The O2 was previously known as the ‘Millennium Dome’ and was built to celebrate the turn of the millennium. Opening on 1st of January 2000, it has since been converted into an indoor arena that also houses restaurants and shops and is now known as the O2 Arena. ‘Up at the O2’ is an experience that you can buy in advance or on the day where along with your group and a guide you can climb over the structure and take in some great views of London and the surrounding area!

Facts about the 02

The 12 yellow struts that you can see represent the 12 months of the year.
The diameter of the arena is 365 m which represents the amount of days in a standard year.
The O2 is 52 metres high which represents the amount of weeks in a year … how cool is that !

Up at the 02

Up at the 02 is a walk over the top of the arena where there is a viewing platform in the middle to get spectacular views of London. On a clear day you can see 15 miles
First you get to fill out a form with your personal details signing to say you will abide by the rules and what the guides tell you to do
Then off to watch a safety video and then a guide explains some rules about the climb
We then got taken to another area to grab hiking boots and a gilet / fleece depending on the weather for the phone holderto where. You are not permitted to take photos up the ascent. There is a photographer at the beginning to take official photos
You get instructions on your harness how to put it on and it is checked, then you make your way to the stairs to start your climb. There you get a full explanation on how the clips work.
Then the climb begins- it’s a 30 degree incline going up. It doesn’t sound a lot but it feels it . It feels like your walking on a trampoline. You use one hand to slide the clips along and if you want to the other to hold on. Two guides with our group of 30 and they checked everyone was ok all the way along.
On reaching the platform of you ordered drinks at the bottom they were there for you champagne or Coca Cola.
Then you had about 15 minutes of viewing and selfie time capturing your moments or breathe back.
Before the descent which when you get down the first bit is ok and then it is quite steep and looks like a slide right to the floor
Then give back the equipment, take a photo at the i climbed I conquered and pop in the shop with the opportunity to purchase official photos and other souvenirs including a medal .

What else can you do around here

Icon – a new shopping centre has opened with the confines of the O2 with designer and high streets stores galore.
The Tide is also new and if you head out of the 02 walking along 200metres and turn left (pictured below) is a stairway follow that and it brings you out to the River Thames and outdoor area with different levels and seating area to enjoy the views.
The opportunity to dine in the sky is right outside the 02 arena, you can get suspended 100 feet in the air in a 22 seated table offering breakfast, lunch and dinner with views of London. This is dining experience is called London in the sky and can be found https://www.theo2.co.uk/events/detail/london-in-the-sky
Emirates Air Line this is 90 feet above ground level and take around 10 minutes off peak single crossings , return crossing, multi crossings and private whole cars all available gives 360 different view of https://www.emiratesairline.co.uk/1158
Lots of other places to eat around and in the arena like Nando’s, five guys etc

What else ?

Jump on the jubilee line (underground) and get off at Canary Wharf and travel on the DLR to Cutty Sark. So around this area all in walking distance you have-
Cutty Sark
Greenwich Market
Royal Observatory
Royal Naval Museum
Richmond Park

Other Things to Know

Currency – Pounds
Weather – Changeable depends on time of visit
If walking over the 02 you may want some kind of glove, if you are holding the cable my hand got sore from gripping
There are packages for the walk and food which are also available as gift experiences