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Last year, my family visited The O2 in North Greenwich, London, for fun at Hollywood Bowl, followed by a spot of shopping and a bite to eat. Catching sight of figures scaling the venue's dome-shaped roof, my son Reuben was intrigued. 'Can we do that?' he asked. But the minimum age to climb Up at The O2 is 8 years old. So, he spent a year waiting to tick this activity off the bucket list.
I arrived at base camp with my husband, Reuben, and his older brother Odhran, 11, about 15 minutes before our scheduled slot (as advised). After filling in our waivers, we were led into a room, where you can grab a quick drink from a water cooler.
We swapped our footwear for deep tread walking boots and you can borrow a gilet with pockets if you want to take your phone up. Anything that couldn't fit in the secure pocket of the gilet had to go into a box with our shoes and other belongings. This was safely stored away to be retrieved at the end of the climb.
Then, it was into our harnesses (there were optional gloves, as there's a central line you hold to pull yourself along). All the gear is provided but sandal-wearers must remember to bring socks. After a short safety briefing, our group was on its way, with Reuben delighted to take the lead.
Our visit coincided with a heatwave. So, we were pleased we hadn't signed up to take part in the experience during the midday sun. Our late evening climb was perfect, as temperates had cooled and there was a gentle breeze blowing.
A 380-metre fabric walkway stretches over the middle of the dome-shaped roof, with a steep 30-degree incline leading to the summit, which is 52 metres above ground. There's a bouncy feeling underfoot as you climb, but you're fully secured to a central cable by a harness. The whole experience lasts 90 minutes, as you get to spend about 15-20 minutes on the central viewing platform at the summit. The climb requires an average fitness level - Odhran and Reuben were charging ahead.
But as he'd powered his way up the incline, Reuben reached the viewing platform feeling parched, and while there's a fridge storing cool drinks, these can't be purchased once you reach the top. Drinks must be pre-ordered at reception when you arrive a base camp. I clearly hadn't been listening properly. When I'd been asked at reception if I wanted to purchase drinks, I'd thought it was to have there and then. I stupidly didn't realise it was a pre-order for when you reach the top.
I had a stainless steel water bottle I'd planned to take up but I had to leave that behind at the last moment as it wouldn't fit in the pocket of the gilet. So, if you want to bring a bottle of water make sure it's a small plastic bottle.
On the circular viewing platform, you don't have to stay attached to the central safety line. You're free to walk around and take in the stunning 360 degree view. Gaze out at the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf on one side, and watch the boats along the winding River Thames on the other. Our knowledgeable guide pointed out notable landmarks, such as the Old Naval College and Royal Observatory. Last year, we took in a different view of London from the ArcelorMittal Orbit at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the boys enjoyed spotting this attraction from the roof of The O2.
On the way down the other side, Odhran, a huge Marvel fan, and I talked about how it would be great to see The O2 feature in a Spider-Man movie, as there are steel masts and strong cables for our favourite superhero to swing between. But it turns out James Bond beat him to it, as the Greenwich landmark features in The World Is Not Enough.
Professional photographers take pictures of you during your Up at The O2 roof climb, which you can view and buy as digital or printed souvenir photos after the climb. But you're also welcome to use your phone to take your own pictures on the viewing platform.
After our climb, we finished out evening with an gelato and a drink inside The O2, where you'll find plenty of dining options.
We love an opportunity to view London from above, and Up at The O2 is a unique experience that adds a bit of adventure to taking in the sights.
Choose from daytime, sunset and twilight climbs, and check out seasonal events - such as the Christmas event, where the summit is transformed into a giant snow globe adventure with falling snow, cookies and festive drinks.
Tickets for Up at The O2 cost from £37 per person or from £133.20 for a family of four. Prices vary based on the time of day and whether you visit on a weekday or weekend. But remember, O2 customers get a 20% discount, which you can claim through the Priority from O2 app. Find out more here