The day I bought my wedding dress I wanted to shout it from the rooftops – but I went one better and mounted the dizzyingly tall O2.
I was high as a kite last Sunday (July 15) when I finally found my gown and celebratory champagne just wasn’t going to cut it.
So my fiancé and I ventured to North Greenwich to climb one of London’s most iconic landmarks - where mercifully it had ceased raining for one day.
Up at The O2 invites thrill seekers to clamber 52 metres into the sky over the enormous white dome, relax at the summit to drink in the incredible views and then clamber back down an even steeper descent.
I am petrified of heights and I have to admit, this would never have been my first choice for Sunday evening entertainment.
But my up-for-anything, daredevil companion adores taking on terrifying challenges so – as an act of love – I leapt at the chance to secure two places on the tour.
We arrived at Base Camp 15 minutes early, as instructed, to sign waivers, watch the amusing safety video and get suited and booted in rather fetching blue jumpsuits and hiking shoes.
Our fantastically enthusiastic guide Gary helped us step into our harnesses and made sure everyone was secure – he also promised there have been no accidents since the attraction opened three weeks ago.
Little zipped pockets on your jumpsuit’s sleeve allow adventurers to safely carry a mobile phone with them to take pictures at the top, so leave the heavy Nikons at home.
After walking up a few flights of stairs, we were ready to begin our expedition.
Climbs take place in groups of 15 people, all securely attached to a steel wire at waist-level by a very clever gadget on your harness.
In single file, we set foot onto the tensile blue fabric runway.
This ridged material is slightly bouncy underfoot like a trampoline but don’t give in to the temptation to jump up and down – Gary will not be too impressed.
Clipped onto the wire and feeling very safe, my fear of heights melted away.
With the vast dome spreading out straight underneath you, there is no feeling you might fall off the edge at all.
Moving between those iconic yellow posts you thought you’d only ever admire from afar is seriously cool.
The whole experience is more thrilling than frightening – I just kept thinking ‘I can’t believe I’m climbing The O2’.
Rock stars, pop legends and soul divas have all performed right beneath our feet in this mammoth arena.
Reaching the top, my fiancé and I couldn’t resist the urge to high-five.
It really feels like you’ve achieved something great once you’re unclipped from the wire and wandering around the observation platform – that classic “I’m the king of the world” line from Titanic springs to mind.
From here you can see everything from a unique perspective.
Canary Wharf, The Shard, the Olympic Park and Thames Barrier are all in view and it was amazing to see planes flying impressively close overhead.
Gary is on hand to answer any questions, a treat one American family (including a brave 10-year-old boy) eagerly took advantage of.
Apparently there have only been a couple of scared tourists who have gone white during the trip.
After around 20 minutes at the platform we were clipped back onto the line and began our descent.
Okay, this 30 degree angle is slightly scarier than the 28 degree incline on the way up.
But despite my feet sweating in panic, I still felt courageous enough to pick up a little speed on the way down.
There’s no denying this tour is a lot of fun – as well as a super cool feat to brag about.
The whole day felt like a surreal dream.
Not only had I bought my wedding dress, I’d conquered the Millennium Dome just hours later.
Is there anything I can’t do?
Tickets are £22 per person, tours run between 12pm and 8pm on weekdays and from 10am to 6pm on weekends.
Children over 10 years old and 1.2 metres tall are welcome and O2 customers enjoy 15 per cent off ticket prices with Priority Moments.
Visit UpatTheO2.co.uk
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