Up at The O2
Located on top of the popular venue , visitors to The O2 can also enjoy an unforgettable 90-minute outdoor climb while experiencing panoramic views of the capital .
The sight of the towering O2 as we walked towards the impressive structure was intimidating to say the least . I found myself seriously wondering what I had gotten myself into , as a rather unfit member of the iK team with moderate asthma I could feel myself starting to sweat . Not that I should have worried , everything from the Covid safety measures ( which actually make the climbs more intimate than ever before ), to the climb itself were as easy as a summer ' s day .
Led by Amanda , one of the expert guides with extensive training and local knowledge , our day climb is one of a range available to book online which also includes twilight , sunset and celebration climbs .
We signed our consents , got into our harnesses and ascended the stairs , ready for a professional photo and pre-climb briefing . Standing on that platform , with what looks like a nearly vertical walk ahead of you , is quite the daunting sight . With its highest point standing at 52m , we were about to follow in the footsteps of more than 750,000 other climbers as well as some famous faces including ; Diversity ,
Joe Wicks and Ant & Dec , and begin our 90-minute experience . The good news is that those few feet are the hardest , most strenuous bit of the climb !
Once you get over that hump the bouncy floor beneath you begins to level out and your pounding heart will begin to slow . Amanda , our incredibly patient instructor , stayed close to those of us who were a little more nervous and gave us words of encouragement along the way . Reaching the top of The O2 was a feeling I can only describe as pure and utter joy . The feelings of pride , happiness and camaraderie with your group are only increased when looking out on the 360 degree sights from the viewing deck , that are so breathtakingly spectacular you are sure to feel as though you have conquered the world .
Climb prices start from £ 32pp and are suitable for ages 8 +. Advance booking is advised .
www . upattheo2 . co . uk upattheo2
Tikky Town
Generation X , Y ( or is it Z ?) are not generations I have the luxury to be a part of , so going along to Tikky Town at The O2 feels very much like I am well beyond their target audience . But as a portrait photographer and writer – and someone who finds the funny in pretty much everything – any opportunity to create a cool shot and have an entertaining experience in the process , is something I ' m in the market for ; no matter how out of my comfort zone I might feel . And boy did it deliver .
After a slightly nervous walk around the different rooms available ; from the beach ball room with air vents blasting air up from the ground so you could create a bit of a Marilyn Monroe skirt effect , to the lifesize ( pretend ) Lamborghini car you could drape yourself over , there was plenty to entertain yourself with .
Described as the content playground for big kids , it was certainly filled with hipster influencers and their suitcases , doing various outfit changes depending on the vibe of whatever photo backdrop they were choosing . Whilst us thirty-somethings were a little unprepared with the same outfits we ' d been in to do the climb over The O2 an hour previously , we actually haven ' t laughed that much for ages . From pretending to be locked in a prison cell with my editor to making boomerang videos of my colleagues running through a corridor of dangling buoyancy aids , I found myself hysterical with laughter and with an album of images that never fail to make me smile ( and sometimes cringe ) in the process . So go on , I dare you . Push yourself out of your comfort zone , you never know , you might have an afternoon of unadulterated fun on your hands .
Open to all ages and offering 25 + different photo opportunities , Tikky Town costs £ 17.99pp for a 60 minute experience .
selfiefactory . co . uk / tikkytown tikkytown
The O2 / Peninsula Square / London / SE10 0DX / www . theo2 . co . uk / theo2london
The O2 is easily accessible by tube ( North Greenwich via the Jubilee line ), bus and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers , and has pre-bookable parking spaces onsite .
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