Rooftop walks have become something of a staple in London, but this month brings a notable newcomer as Alexandra Palace opens its Victorian rooftop to the public for the first time.
Should the city at street level seem a little tame from time to time, head for the skies at one of the three below.
Summit
Alexandra Palace, N22, alexandrapalace.com
Alexandra Palace is going sky-high: from this month, Londoners are finally able to clamber onto its Victorian rooftop for what’s set to be the highest legal roof walk in the country. A guided climb heads 130m above sea level for huge, sweeping views — 25 miles on a clear day — taking in everything from St Paul’s to Canary Wharf. Go for a golden-hour slot if you want the city at its glittering best.
Up at the O2
The O2, SE10, upattheo2.co.uk
Still the big one. Up at the O2 remains the capital’s most famous roof walk for a reason: you’re clipped in, bouncing over the giant white dome and climbing to a peak of 52m for full 360-degree skyline views. Greenwich, Canary Wharf, the river — it all looks wildly different depending on whether you go by day, sunset or twilight. Touristy? Perhaps, but also tremendous fun.
The Dare Skywalk
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, N17, tottenhamhotspurstadium.com
For something with a bit more edge, quite literally, the Dare Skywalk takes climbers up and over Spurs’ stadium roof, 46.8m above the pitch. There’s a glass walkway, a close-up of the enormous golden Cockerel and some big views of north London and beyond — plus kids go free on non-match days, which helps. Far more fun than watching Spurs on current form.
