Walking with family: 'Up at The O2' and Rotherhithe to Tower Bridge... and beyond

Saturday May 9, 2026.

A cloudy start turning sunny in the afternoon, at 21°C (69°F).

For Keilyn's 13th birthday, last Thursday, my mum bought her a ticket for the 'Climb Up at The O2', which was something that she has always wanted to do. Emma purchased me a ticket, so that I could do the climb with Keilyn, as it was something that I wanted to do, too. As my mum was unable to accompany us, my uncle Martin would be joining us for the day, to take photos of our climb.

We set off from Croxley station, where we boarded a Metropolitan line train towards Baker Street, alighting at Finchley Road, where we took a Stratford-bound Jubilee line train to North Greenwich. The journey time was around 1 hour, so we ended up at The O2 with plenty of time to spare. 

Martin purchased a drink and a roll, from Starbucks, which he ate in the shade, while Keilyn and I tucked into our sandwiches and drinks. 

Just after 11:30 Keilyn and I made our way to 'Base Camp', with Martin waiting in the shade. As we were early we were allowed to join the 11:45 climb, and made our way through the waiting area. We were soon joined by 11 more climbers and our guide, Conner, who, after showing us a four-minute safety video took us through to get kitted out.

We then made our way outside, where we put on our harness, and clamp, before heading up the stairs to the starting point. By now Martin had headed towards Base Camp, from where he would watch and take photos of our ascent. Here we were met by Emma, who took photos of us all, before we set off on the 30° incline, with Keilyn leading the pack.

Photo ©Martin Bullock.

We stopped where the walkway took on a less acute angle, allowing the others to catch up, before setting off for the centre of the O2. Daisy's group, that had started before us, were still taking in the sights, from the viewpoint, so we joined them, before they headed down and left the thirteen of us to take in the view.

Conner, who was knowledgeable and humorous, much like the other guides we met, pointed out some of the sights to those unfamiliar with the area, while music played through speakers. He was also there to take photos for the climbers, should they ask, which we did.

Our time was soon up and, with Keilyn once again leading the way, we began our descent. Once again we caught up with Daisy's group, who were having photos taken of their descent, with Conner giving her some light-hearted digs about time-keeping. We then waited for the group to catch up to us, before we posed for our photos and began our descent, which the last section of is at a 33° decline.

Photo ©Martin Bullock.

We spotted Martin, who had walked around the O2, via Olympian Way, and was sitting near the public art piece 'Tribe and Tribulation' by Serge Attukwei Clottey. We waved, as did Conner, so that he could see us and take some photos of our descent.

Once back on Terra Firma, we removed our harness and clamp and made our way into the 'North Base Camp', where any items that we had stored were returned to us. We then made our way through the gift shop, where we purchased a magnet and key ring set, before making our way through the O2 Arena, to find Martin.

Once we were all together we headed back to North Greenwich station, where cold drinks were purchased, before we headed down to platform level to catch a Jubilee line train. Within minutes we were passing beneath the River Thames through Canary Wharf and back under the river to our destination of Canada Water.

On exiting the station we made our way towards Canada Water, one of the last docks of the once massive Surrey Commercial Docks which made up this peninsula, for centuries. It was nice to see how much of an improvement this once derelict dock has undergone, with its newly planted ecosystem and boardwalk bridge. From here we headed along Marker Way and onto Gomm Road, from where we entered Southwark Park. 

On entering Southwark Park, blue tits flew in and out of a nesting box to our right, while goslings walked along the path in front of us, while their parents anxiously watched on from the lake. We began our exploration of the park by following the path around the lake, before entering the Ada Salter Garden. This wonderful oasis of various plants, shrubs and trees has a great view of the lake, while offering shaded seating and a quiet place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding park. 

On leaving the garden we headed north, stopping to see the two Caryatides from Old Rotherhithe Town Hall, before crossing Carriage Drive, and continuing into the northern part of Southwark Park, where we saw the Jabez West Drinking Fountain and the Southwark Park Bandstand.

On leaving the park we crossed Jamaica Road and headed along Cathay Street until we reached the remains of King Edward III's Moated Manor House. Here we explored the ruins, looked out over the River Thames and the statues of Doctor Salter, his wife Ada, their daughter Joyce and a cat. Collectively they are called 'Dr Salter's Daydream' and were sculpted by Diane Gorvin.

