EXCLUSIVE: Thrillseekers, listen up as Daily Star’s Bekka Barnard visits one of London’s most unique attractions in the clouds and she’s here to report exactly what happened…
If you’re an adrenaline junkie and you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be an international spy, then there’s an activity in London waiting just for you. Think that iconic scene of Tom Cruise scaling the Burj Khalifa in 2011’s Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, but way, way safer.
I went along to The O2 in Greenwich Peninsula to check out Up at The O2, an outdoor roof walk adventure that will make you feel like you’re on a mission to save the world.
The Climb O2 Basecamp is located to the left of The O2’s main entrance, right next to the Merch Stand so it’s very easy to find. Visitors are welcomed with a quick safety briefing video that thoroughly outlines the dos and don’ts of the activity and assures you that you’re in safe hands.
We stowed away our belongings, switched out our trainers for their specialised climbing shoes and strapped ourselves up in a harness ready to go. Guides are on hand throughout the entire climb to make sure you’re secured in and that nothing will get trapped or stuck as you make your ascent.
A lovely touch is the on-site photographer, available to snap your special moments as phones are not allowed out while climbing. However, you can pose for your own selfies once you reach the top – but we certainly had a long way to go until then.
We got ourselves attached to the railing and began our climb, which was far steeper than I ever expected (but nothing I couldn’t handle). Top tip: I highly, highly recommend wearing gloves while climbing as you’ll be touching the cold metal railing for the majority of the experience. Don’t worry if you forget as there are pairs of all sizes available to grab before you leave Basecamp.
The climb eventually levels itself out as you reach the flat platform at the top, where you can marvel at the impressive 360 degree view of the capital city.
Once we conquered the climb we captured a few shots of our surroundings as music played through the speakers to bring the vibe up, before our friendly guide shared some interesting anecdotes about the buildings around us. Fun fact, you can see the warehouse where Married At First Sight is filmed from The O2’s summit.
For those with longer hair, I’d also suggest tying it back as even on a calm day it can get pretty windy up there!
In the warmer months, Up at The O2 have previously hosted their very own Summer Sessions, a series of Friday night climbs with cocktails, mocktails and a resident DJ performance on their world-famous rooftop as the sun sets across London.
During winter months, they’ve also had visitors can climb the award-winning landmark attraction and cozy up in the UK’s highest snowglobe for a winter wonderland experience in the skies, so make sure you keep an eye out for any future seasonal events in the Up at The O2’s calendar for an evening full of wow-factor.
From start to finish, the activity takes roughly 90 minutes and is a rather unique way of reaching your daily step count.
Operated by AEG Europe, Up at The O2 offers a range of climb types available to book in advance (all suitable for ages 8+), with tickets starting from £37 per person. Up at The O2 has received the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award and is an accredited VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction.
Once you’re back down on earth, head inside The O2 itself and enjoy a full day out experience with 60+ brands, leisure attractions and over 30 bars and restaurants, the perfect place for a pit stop after working up an appetite while climbing way up on the roof. For the latest updates, follow Up at The O2 on Instagram or Facebook.
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