Up at the O2

Up at the O2 offers you the opportunity to climb up this awesome arena and see London and the Thames. It was such an exhilarating experience. Everything from start to finish was awesome. The staff are friendly and approachable, especially our climbing guide, Ben.
I don’t want to give too much of the experience away but I would say although the view of London is not that great the climb is the best bit. But from the location of the O2 you already know that you’re not really going to be able to see all the tourist locations!
After going through the safety talks and checks, you get into your jumpsuit and harness with the help of your guide then you are off and climbing up the O2! The first part is a bit steep but there is no rush up there and it wasn’t too strenuous — I didn’t break a sweat and I’d say I have a normal fitness level. I thought I’d be very scared going but I felt surprisingly safe at all times and our guide was encouraging and kept checking we were all ok.
You get 15 minutes or so on the top to take photos, make phone calls to your Mam to tell her you’re calling her on your O2 mobile from the top of the O2 arena — unless she doesn’t pick up and it goes into voicemail (!), upload status updates and photos to Facebook and Twitter and then make the climb back down (a little scarier but again I felt safe).
Practical info: The jumpsuit goes over your normal clothes (incl. coat if you wish — depending on the great British weather). Shoes are also available which I would definitely recommend wearing (unless you have sturdy hiking boots). Bags, shoes and whatever else gets put in a locker. All equipment is included in the cost of your ticket. You can only take a small camera or mobile phone up to the top (there is a special zip in your jumpsuit for such devices!) but nothing else can be taken up there.
All in all the whole thing, from the safety talks to the end, is around 90 minutes. We paid around 25 pounds per person, which in my opinion is reasonable for the activity, equipment and of course fun!
I really really enjoyed doing this and would definitely recommend it to tourists and non-​tourists!