'Up at The O2'

Saturday May 9, 2026.

For Keilyn's 13th birthday my mum bought her a ticket to climb over the O2 Arena. Not wanting to miss out, Emma bought me a ticket, so that I could join her. My uncle Martin would be joining us for the day, although he wouldn't be taking part in the climb. Instead he would be taking photos of our ascent and descent, while also exploring the public art along Olympian Way.

Arriving at Base Camp, we checked in and I was issued with a rubber wristband that contained a sensor, before we were ushered into a waiting room, where a video showed us what to expect from our climb. It went on to show climbs completed in the evening, at Christmas and at sunset. 

It then showed climbers taking part in yoga classes, listening to live music, dancing, performing record-breaking displays, along with a lot more, all on top of the O2 Arena.

Our group of thirteen was then joined by Conner, who would be our guide for the climb. He left us to watch a four-minute safety video, before taking us through to get kitted out for the climb. Keilyn, who was wearing trainers, was issued with a pair of sturdy high-grip shoes, while I was okay to wear my walking boots. I was issued with a gilet, which had zipped pockets to store our phones in, with 'Get Over It' emblazoned across the back. Once Keilyn had placed her shoes in a blue storage box, picking one with a 'SpongeBob SquarePants' sticker on it, rather than a number, we handed it to Conner and collected a clasp each, before he issued us each with a harness.

We then made our way outside and formed a line as Conner explained how to put on the harness, fasten it tight and to attach the 'C' clamp. He then checked each individual harness, before sending us up the stairs to the start point. Keilyn's harness was different from mine, as it had zipped pockets incorporated into its design, so she secured her phone in it.

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.