Up at The O2
Peninsula Square, Greenwich, London, Greater London, SE10 0DX
Stretching across the curving dome of London’s O2 Arena, the Up at The O2 rooftop walkway offers stunning views and open-air thrills. Visitors are equipped with climbing suits and safety harnesses before ascending the suspended walkway with a guide. At the top, your thrill-seeking efforts are rewarded with a 360-degree observation platform that offers views of the River Thames, Greenwich’s greenery, and Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers.
The Basics
You can access the O2 Arena rooftop only during an official guided climb. The whole experience, including a pre-climb safety briefing, takes around 90 minutes. A maximum of 16 people can take part in each climb. Purchase tickets in advance to ensure a spot at your preferred time slot. After having ascended to the O2 viewing platform and taken in the bird’s-eye panoramas of London, if you want a different perspective on the city, consider embarking on a Thames cruise. Hop-on hop-off river boats depart from nearby Greenwich Pier.
Things to Know Before You Go
With ascending and descending slopes of up to 30 degrees, the Up at The O2 walkway is not for the faint of heart.
Climbing suits, harnesses, and boots are provided. Don’t forget to bring hats and gloves in cold weather.
Children aged 10 years and older can do the climb as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
How to Get There
The nearest tube station is North Greenwich (Jubilee line). MBNA Thames Clippers run regular river bus services to North Greenwich Pier. You can also reach the O2 via the Emirates Air Line, a 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) cable car route spanning the River Thames. Find Up at the O2 to the left of the main arena entrance.
When to Get There
The best time of the year to embark on an ascent is during summer, when clear skies are more likely. Book a sunset climb for epic selfies, or try an evening twilight climb to see the city’s lights sparkle in the night sky. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled climb to allow time for the check-in process.
Where to Eat at the O2
Scaling one of London’s premier concert venues is appetite-inducing work. If you need to refuel after, the arena complex has lots of tempting options. You’ll find plenty of places to dine and drink on the palm-lined Entertainment Avenue inside the O2, including Thai restaurant Busaba Eathai, burger franchise Five Guys, and Portuguese chicken chain Nando’s.
Ways to explore
You can access the O2 Arena rooftop only via an official guided climb, including a pre-climb safety briefing that takes around 90 minutes. Each group is limited to 16 people, so booking tickets in advance is best to secure your preferred time slot. After enjoying panoramic views of London from the viewing platform, consider a Thames cruise for a different perspective. Hop-on hop-off river boats depart from nearby Greenwich Pier, or you can admire the O2 from a distance on speedboat rides, silent disco cruises, or the Uber Boat.
Accessibility
Wheelchair climbs take place on weekdays from late spring through early fall and can accommodate one wheelchair user. Prebooking is essential.
Age limits
Children must be over 8 years old to climb.
What to pack
Credit card, phone to take photos, ties to secure long hair
What to wear
Socks, flexible clothing, hat and gloves in winter
Not allowed
If you arrive late, you won’t be admitted as the climbs start promptly; arrive 15 minutes before your slot. GoPros and cameras aren’t permitted on the climb, but you can carry your phone to take photos.
Amenities
Restrooms, lockers, gift shop, car park
Address
Up at The O2 is in Greenwich’s Peninsula Square, southeast of the River Thames. It’s easily accessible by tube to North Greenwich station, or for a fun alternative, take the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers or the cable car.
Driving
Take the M25, A2, A20, or M11 and follow Millennium Way or Edmund Halley Way. There are over 2,500 parking spaces, and car parks 2–4 are typically used for Up at The O2.
Public transportation
The nearest tube station is North Greenwich, served by the Jubilee line. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers runs regular services to North Greenwich Pier, and the IFS Cloud Cable Car spans the River Thames to the O2
Best times to visit
Mornings are typically quieter in the local area. Alternatively, a twilight climb offers the beauty of London lit up at night.
Best days to visit
Weekends attract bigger crowds, so if possible, book a weekday, such as Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
Best months to visit
As an outdoor attraction, it’s best to visit during the warmer months, typically June to September. However, London weather can be unpredictable, so it’s worth being prepared for any conditions.
Special events
If you’d like to plan a special event, such as a proposal or a private celebration, you can book a private package at Up at The O2.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!