Right from when the slide was announced last year, we know it was something we'd have to do! After not being able to visit last year, we made sure we visited it this time we were in London, and it certainly didn't disappoint. Below is our review of the tower and the slide...
Heading out from the centre of London to Stratford on a cold, wet and foggy morning, we thought we wouldn't get to see much from the viewing platforms, or even the top of the tower itself for that matter. Luckily, the fog cleared by the time we arrived. The Orbit Tower was created as part of the Olympic park for the 2012 Olympics, and has been open since as a viewing tower. That was until 2016, when the incredible decision was made to add the slide onto the tower.
As we got nearby, the tower is unmissable and dominates the skyline around the area, the slide is so thin that it's hardly visible from afar, but it's only when you get close is once you realise how twisted and insane it looks. Upon arrival, reception gave us our tickets which we would need to access the slide area and reminded to use the lockers as no loose items are allowed down the slide. There are steps that wind all the way up to the top of the tower which is a beautiful walk down from the tower on the sunny day (sadly not today). Taking the lift to the top though, which had two floors. The top floor being the exterior viewing alongside inside viewing, and the second floor which is for the slide. The time slot booked is for the time you can enter the slide's queue. You can spend as much time as you like exploring the tower and are more than welcome to go back up to explore after you have experienced the slide.
The views from the top of the tower are breathtaking, with almost a birds eye view of the Olympic stadium which is now home to the West Ham Football Club, you can also see all across London!
Onto the slide itself, unfortunately the morning we were there, they were having to do excessive testing (with a dummy, and then staff) due to the weather conditions which changes the speed guests go down the slide. After around a half hour delay, it was finally ready to open, and was more than worth the wait for what we were about to experience. Kitted up with safety gear which consists of a padded helmet and elbow guards, we were given the safety information of how to sit in the sacks to go down the slide with. Sat at the top with the nerves kicking in, feet, legs and bottom in the right position and holding on, the member of staff gave us the signal that we were all good to go! You then have to slowly pull yourself forward, before you find yourself whizzing down and around the narrow twisting tube. The slide experience is such a rush, and really took us by surprise at how fast and thrilling a slide could be. We were impressed! The speed felt pretty consistent throughout, and with the sudden change of directions it really threw you around. It's mostly dark on the way down with the few light sections which you swiftly see race past with a quick glance of the tower looming above you. We'd say for how fast you feel you're going, the slide lasted longer that we ever would thought, and thoroughly enjoyed every second!
The ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide is such a unique attraction to London, and even the UK!. This is definitely worth travelling to for the experience! We are looking forward to our next visit of the tower, to get another ride on the slide and see the London views!
For more information and to book The ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide - Click HERE
