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22/06/2012 09:40 | By Ginny Weeks, Contributor, MSN Travel
Walking on the roof of the 02 arena

'Up at the O2'

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The O2 arena in Greenwich has split many opinions over the last 5 years but there is no denying its iconic dome shape is a distinctive London landmark. Now you can experience what it's like to be on the roof of the arena with 'Up at the O2', which is now open to the public.

In celebration of the dome's 5th birthday, a new fabric walkway, complete with viewing platform, has been constructed over the dome itself.

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Walking on the roof of the 02 arenaGinny WeeksContributor, MSN Travel2012-06-22T08:40:49seo_keywordsO2 arena walkway up at the O2true250254651The top 20 places people are choosing to visit during the Games(©LP_PA Images)Most popular places to flee the OlympicsGallery250240824Water-bound beauties, leaning towers and shiny urban gems(©WAN)In pictures: breathtaking hotels of the yearGallery250239029Sky high luxury...(©Singapore Ailines)Unveiled: possibly the world's most amazing luxury airline suiteGallery250049449Exclusive: the travel guide publisher gives us a definitive list of must-visit places(©LP_PA)30 years of Rough Guides: the best bitsGallery161321870Mammoth, Splashin' Safari, Indiana(©Splashing Safari)World's wildest water rides Gallery160838979Nemesis Sub-Terra, Alton Towers, UK(©Alton Towers)The world's scariest ridesGallery'Up at the O2'The O2 arena in Greenwich has split many opinions over the last 5 years but there is no denying its iconic dome shape is a distinctive London landmark. Now you can experience what it's like to be on the roof of the arena with 'Up at the O2', which is now open to the public.In celebration of the dome's 5th birthday, a new fabric walkway, complete with viewing platform, has been constructed over the dome itself.topThis field has been disabled for Gallery V2'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'The 1,175-square metre walkway took a specialist team of 22 riggers and abseilers 18 weeks to complete. It sits 53m above ground level.The walkway is made from bespoke tensile fabric which is both incredibly strong and very flexible- so when you walk on it, it actually feels just like it would on the roof of the building- but with safety features keeping you secure!We were one of the first people to try it.topThis field has been disabled for Gallery V2'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'The 90-minute experience, costing £22 per person, starts with a quick briefing before being kitted out with climbing suits, shoes and (tight!) safety harnesses.Anyone over the age of 10 years old, and over 1.2 metres in height can go try 'Up at the O2'. There are also plans for accessible tours for people with disabilities, including wheelchair users. topThis field has been disabled for Gallery V2'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'Next, everyone waddles penguin-like to the base of the dome, where you get your first glimpse of the walkway and its dramatic incline.You need to be reasonably fit to take part in the ride to be able to walk up the steep inclines. The fabric bounces slightly as you walk too, so it's probably not the best choice for people with nervous dispositions!topThis field has been disabled for Gallery V2'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'The harnesses are connected to a cabling system so you are always secure, and you have a hand rail to keep you stable. This is particularly reassuring on the steep sections of the walkway which could be scary if you have a fear of heights.Instructors are always to hand to help you if you have any questions or queries.topThis field has been disabled for Gallery V2'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'During the walk up you start to get a glimpse of the beautiful 360 degree views, but they are really spectacular when you reach the viewing platform, which is at the summit of the dome. 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It is slightly longer on the way down as the walkway finishes at ground level, as opposed to a elevated platform at the beginning.The grid-like structure of the fabric did offer excellent grip but I still felt the need to hang on to the handrail for a bit of support.After 90-minutes we had finished and were back on the ground. I'd recommend 'Up at the O2' to Londoners and tourists alike for a fantastic and different way to see the sights of London.topThis field has been disabled for Gallery V2'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)'Up at the O2'(©Microsoft)

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