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

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.Closed 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
Cath H. Aug-13-2023
We originally booked the slide for February, using a voucher for two and an additional online booking for an additional two. We were subsequently advised... Read More
Elethia M. Jan-01-2020
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
Dee B. May-16-2019
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
Accommodations near ArcelorMittal Orbit:
Directions
Underground | Overground Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
Central, Jubilee or London Overground | Stratford | 13 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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Photo Gallery
-
ArcelorMittal Orbit and Olympic Stadium cc licensed photo by David Jones -
Construction and design details cc licensed photo by Danny Nicholson -
ArcelorMittal Orbit viewing platforms at night cc licensed photo by James Mitchell -
Looking down on the new ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide Photo © ArcelorMittal Orbit -
Looking up at the twists and turns of the ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide Photo © ArcelorMittal Orbit -
Riding the ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide Photo © ArcelorMittal Orbit -
Photo Credit: 35mmMan - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: 35mmMan - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: mattbuck4950 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Images George Rex - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: 35mmMan - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: 35mmMan - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors - cc license via Flickr