Overview

I loved doing this! - but realise it isn't something everyone would enjoy. I didn't require disabled access for my visit, but I'm recording what I saw, as people might not be aware there are some accessible options to do this!

Transport & Parking

I reached the 02 through a combination of trains and underground- which serve London well. There are also buses. There is a website giving more information about accessible public transport in London.

Access

It is recommended you book a time-slot in advance to climb the o2 (dome times you can also find discounts online, or combination tickets with other attractions). If walking over the o2, you require to be able to walk unaided, without a walking aid, and be relatively fit. (I am relatively fit, and still thought it was a fairly steep climb, though you can rest as you need to). It is also at a height, and you are exposed to whatever the weather conditions are on the day. You can't really carry personal belongings, phones or small cameras must be carried in a pocket which can zip. Small medication eg inhalers, can be carried, you're advised to let the climb guide know if you need anything like this. Glasses and hearing aids which are worn securely are allowed (check they are secure!!) There are lockers where you can leave your belongings. I would also say you need to be able to follow instructions - you are attached by climbing rope at all times while climbing, but you are responsible for threading this along the route. You go up with a group of people, there are Guides, who were great, and they really kept an eye that everyone was OK. But, they also do wheelchair climbs! I didn't see this happening. They have a special wheelchair for the climb, their staff are not allowed to help you transfer into this, but they have a hoist so if you/your carers can use this. You need to bring your own sling. They also have a large changing room with changing plinth. You can book for one person doing wheelchair climb but up to 9 friends/family can also book to walk at the same time (1 carer place is included in that number, the carer is free). The person in the wheelchair will be taken on the climb with four 02 guides, who use a pulley system. See this for more info: https://www.theo2.co.uk/accessibility/up-at-the-o2-2

Toilets

Large accessible toilet/changing area. Hoist and plinth.

Staff

All were very friendly and helpful. Everything is explained step by step. You put your own climbing harness etc on, but they checked every person individually. On the climb, we had 2 guides accompany our group. They were great, they chatted to everyone, made sure everyone was OK. A few people in the group were a bit nervous, and they reassured them and let them take their time. At the top of the 02, I hadn't realised that there is a flat platform area, which is fence in and you can 'unclip' at this point. The Guides put on some music and encouraged us all to wander around and take as many photos as we wanted. (You can also order drinks to have up here, but must do in advance). The Guides then became tour-guides and pointed out many famous/historic buildings which we could see all the way round us. This was a bonus and something I hadn't expected.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

There were hand gels, and you had to wear masks when inside the buildings, but as the climb was outside they weren't required then.

Photos