ArcelorMittal Orbit

Enjoy a spectacular view of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the London skyline and take a breathtaking ride down the world's tallest slide from the top of the ArcelorMittal Orbit

ArcelorMittal Orbit at night
ArcelorMittal Orbit at night cc photo by you_only_live_twice

Designed and constructed for the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is a unique monument and sculpture that is an Olympic legacy landmark and one of the city's newest tourist attractions. In addition it now boasts the tallest and longest tunnel slide in the world — a thrilling ride that corkscrews from the top of the tower to the park below.

Located in what is now Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park the ArcelorMittal Orbit is a 376 foot tall artistic monument engineered and sculpted with steel tubing. It is the tallest sculpture in the United Kingdom. The tower, which was to be a symbol and legacy of the 2012 Summer Olympics, was built according to a winning design by the renowned artist Sir Anish Kapoor and engineer Cecil Balmond. Inspite of some controversy, due to the economic recession at the time of construction, this unusual and gigantic work of art was completed in time for the Olympics. After the Olympic Games it was closed to visitors while work was done to convert the surrounding park area to its post olympic state. The Orbit reopened in April of 2014 as a permanant tourist attraction.

Visitors to the park can not only view this unique structure from the park, but for a fee they can go to one of the two indoor viewing platforms near the top and enjoy a panoramic view of the park and beyond. It is a good idea to pre-book your tickets online to avoid long line-ups and make sure you can get in.

To add excitement, for an additional fee you can enjoy a thrilling 40 second slide at speeds up to 25 kph down the tower's newly opened feature, the tallest, longest tunnel slide on the planet. This exciting slide corkscrews down the tower, first in one direction, then abruptly changing to the opposite direction, all the while alternating between clear sections and complete darkness.

Of course, if you prefer you can enjoy the far more leisurely 12 minute descent down the spiral staircase.

About 2000 tons of tubular steel was used in the construction of the ArcelorMittal Orbit. The 2 viewing platforms near the top each have a capacity of about 150 people. The centre, or 'trunk' of the tower contains an elevator and is wrapped with a spiral staircase that has 455 steps. According to Kapoor one of the things that influenced the design was the Tower of Babel and Balmond envisioned the orbit of an electron. Either way, the end result is definitely a unique design that many like and many do not, but whichever camp you fall into, you can always enjoy the great view from the top.

Facts For Your Visit

Official Website: ArcelorMittal Orbit

Fee: Yes.

Open Now

Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.

  • Monday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sunday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings

Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
3 Thornton Street
London E20 2AD
United Kingdom

Phone: +44 333 800 8099

Reviews

Yelp Rating:
4 out of 5 4 Star Rating
Based on 13 Reviews.

See all reviews on Yelp

5 Star Rating If you're ever in London I would definitely recommend you visit the ArcelorMittal Orbit. In lamens terms it's the coolest slide EVER!!! You cannot ride this... Read More

Elethia M. Jan-01-2020

5 Star Rating I came here to go on the slide,which is the longest and tallest tunnel slide in the world!! What a thrill! I really enjoyed sliding down, although I was... Read More

Dee B. May-16-2019

5 Star Rating OOOOOOOOh. Basically came to this because a friend suggested it but I would highly recommend. The slide is super fun - bit scary on the turns but generally... Read More

Natalie W. Oct-27-2016

Accommodations near ArcelorMittal Orbit:

Directions

Underground | Overground Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Central, Jubilee or London OvergroundStratford13 Minutes

How to get to ArcelorMittal Orbit by Underground | Overground

From Stratford Station take the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park exit. At Westfield Stratford City take escalator, stairs or lift up to the outside pedestrian overpass and follow it across the road and through the outdoor shopping and restaurant mall and take the 2nd left at the Holiday Inn to the park entrance. Make your way through the park to the ArcelorMittal Orbit.

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Photo Gallery

Video


A GoPro tour of a visit to the ArcelorMittal Orbit

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