London viewpoint: Up at The O2 and Icon Outlet reviews

Activities

Great Outdoors

Published on Friday, 02 July 2021 11:45

Last Updated on 01 July 2021

Monica Costa

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The summer is a great season to climb Up at The O2 to admire London from a different view point. The unusual landscape of Canary Wharf and the South East of the capital is constantly evolving and every time I do the climb (it’s my 3rd) I see new buildings and new attractions. The climb involves mild physical activity, it’s fun to do with friends and when you reach the top, you are rewarded with a unique perspective of one of the most amazing cities on the planet.  

It’s a good climb so you need to have food and drinks before going up. There are no toilets on the way so it’s recommended to go to the loo ahead of the climb.

Safety is paramount so you will be tied to a rope attached to a rail which goes up to the top. As you need comfortable shoes with a proper grip underneath, you are handed over special shoes.

In terms of clothing, tracksuit and a jacket that protects you from the wind are also important. At the top there’s wind even if you don’t notice it at the bottom. You can opt to wear the full climbing gear and clothing you are shown at the briefing. They are available at no extra cost. I used my own jeans and only put on the safety ropes and belt.

The climb is led by expert guides with extensive training and local knowledge. A range of climbs are available to book on the website www.upattheo2.co.uk, including daytime, twilight, sunset and celebration climbs which includes a glass of Champagne Lanson on the roof.

With enhanced health and safety measures in place, Up at The O2 now offers a more intimate and memorable experience than ever before. In line with social distancing guidelines, each climb is operating at a reduced capacity giving visitors a more exclusive experience.   

I have been up there a few times but each climb has been special and different from the ones before. 

Climb prices start from £32 per person and are suitable for aged 8+. Advance booking is advised.

 

The O2 is not only the world’s most popular music, entertainment and leisure venue but it is home to the Icon Outlet, one of London’s most exciting retail destinations with up to 70% off RRP all year round on 60 superstar brands including adidas, Calvin Klein, Levis, Next, Nike, Ted Baker and Tommy Hilfiger. Open 7 days a week, Icon Outlet is within easy reach of Central London, located just 15 minutes on the Jubilee Line. Visitors can also enjoy 4 hours free parking when they spend over £35 in Icon Outlet – the perfect excuse to treat yourself! I take the opportunity to do some quality shopping every time I go there to climb the O2. 

 

 

 

 

 

The O2 is easily accessible by tube (North Greenwich via the Jubilee line), bus and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, and has pre-bookable parking spaces onsite.

Facts on the Up at The O2 attraction

Since its opening in June 2012, Up at The O2 has seen over 300,000 people take the walk across the roof of The O2. Originally built as the Millennium Dome, it was created as a monument to space and time. Now a building of architectural significance in the UK, The O2 stands out and is a well-known venue across the UK. The meridian line runs just to the left of the Up at The O2 walkway.

The diameter of The O2 is 365m (days in the year), there are 12 masts (months in the year) and the summit of the walkway is 52m high (weeks in the year).

With its highest point standing at 52m, visitors can follow in the footsteps of more than 750,000 other climbers as well as some famous faces including; Diversity, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Joe Wicks, Anne-Marie, Pixie Lott and Ant & Dec.

The view from the top

Watch this 360 degrees view from the top of the O2

Warnings before booking Up at the O2

The 90-minute experience begins at ‘Base Camp’, where participants are kitted out in jumpsuits, shoes and safety harnesses before being guided in groups along the walkway.

If you are thinking of taking children to climb the O2, remember that the minimum age is 10 years old and the minimum height is 1.2 meters. The booking needs to include at least one adult climber for every two climbers under 18.

In terms of taking pictures, if you are thinking of going there fully equipped with the good camera like I did, you will be very disappointed. As soon as you enter the briefing room, you are told that you can only bring one or two items that fit in your pocket so the phone is your best bet. I took the 360 degrees video from the iPhone. It’s ok but it would have been a lot better if I had used my Canon.