For one day only, Up at The O2 is offering people the chance to partake in Afternoon Tea on top of the famous dome, so we decided to harness up and tackle the ascent.
After a short healthy and safety introduction, you’re led up a three-storey set of stairs and to the walkway at the edge of the dome’s canopy. Once clipped in, a guide will lead you on the fifteen-minute upward journey.
With the wind blowing in your hair, and the Thames shimmering below, it’s surprisingly tranquil.
The slope is at a 30-degree angle, making it feel halfway between a walk and a climb. But those who are less active shouldn’t worry. Children as young as eight are invited to join the party so it’s unlikely to trouble most people.
While we headed up, our excellent guide Max talked us through the history of southeast London’s docklands and the O2 Arena itself.
Interestingly, the walkway was part of the O2’s original design, and the dome’s twelve yellow spires were designed to support the extra weight of people walking up it.
Once at the viewing platform on top, 52 meters off the ground, we were unclipped and given free rein of the dome’s summit. There’s the option of a glass of Champagne for those after a celebratory drink.
Couple Darren and Julie were celebrating Darren’s 50th birthday. Julie said: “I enjoyed it, I thought it was really good.
“It was a bit of a challenge but… I would definitely recommend it. It’s an experience once you’ve done it.”
It was slightly gloomy but we were still able to enjoy great visibility and were treated to views of the ArcelorMittal Orbit Olympic sculpture in Stratford and Greenwich’s Royal Observatory in the other direction.
Once you’ve completed the descent, you’ll have the chance to buy photos they take of you at different intervals of the climb. But beware, wear sunglasses to avoid squinty pics.
‘Up at the O2’ tickets start at £35 but there are also sunset and twilight climbs at similar prices. The O2 has just Afternoon Tea edition, will be running from August 7 to August 12, where visitors are treated to sandwiches, freshly baked scones and cakes at the top.
‘Up at the O2’ tickets start at £35 but there are also sunset and twilight climbs at similar prices. The O2 has just launched an Afternoon Tea edition, running on August 10, where visitors are treated to sandwiches, freshly baked scones and cakes at the top. Tickets are available for £40 per person at https://tickets.aegeurope.com/upattheo2/up-afternoon-tea.html/