We then followed Bermondsey Wall East, from where we used 'Fountain Stairs' to drop down onto Bermondsey Beach. A few pieces of clay pipes were soon spotted, along with various pieces of pottery, brick, shells and animal bones, before we climbed back up the steps to continue our walk.

Unfortunately, the Thames Path is closed in this area, due to the 'Tideway East Project Office' still blocking the route. So, we took Chamber Street to East Lane and then Bermondsey Wall West, where we stopped at Providence Square Lookout to view the boats moored there. 

We crossed the River Neckinger, via the St Saviours Dock Footbridge, which brought us to Butler's Wharf. Once again we stopped, taking in the views, before continuing on to Shad Thames and into Potters Field Park. Up to this point we had enjoyed a peaceful walk, with few people around, as it appears that tourists don't venture east of Tower Bridge. Here, Potters Field Park, the Queen's Walk and the rest of our stroll was a lot busier.

We pressed on, moving ever westward, passing HMS Belfast and Hay's Galleria, until we reached London Bridge. We crossed the bridge and headed down 'Nancy's Steps' to Montague Close, Cathedral Street and the Golden Hinde. Pickfords Wharf, with the remains of Winchester Palace, brought us to Clink Street and the Clink Prison Museum, before we found ourselves on Bankside.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Tate Modern were next, before we stopped to replenish our drinks from the Bankside News convenience store. After a short rest we rejoined the Thames Path, passing beneath both Blackfriars Bridges and onto Oxo Tower. A short walk around Gabriel's Wharf, followed, before we spotted a food van, where Keilyn enjoyed a hot dog and chips. Martin and were waiting on something more filling a little further on.

Once Keilyn had finished her meal we continued along the Southbank Boardwalk, passing the National Theatre, the Southbank Skate Space and the Royal Festival Hall, before we stopped at Truffle Burger for some food. We sat on benches, beneath the Hungerford Railway Bridge, welcoming the cool shade as we tucked into our burgers.

Once we were all ready we continued our walk, passing the Jubilee Gardens, the Golden Carousel, the London Eye and the old County Hall, before climbing the steps to Westminster Bridge. Here we had to almost fight our way through the throng of tourists, snapping photos of the landmarks, or taking selfies, while others plied for their trade.

Finally reaching the west end of Westminster Bridge we descended the steps, passing the River Thames Tide Gauge Hut, and entered Westminster station. Passing through the ticket barrier, Keilyn sped ahead, descending stairs and escalators, confident in her knowledge of which platform we needed. Sure enough, as Martin and I reached the platform Keilyn was there, waiting patiently. 

The Wembley Park-bound Jubilee line train arrived and we boarded, zipping below the streets of Whitehall, Green Park, Mayfair and Marylebone, until we reached our destination of Baker Street. More escalators and staircases brought us to Platform 1, from where our train would soon be departing. Snacks were purchased and we were soon heading through St John's Wood, South Hampstead, Brondesbury, Willesden and on to Wembley. Harrow, Pinner and Northwood were next, before we approached Moor Park and then our destination of Croxley.

Once we left the train we made our way out of the station to the car park, where we clambered into Martin's car and took the short drive home.

It was a great day out with great company seeing some new and familiar places, while having a wonderful experience climbing 'Up at The O2'.

A big "Thank you" to Martin for taking the photos of us ascending and descending the climb.

'Up at The O2' - Gallery

Distance travelled:

• Bus - 0.0 miles (0.0 kms)
• Cable Car - 0.0 miles (0.0 kms)
• Car - 3.6 miles (5,79 kms)
• DLR - 0.0 miles (0.0 kms)
• Ferry - 0.0 miles (0.0 kms)
• Overground - 0.0 miles (0.0 kms)
• River Boat - 0.0 miles (0.0 kms)
• Taxi - 0.0 miles (0.0 kms)
• Train - 0.0 miles (0.0 kms)
• Tram - 0.0 miles (0.0 kms)
• Underground - 39.5 miles (63.56 kms)
• Walking - 8.3 miles (13.35 kms)