The O2
WHERE
London
What it’s like
A whole complex of things to do under one roof, from climbing the roof itself to bowling, battle games and indoor skydiving.
This isn't one attraction, it's a cluster of them, all sat under the same tent-shaped roof. You've got Hollywood Bowl for a straightforward game, Clip 'n Climb for the ones who won't sit still, Boom Battle Bar for the older kids who fancy something a bit competitive, and iFLY if anyone in your group has ever wanted to try indoor skydiving without the plane. There's a Guinness World Records exhibit too, which is a decent shout for a slower hour if legs are tired. The site lists opening hours as 10am to 10pm daily, though it's worth knowing that individual venues and restaurants inside run their own separate hours, so what's open at 9am might not match what's open at 9pm.
The big one, literally, is climbing The O2 itself. It's a 52 metre climb up the outside of the roof, which is the sort of thing you build a whole day around rather than squeeze in before lunch. If you're after something less physical and more theatrical, there's also Mamma Mia! The Party, a dining experience with a show attached, which feels like the one to save for a birthday rather than a random Tuesday.
Food-wise you're not short of options, with bars and kitchens on Levels 0 and 1 of the arena plus other restaurants and cafés dotted around the complex. Parking's on site and there's a free drop-off and pick-up point in Car Park 1, though on event days you'll need to book your space ahead. North Greenwich tube station has step-free access and sits right by the complex, which makes it an easy one if you're coming without a car.
One faff worth knowing about: if you're bringing a large bag, it has to go into bag storage outside the main entrance and that's £10 a bag, searched and screened before it goes in. With that many attractions crammed into one site, expect a full day rather than a quick visit, especially if more than one child has their heart set on a different thing.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- On-site parking available. Pre-book on event days
- Food
- Multiple food and drink options throughout the O2 complex including bars and kitchens on Levels 0 and 1 of the arena
- Getting there by bus or train
- North Greenwich tube station (step-free access)
- Different venues inside the complex have their own opening hours, separate from the main 10am to 10pm
- Bag storage is £10 a bag and closes 30 minutes after an event ends
- Climbing The O2 is a proper outdoor activity up the roof, not something to squeeze in quickly
- There are 400+ cycle racks near the tube station and in the car parks if you're biking it
Plan your visit
What are the opening hours?
The complex runs 10am to 10pm daily, though individual venues and restaurants inside keep their own hours.
Is there parking?
Yes, on site, with free drop-off and pick-up in Car Park 1. On event days you need to pre-book your space.
What's the deal with bags?
Large bags can't come in with you. They go into bag storage just outside the main entrance for £10 a bag, and everything gets searched first.
How do we get there without driving?
North Greenwich tube station is right there with step-free access, and there are several bus routes plus cycle racks if you're coming by bike.
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