Sliding Down from the Sky: ArcelorMittal Orbit and the Peak of London

Nick Stark
3 min readJul 12, 2019

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Ready for a sightseeing trip but you don’t have the time or money to see every tourist spot in London? Spare an hour of your trip and visit the city’s tallest sculpture during your stay at any of the hotels in Cricklewood London — the ArcelorMittal Orbit!

The ArcelorMittal Orbit is as much a sight to see as it is a sightseeing platform. This sculpture is a collaborative work of art created by Anish Kapoor, Carsten Höller, and designed by Cecil Balmond along with ArcelorMittal Orbit.

Made up of more than a thousand tonnes of 60% recycled steel snaking up to observation decks, the view at the top is as thrilling as the trip down. From way up high, you can easily spot the famous Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the O2 Arena.

As a test of courage, visitors can dare themselves to take the fastest way down through the ArcelorMittal Orbit’s most popular highlight: a twisty tube slide less than a couple of hundred meters long! Even as you slide back down to the safe ground, the transparent tubing lets tourists see the sights along the way.

This makes for a highly interesting visual experience that might just tempt you to take another climb up — if you’re bold enough to come back down a second time, that is!

Do you need something a little more exhilarating? Other than sightseeing and tube sliding, for a fee of around £100, you can soar high in the skies of London by booking the Orbit’s abseiling services! Abseiling, also known as rappelling, is an invigorating activity made for the boldest of thrill-seekers.

For first-timers, experienced abseiling instructors will help guarantee your safety while you make your way through the air. The Orbit also hosts special viewing events for evening firework shows during seasonal holidays, perfect for a memorable out-of-country vacation.

If the slide or the extra activities sound a bit too daunting for your taste, there’s no need to worry! The structure has two elevators. But, for those who prefer to have a little exercise, a 455-step stairway with special audio features to keep you occupied through the long climb is available.

Ready to get rid of your fear of heights? Are you up for one of the best adrenaline rushes in your life? You’re in luck, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is open to everyone every day for the whole year! To start the experience, head to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 5 Thornton Street, London E20 2AD by taking a train at Stratford Station.

Book your stay at Best Western Palm Hotel Golders Green and schedule a timed session online at https://www.goldentours.com/travelblog/the-slide-at-arcelormittal-orbit Ticket prices vary depending on the number of visitors and age: adults are charged a normal fee of £16.50, seniors are charged £13.50, children are charged £10.50, while families are charged £52.00.

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