If you have a birthday or special anniversary coming up, why not celebrate with a thrilling London activity?
(I've taken the list of attractions below from the March edition of London Planner, the long-running 100-page free tourist giveaway. Specifically pages 36-38, 'Sightseeing - Activities')
But what do you get, how much do they cost, and could you persuade me to try any of them?
(For price purposes I'm assuming a booking date of Monday 9th March, two days hence)
Sightseeing - Activities
The Chimney Lift(formerly Lift 109) The gist of it: This is the one where you take the scenic lift to the top of Battersea Power Station's northwest chimney for a "pig's eye" view over west London. What you get: A walk through a virtual office, an interactive wall to poke, a 360° film, an ascent inside a replica industrial chimney to a height of 109m, a chance to gawp at a panoramic view from inside a Wonka-esque glass lift. How long you get: Apparently you get 7 minutes at the top, but the full palaver lasts 30-60 minutes. How much it costs: £24 on the day but some £16 slots if you book early. £1.50 transaction fee applies, so £17.50 minimum. Various additional upsells. Would I try it? Maybe yes.
The Dare Skywalk The gist of it: This is the one where you climb Tottenham's new stadium to the cock up top for a view over north London. What you get: A safety briefing, a harness fitting, an exposed walkway to climb (angle of ascent 14°), a chance to get up close to the golden cockerel, a brief looping glass walkway 47m above the pitch, a cafe in the media room on the way out. How long you get: 90 minutes (including safety briefing and de-kitting). How much it costs: £48 on the day but £40.80 if you book in advance. Would I try it? Up the Spurs? Not a chance.
F1 Drive London The gist of it: This is the one where you ride go-karts underneath Tottenham Hotspur's South stand, pretending this has something to do with proper motor racing. What you get: A balaclava, 15 minutes in an "F1®-inspired" kart whizzing round a 500m track with 17 turns (5 left, 12 right), "cutting-edge steering wheel", LED display with live data, sound effect of 2023 F1 engine, simulated commentary, admittance to fan zone overlooking race area before and after, chance to buy £10 nachos. How long you get: 15 minute practice session OR 15 minute qualifier and 15 minute 'Grand Prix'. How long you get: £40 for the former, £75 for the latter (plus 15% off booked in advance, i.e. £35 or £63.75). Would I try it? I would be rubbish at it, so wasted cash.
Ifly The gist of it: This is the one where you go to The O2 to skydive in a tubular updraught (which admittedly you can also do in several non-London locations). What you get: Flight training, pre-flight "gear-up" (helmet, flight suit and goggles), lean into some whooshy air, brief flight with instructor, opportunity to buy photos and videos. How long you get: Each flight lasts 50-55 seconds, minimum two flights. How much it costs: 2 flights from £45.99, 4 flights from £73.99 (plus £3 booking fee, so essentially £49). Expect to pay double on weekend afternoons. Would I try it? I weigh less than 18½ stone so I could, but I wouldn't.
Dangleway The gist of it: This is the one where you board Boris's ego and cross the Thames aboard pseudo public transport. What you get: A seat in a glass gondola, a jiggly crossing, views over east London. How long you get: Just under 10 minutes. How much it costs:£7 for a single crossing (50p off for a return) Would I try it? Obviously yes, although I've only bothered once since 2017.
Helix The gist of it: This is the one where you descend the big red tower in the Olympic Park down a zippy corkscrew slide. What you get: 30 second lift ascent, chance to stand on viewing platform and enjoy views over east London, mat to sit on, 178m of steel tube, 12 loops at up to 15mph, optional reaction cam. How long you get: 45 minutes overall, but the descent takes only 35 seconds. How much it costs: £17 plus £5 admin fee, i.e. £22 (or just £14 to enjoy the viewing platform and walk down). Costs £5 more at weekends. Pitiful discounts for booking 30/60/90 days in advance. Would I try it? I paid £9.95 for an annual pass in 2015, went up lots and haven't been back since. The slide is not for me.
Up at The O2 The gist of it: This is the one where you pretend to be a mountaineer crossing a millennial tent to enjoy views over east London. What you get: A protective suit to wear, boots if you need them, a cable to attach yourself to, a bouncy climb (occasionally steep), a break at the top (photos permitted, drinks optional), back down and unclip. How long you get: All the guff says 90 minutes, but no more than 20 up, 20 at the top and 20 down. How much it costs: From £37 (but £42 at weekends). Would I try it? Never been interested, it's only 52m up and I prefer a proper hill.
Summit The gist of it: This is the new one where you climb over the top of Alexandra Palace, the claim that this is "the UK’s highest roof walk" cheekily based on height above sea level rather than actual elevation. What you get: A safety briefing, a harness, quite a lot of stairs inside, more stairs across the roof, a tiny platform at the summit beneath the Angel of Plenty, release your phone from the hired pouch (£7.50 extra), stairs back down. How long you get: A 60 minute experience with 10 minutes at the top. How much it costs:£28 (but £30 at weekends, and not actually open this Monday) Would I try it? I reckon you get a good enough view from Ally Pally at ground level.
By price
• Dangleway: £7
• The Chimney Lift: £17.50
• Helix: £22
• Summit: £28
• (London Eye: £33)
• F1 Drive London: £35
• Up at The O2: £37
• The Dare Skywalk: £40.80
• Ifly: £49
By duration
• The Dare Skywalk: 50 minutes?
• Up at The O2: 50 minutes?
• Summit: 40 minutes?
• (London Eye: 30 minutes)
• F1 Drive London: 15 minutes
• The Chimney Lift: 13 minutes
• Dangleway: 9 minutes
• Ifly: 1 minute 45 seconds
• Helix: 35 seconds
