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.

'Dr Salter's Daydream' by Diane Gorvin

If you walk along Bermondsey Wall East you will find four statues of a family, enjoying the peaceful serenity of this part of the River Thames. The pieces are collectively known as 'Dr Salter's Daydream'.

First unveiled, in 1991, the original location of the statue was a little further west, at Cherry Garden Pier. However, in 2003, the statues were relocated to their current position besides the Thames Wall, near the Angel pub and opposite the remains of King Edward III's moated manor house. In 2011, the original statue of Dr Salter was stolen, possibly to be sold for scrap, resulting in the statues of Joyce and the cat being removed for safe keeping. 

It wasn't until 2014, following a fund raising campaign by local people, that the statues were reinstated, which included a new statue, that of his wife Ada. The original statue of Dr Salter had him sitting on a bench, legs crossed with his left arm raised as if in greeting. The new sculpture has him sitting on a granite bench, his hands resting on an umbrella, looking towards his daughter, Joyce, who is leaning against the embankment wall.

His wife, Ada, is seen to be walking towards Joyce, while their pet cat sits atop the river wall as if ready to pounce on an unsuspecting avian friend.

It is a rather poignant set of statues showing Dr Alfred Salter in old age, his wife Ada holding a spade and their daughter Joyce, who sadly died aged eight years old.

The Statues

The statues were designed by Diane Gorvin and cast in bronze by Castle Fine Arts Foundry. Although only three statues were designed as part of the original design, Diane created the statue of Ada for the new unveiling. The statue of Ada is the first statue, in London, of a female politician.

So, who were the Salters and what is their connection to the area?

Southwark Park

The Caryatids of the Old Rotherhithe Town Hall.

Opening to the public on June 19, 1869, Southwark Park covers 26 hectares and is Grade II listed. It stretches from Jamaica Road, to the north, to Hawkstone Road in the southeast.

Southwark Park, has two entrances on Jamaica Road, Christchurch Gate, named after a nearby church, and Paradise Gate. Christchurch Gate was designated an entrance in 1903, but following damage in World War II it was replaced with a new gate, modelled on the original, thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund restoration in 2001-2002.

Southwark Park Bandstand.

Entering through Christchurch Gate the path divides, with one that leads you on a tree-lined avenue around the park, while the other leads you to the Bandstand. This Bandstand was acquired, in 1884, from the Great Exhibition in South Kensington and placed in the park. During the summer months free concerts are held here.

Caryatids. One representing Oak and the other Laurel.

Continuing south from the Bandstand you suddenly come across some stone pillars, hidden among the trees. These are Caryatids that originally flanked the the main entrance of the old Rotherhithe Town Hall. They were placed here in 2011. Continuing on there are tennis courts to the west, while a bowls club, hidden behind manicured hedges, takes up a small area at the centre of the park. 

Memorial to a working-class man.

Then there is the polished grey granite Jabez West Drinking Fountain, which is a memorial to a working-class man. 

A simple gate.

Jamaica Gate stands at the west end of Carriage Drive, which now divides the park into separate spaces.