Arguably the most popular indoor arena in the UK, it is located in south-east London and incredibly easy to get to by tube (and by Thames Clipper boat!). It was originally the Millennium Dome, an exhibition celebrating the turn of the third millennium, but was reopened in June 2007 and is now The O2 Arena. It is the second-largest arena in Europe, after the Manchester Arena, but is the busiest in the world.
Most people know it as a live music venue but you can easily spend a day there as it also has a Cineworld cinema, an exhibition space, a bowling alley called Brooklyn Bowl, piazzas, bars and restaurants. There are loads of different activities to do, from Indigo at The O2, a live music club for smaller music events or The O2 Bubble, a two-storey bubble-shaped exhibition space.
Throughout the school holidays, there are a host of free visitor benefits at the ICON outlet at The O2 including further discounts, personal styling, hair braiding, kids crafts, mindfulness sessions and a chill out zones.
Up at The O2 involves an expedition across the roof of the building along a 190m long tensile fabric walkway. From the platform, halfway across, visitors can see the Olympic Park, Thames Barrier, The Shard, Historic Royal Greenwich and Canary Wharf. Click here for Up at The O2 tickets!
Don’t look down!
I’ve only ever been to the O2 for live events but I can see how it would be a good spot to spend the day with some friends. Whenever I’ve been there’s a really good choice of places to eat and I know there’s a cinema there. I’d probably say that it’s only a good spot to hang out if you’re fairly local or specifically want to go and explore the O2. Otherwise, you could just go to your local shopping mall.
You can find loads more information by Laura Porter at aboutlondonlaura.com
Great website. Love this to help choose days out with the family