O2 Arena
The O2 Arena occupies one of London's most distinctive riverside locations on the Greenwich Peninsula, and the "Up at The O2" climbing experience offers visitors the rare opportunity to ascend to the top of this iconic dome structure for panoramic views across the capital. From the elevated walkway that reaches 52 metres above ground level at its highest point, climbers are rewarded with sweeping 360-degree vistas that encompass both historic and modern London. To the south, the green expanse of Greenwich Park rises up the hill, with the Old Royal Naval College's classical buildings and the Royal Observatory visible in the distance. Northward across the Thames, the gleaming towers of Canary Wharf dominate the skyline, while the meandering river itself provides a silver thread through the urban landscape. On clear days, the view extends to central London landmarks including the Shard, St Paul's Cathedral, and the London Eye, offering a unique perspective that combines the maritime heritage of Greenwich with the contemporary commercial heart of the city.
The structure itself has a remarkable history that reflects London's capacity for reinvention. Originally constructed as the Millennium Dome to mark the year 2000, the building was designed by architect Richard Rogers and engineering firm Buro Happold. The dome's fabric roof is suspended from twelve 100-metre-high yellow steel support towers, with the entire structure spanning 365 metres in diameter—one metre for each day of the year, a deliberate symbolic choice by its designers. The Millennium Dome initially housed an ambitious but ultimately controversial exhibition, and after its closure, the site stood largely unused for several years. In 2005, the Anschutz Entertainment Group acquired the lease and invested £600 million in transforming it into a world-class entertainment venue, reopening as The O2 in 2007. The addition of the climbing experience in 2012 gave visitors access to the structure's exterior for the first time, turning the building's most distinctive feature—its tensile fabric roof—into an attraction in its own right.
The view from the top of The O2 has witnessed considerable transformation in the two decades since the dome was built. When it first opened in 2000, the Greenwich Peninsula was still an area of regeneration, with vast tracts of former industrial land awaiting development. Canary Wharf, while established, had not yet reached its current density of skyscrapers. Since then, the peninsula itself has been transformed with new residential developments, and the broader London skyline visible from the summit has been dramatically reshaped by the addition of numerous tall buildings, particularly in the City of London and along the South Bank. The Shard, completed in 2012, now punctuates the western vista, while the various towers of the City cluster—including the Scalpel, the Cheesegrater, and the Walkie-Talkie—have fundamentally altered the view toward central London. The Thames riverscape below has also evolved, with increased river traffic and the addition of the Emirates Air Line cable car connecting the peninsula to the Royal Docks, its bright red cabins providing a splash of colour against the sky.
The climbing experience itself is carefully managed and involves a guided 90-minute expedition along a fabric walkway that follows the curve of the dome's roof. Participants are fitted with safety equipment and tethered throughout the climb, making it accessible to most people with reasonable mobility, though a moderate level of fitness is required. The walkway begins at base camp on the western side of the structure and gradually ascends to the viewing platform at the summit, where climbers can pause to take in the views and capture photographs. The fabric surface underfoot creates an unusual sensation, as you can feel the slight give and movement of the tensile structure, adding to the sense of walking across something unique rather than a conventional building. The yellow support masts that rise around you provide dramatic foreground elements for photography and emphasise the engineering ambition of the structure.
For the best viewing conditions, timing your climb carefully can significantly enhance the experience. Sunset climbs are particularly popular, offering the opportunity to watch the London skyline transform as the city lights begin to twinkle on, though these slots book up quickly and command premium prices. Clear days naturally provide the furthest visibility, potentially extending views 25 miles in optimal conditions. Morning climbs can offer crisp light and quieter conditions, particularly during weekdays outside school holidays. Weather is a crucial factor—climbs are cancelled in high winds, heavy rain, or ice, both for safety reasons and because the experience would be less enjoyable. Summer months offer the advantage of warmer temperatures at height, where wind chill can be a factor, though the structure is exposed and can be surprisingly breezy even on calm days at ground level. Spring and autumn can provide excellent visibility with comfortable temperatures, while winter climbs offer the possibility of dramatic cloud formations and atmospheric lighting, provided you dress appropriately for the conditions.
Reaching the O2 is straightforward thanks to excellent transport connections developed for the venue. The North Greenwich tube station on the Jubilee line sits immediately adjacent to the arena, providing direct access from central London in under 20 minutes from Westminster. The station is one of the Jubilee Line Extension stations opened in 1999 specifically to serve the Millennium Dome, and its spacious design by Will Alsop features distinctive blue glass columns and was built to handle the enormous crowds anticipated for millennium celebrations. For those arriving by river, Thames Clippers services call at the North Greenwich Pier, offering a scenic approach that emphasises the peninsula's riverside location. The Emirates Air Line cable car provides an alternative route from the Royal Docks, though this requires a connection from the DLR network. By road, the A102 Blackwall Tunnel approach road passes immediately by, and there is extensive parking available in the O2's car parks, though this is expensive and the public transport options are significantly more convenient for most visitors.
The Greenwich Peninsula location means that a climb over the O2 can be combined with exploring one of London's most historically rich areas. Greenwich town centre, with its UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising the Old Royal Naval College, the Queen's House, and the National Maritime Museum, lies just a 15-minute walk or short bus ride away. The Royal Observatory, home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian, sits atop Greenwich Park and offers its own viewing opportunities from more traditional elevated ground. The Cutty Sark, the preserved 19th-century clipper ship, provides a fascinating maritime contrast to the ultra-modern arena. For those interested in extending their Thames-side experience, the Thames Path provides walking routes both upstream and downstream from the peninsula. Within the O2 complex itself, there are numerous restaurants, bars, and entertainment options, as well as a cinema and the British Music Experience exhibition when it was housed there, though specific attractions within the venue change over time.
The climbing experience operates year-round with multiple ascents scheduled throughout each day, typically from late morning through evening. Booking in advance is essential, particularly for weekend and sunset slots, and tickets include the safety equipment and guidance from experienced climb guides. The minimum age is eight years old, and participants must be at least 1.2 metres tall, with a maximum weight limit of 130 kilograms due to the safety equipment specifications. The entire experience, including the safety briefing and equipment fitting, takes approximately 90 minutes, with about 30 minutes of that time spent at the summit viewing platform. Photography is permitted and indeed encouraged, with guides typically happy to take group photos at the summit, though you'll need to ensure your camera or phone is securely attached or pocketed when not in use. The exposed nature of the climb means it's unsuitable during certain weather conditions, and the operators maintain strict safety protocols that occasionally result in cancellations or rescheduling.