Plan Your Visit to Up at The O2
Make your visit to Up at The O2 smooth and unforgettable with all the essential details in one place. This practical guide helps you plan every part of your adventure, from the climb duration to arrival times and key booking requirements. Find out what to wear, who is eligible to climb, and what equipment is included to keep you safe and comfortable throughout the experience. With helpful tips on the best time to climb and how to get there, you can arrive fully prepared for breathtaking views across London.
Quick Overview
Address: Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX, United Kingdom
Opening Times: Varies by day
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes including safety briefing
Age Restriction: 8 years (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Climb Height: 52 metres (170 ft) above ground level
Experience Type: Guided outdoor roof climb with panoramic 360° London views
Best For: Families, couples, groups, and adventure seekers looking for unique London experiences
Book Up at The O2 Tickets
Best Time to Climb The O2
The best time to climb The O2 largely depends on your preferences for crowds, views, and weather. Up at The O2 is a popular experience in London, attracting both tourists and locals throughout the week. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, weekdays are generally the best choice, as weekends tend to be busier due to shoppers and visitors heading to the O2 area. Spring and summer offer warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours, but they are also peak tourist seasons. Visiting in autumn or winter can mean fewer crowds, although weather conditions may be cooler and windier.
The Sunset Climb is the most sought after time slot because it offers spectacular skyline views as the sun goes down, which is why it often sells out first. The Daytime Climb is ideal for clear panoramic views of London landmarks, while the Twilight Climb lets you enjoy the city lights after dark from a unique perspective. Ultimately, every climb option offers a memorable experience, and whether you choose daytime, sunset, or twilight, each provides its own special view from the top of The O2.
How Long Does It Take to Climb The O2?
The Up at The O2 climb duration is approximately 90 minutes in total, including the mandatory safety briefing, gear fitting, and the guided ascent and descent. Before setting off, expert guides deliver a detailed safety introduction and ensure all equipment is properly secured.
Guests should arrive 15–20 minutes before their scheduled time, as late arrivals are not admitted. Weather conditions and group size may slightly affect the pace of the climb, but the experience is professionally managed to ensure a smooth, safe, and enjoyable adventure.
Climbing The O2: What to Wear
Choosing the right outfit will help you stay comfortable, safe, and focused on the incredible 360° views across London. Below is everything you need to know about what to wear for Climbing The O2 so you can arrive fully prepared.
Up at The O2 Clothing
All climbers must wear suitable clothing appropriate for the weather, as the experience takes place outdoors on the roof of The O2.
What works:
Jeans, trousers, leggings, or shorts
Comfortable, flexible layers (especially on cooler days)
Gloves and hats in winter
Because you’ll be wearing a full safety harness, skirts and dresses are not recommended. If you need extra warmth, climb jackets and gilets are available on request when you collect your equipment. Full-body climb suits are also available to hire at reception (additional fee applies).
Shoes for Climbing The O2
The right footwear is essential for safety and grip. You can wear your own shoes if they meet these guidelines:
Velcro or lace fastening
Deep tread (minimum 4mm lug depth)
Evenly distributed tread across the sole
Clean soles free of mud or debris
Not suitable: Fashion trainers with shallow tread or smooth soles.
If your footwear isn’t suitable (or if you prefer), climbing shoes are provided free of charge. Socks must be worn — if you forget yours, they can be purchased at reception. Final approval of footwear is always made by the climb team on the day.
How to Get
Things to Know Before Your Visit
Before booking, please ensure that all participants meet the official Up at The O2 age restrictions:
Minimum age: 8 years old
Minimum height: 1.2 metres
Children aged 8–17 must be accompanied by an adult (ratio 1 adult to 5 minors)
There is no upper age limit, but climbers must be in good general health and able to walk unaided.
Climbers should be in good general health and physically able to complete the ascent to the 52 m summit.
Please note the official Up at The O2 weight restrictions and safety requirements:
Maximum weight: 21 stone (130 kg / 286 lbs)
Maximum waist measurement: 125 cm
Maximum upper thigh measurement: 74 cm
You cannot climb if:
You are pregnant
You have had an epileptic seizure in the last 12 months
If you have cardiovascular, respiratory, or mobility conditions, limb differences, or current injuries (such as fractures or sprains), contact the Box Office before booking. If you are unsure about your suitability, consult your doctor prior to your visit.
Climbers must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Entry will be refused without refund if this policy is breached.
Lockers are available at Basecamp.
Phones may be brought only if stored in a zipped pocket.
Essential medical items (such as inhalers or insulin) can be carried by your guide if needed.
Climbs at Up at The O2 operate in most weather conditions. However, sessions will be cancelled in cases of gales, lightning, heavy snow, ice, or extreme weather that makes climbing unsafe.
As this is an outdoor climb, weather may change during your experience. Climbers cannot leave early unless the climb is cancelled on health and safety grounds.
In hot weather, please wear suitable clothing, apply sun cream, stay hydrated, and eat before your climb.
In adverse conditions, you may be required to descend the same way you climbed up for safety reasons.
You’re welcome to capture the experience — with limitations:
Photography is allowed while on the roof.
Smartphones and small compact cameras are allowed but must remain in a zipped pocket when not in use.
Devices cannot be used on the viewing platform.
GoPros and larger cameras are not permitted.
FAQ
The Up at The O2 climb takes you to a viewing platform approximately 52 metres (170 feet) above ground level at the summit of The O2 arena. From the top, you’ll enjoy panoramic 360° views of London’s skyline, including Canary Wharf, the River Thames, and beyond.
Climbing Up at The O2 is designed to be challenging but achievable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness. The walkway is fully secured with a safety harness system, and expert climb guides are with you at all times. The incline can feel steep in sections, but no previous climbing experience is required.
Yes, there are safety requirements in place. Participants must weigh between 21kg and 130kg, with a maximum waist measurement of 125cm and a maximum upper thigh measurement of 75cm. These limits ensure that the safety harness fits correctly and that the experience remains safe for everyone.
Yes, climbs operate in most weather conditions, including rain. Climbers are provided with appropriate safety equipment, and the climb is designed to be safe in wet conditions. However, climbs may be cancelled in cases of extreme weather such as high winds, lightning, heavy snow, or icy conditions.
For safety reasons, pregnant guests are not permitted to take part in the Up at The O2 climb. If you have any medical concerns or pre-existing conditions, it’s best to consult your doctor before booking.
Children can take part in the Up at The O2 experience as long as they meet the minimum requirements. Participants must be at least 8 years old and at least 1.2 metres tall, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.