whenever i got the chance.
Me and my partner is actually afraid of heights but this sounds a fun and exciting thing to do together.
Wow what an experience, not fo me, I would be petrified, but you do seem to have had a great time
I didn’t even know this was a thing?! Looks and sounds pretty scary but a great experience too. But pants your photo was blurry though!xx
I have never been to London, but I am planning on going. Will def. check this out.
Oh wow, sounds like you had a lovely time, the views look great too xx
Happy Birthday to your husband. I am sure he must have been touched by this wonderful surprise. Beautiful photos 🙂
You and your hubby are both an inspiration!
This looks like fun
This looks like so much fun! I’m not sure I’d be able to do it myself, but I’d definitely give it a go. Well done for conquering it 🙂
Louise x
What an awesome experience! It looks like you guys had a great time. Definitely something I’d love to do. Thanks for sharing!
What a brilliant Birthday treat! (My hubby would hate the O2 climb though!)
I am terrified of heights, but this looks like it was an intense.. but fun experience for you guys.
I had to google what the heck the O2 was – lol! But I love that you were able to do the climb with the champagne since I mean, it was your hubby’s birthday and all! Worked out perfectly!
No thank you!! Especially if it’s windy!
Although I fear heights, this was a great view. Defintely worth the climb!
The view from the top is everything, so beautiful. Definitely worth the climb. And the celebratory glass of champagne makes it even better.
I’m sure he had fun. I don’t think we could ever do that. Hubby and I will both faint. Hahaha.
This is such a great adventure! I would definitely love to experience this someday!
This is in London, right? I’ve lived in London and would have loved to do this! (Youre very brave tho, i defs would have gotten the jitters hahah)
I am horrified of heights, so I don’t know that I would ever do this but it seems like quite the adventure! It looks like you had a great time! Thanks for sharing!