London may not be the first place that you think about visiting if you are an avid climbing fan. However, this historic city has some fantastic opportunities for climbing no matter what level of expertise you have. Whether you are visiting London for pleasure or business, these climbing experiences are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
You may know already what to do, but these three activities might just need to be added to your schedule! Before you alter your itinerary, it’s a good idea to go online and book tickets in advance. These are popular options and will become busier during peak times so that a reservation will avoid disappointment.
1. The O2 Arena – Peninsula Square, Greenwich
If you don’t know what to see in London, you should start by seeing London from up high at the O2 Arena in Greenwich. You’ll see the city from a new perspective as you undertake a 90-minute trip up and over the outside of this iconic building.
You don’t need to have had previous climbing experience and you are provided with all of the safety equipment that you need. From the top of the arena, you are given a 360-degree view and, on a clear day, the opportunity to see landmarks from up to 15 miles away.
2. Tower Bridge – Tower Bridge Road, SE1 2UP
Tower Bridge is undoubtedly one of London’s most iconic structures. While it remains a busy route over the Thames, the public can access the bridge and walk across the glass high-level walkways to get a view of London 42 metres above the Thames. If you time your ascent with when the bridge is being raised, you’ll have the experience of seeing the boats passing under you, too.
3. Twentytwo – 22 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AJ
Twentytwo is due to open for climbing in 2019. It’s London’s latest skyscraper and is a modern business office development with a difference. Inside the tower, there will be London’s first ever climbing window. At four hundred metres above ground level, thrill seekers will have the chance to climb fixed routes with the stunning backdrop of the city and a breath-taking drop to the pavement below.
This is not for the faint-hearted or those who struggle with extreme heights, but for climbers who want to experience a new style of urban climbing, this could be for you!
London is a busy city and so climbing up high is one way to escape the chaos and see this city from a different perspective. There is also a great selection of climbing walls and bouldering activities that you can access to – ideal should the weather go against you! Click here to see London’s best climbing walls.
Whether you prefer climbing on a rock face or bouldering across more natural landscapes, urban climbing is a great way to get more people involved with climbing. Once people have got over their initial fear of heights, they may just discover that climbing is something that they wish to pursue as a hobby – which is good news for everyone.