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
Fee: Yes.ArcelorMittal Orbit Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 5 Thornton St, London E20 2AD, UK
Phone: 01248 601444
Official Website: ArcelorMittal Orbit
ArcelorMittal Orbit Reviews
Rated out of 5
All the staff working around 17.00 - 18.00 on 2 March were absolutely lovely, from bottom to top and down again. Apologies for my colourful language but that slide is a bit more full on than I expected! Fab views. I've never been a fan of the building but at least it is useful now!
niall carroll - 2 weeks ago
Did zip world wales last year, and learned London had opened. Having seen the ArcelorMittal during 2012 Olympics was keen to see what it looked like inside.
The team are all funny and helpful, it was quick to get on slide, we were in and out within 30mins, and the ride is just of 30seconds long.
Silly rugby hats and elbow pads seemed a little too much, but this is health and safety madness...
Will be back, as apparently other adrenaline adventures are being progress for the summer....???
There are lockers which the team gave us a coin for.
Thank you ZipWorld!
Kevin - 3 weeks ago
Just been today (1/03/25), amazing experience!! Staff were fantastic, super safe and an experience to rember forever! Possibly a little over priced but 100% worth doing!!
Isabel D - 3 weeks ago
The ArcelorMittal Orbit is a unique and striking landmark in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Standing as the UK’s tallest sculpture, it offers incredible panoramic views of the city from its observation decks. One of the highlights is the thrilling slide that spirals down the structure, providing an unforgettable experience for those seeking adventure. The combination of art, engineering, and entertainment makes the Orbit stand out, and whether you're there for the views, the slide, or to admire its unusual design, it's a must-visit for anyone exploring the Olympic Park area.
ARMAN Rez - 6 months ago
Paid £19 on the day for the viewing platform and slide. Had to queue almost an hour for the slide, which lasts about a minute and isn't too scary or fast - I would say it's doable for most people. It did make me feel shaken up for a about a minute afterwards. I then went back up for the viewing platform durung sunset, which has pretty good 360° views over London. Then, I descended using the steps all the way down which was probably the most fun part! Overall, it was worthwhile but the high price and long queues were annoying.
Tom Price - a week ago
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.
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Photo Gallery
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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: Croydon Clicker - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: 35mmMan - 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
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