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Clip 'n Climb at the O2 review: a thrilling, family-friendly climbing experience

On the hunt for an engaging, adrenaline-pumping family-friendly activity? Clip ‘n Climb should be high on your list. Here’s our verdict on the new indoor climbing centre at the O2 in London.

By Sue Macmillan | Edited by Rachel Erdos | Last updated Aug 19, 2025

We research and review hotels and attractions independently as well as seeking out tried-and-tested recommendations from our holiday forums. Sometimes our writers are hosted on a complimentary or discounted basis but we'll only ever publish an honest review. When you make a booking through a link on our site we may earn a commission.
Kids getting ready to climb at Clip 'n Climb at the O2

Price: From £14.50 (toddlers) and £19.50 (4+ years) | Book now

Our rating:
What we like
  • Superb staff - attentive, encouraging and particularly good with young climbers

  • Safe and easy-to-use clip-on climbing equipment 

  • Great range of climbing walls for all abilities, from beginners to advanced climbers

  • Lots of nearby dining options at the O2

What we don't like
  • Not a huge range of food available at the on-site cafe 

  • Vertical Drop Slide costs an extra £4 per person (or £5 on arrival)

Our verdict 

Part of a nationwide chain known for its creative climbing walls and welcoming staff, Clip ‘n Climb offers fun family-friendly activities that cater to climbers of all ages and abilities. 

I took a 7-, 8- and 9-year-old along to the newest outpost at the O2 in London and we all had an excellent day. The friendly staff, safe and well-designed equipment and range of climbing options make it accessible to kids and adults of all ages and confidence levels. 

I found the Clip ‘n Climb team particularly good with young climbers. They're attentive, encouraging, and adept at helping children conquer their fears. They also take time to celebrate kids' achievements, which can make a big impact – for example, one staff member made a point to tell my 7-year-old niece how proud she was of her for pushing through her initial nerves, which absolutely made her day.

Whether you’re a spectator or a climber, Clip ‘n Climb has something for everyone and makes for a memorable, active outing for the whole family.

What to expect at Clip 'n Climb at the O2

Kids climbing the walls at Clip 'n Climb at the O2

Clip ‘n Climb is set up for both kids and adults, meaning the whole family can get involved. If your kids are young, you may need to assist them with clipping in and out of the equipment when climbing the walls, but if they’re old enough, you can simply relax in the viewing area while they climb. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, have a go yourself! Although I chose to give it a miss, adults are completely welcome to take part and many do.

Note that if you’re not climbing but want to enter the arena with your kids, you’ll need to attend a safety briefing before being allowed in. 

The facilities are modern, clean, and purpose-built, with a range of climbing walls that cater to all confidence levels. For those a bit more daring, there's even a vertical drop slide – an exciting challenge for anyone ready to push their limits.

Sessions last an hour. From our experience, this is ample time for kids to explore a variety of walls and even return to a favourite if they’re up for the challenge.

What's the best age for Clip 'n Climb?

A toddler climbing up a Clip 'n Climb climbing wall

Kids need to be at least four years old to take part in a standard session at Clip 'n Climb but special events are available for younger adventurers:

Mini Mountaineer sessions (for kids aged 2-4): 12pm to 1pm Tuesday to Friday 

Mini Mountaineer+ sessions (for kids aged 2-7): 10am to 11am Saturday and Sunday

Adults need to assist kids during these times and won’t be able to climb during the session. 

How much does a session cost at Clip ‘n Climb at the O2?

Regular sessions cost £19.50 for climbers aged four and up, while the toddler sessions are priced at £14.50. You won’t need to bring or purchase any extra equipment; everything is provided, which keeps things hassle-free.

The on-site South Ridge Cafe offers a range of food and drink options, including coffee, soft drinks, pizza, sandwiches, toasties, and sweet treats, so you can refuel before or after your climb.

What is there to do nearby at the O2?

The entrance of the O2 arena in London

After you’ve conquered the climbing walls, the O2 has plenty more to keep the family entertained. You could check out the Oxygen Freejumping trampoline park, try the interactive TOCA Social football experience, bowl a few frames at Hollywood Bowl, catch a movie at Cineworld, or – if you’re feeling adventurous – try iFly London Indoor Skydiving. There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants at the O2 too, so you can easily grab lunch or a snack after your climb.

About the author

Sue Macmillan is COO at Mumsnet, where she is responsible for Product, Data, and People. She is also part of Mumsnet's team of expert parent testers, where she creates unbiased and honest product and travel reviews that aim to help parents make the right purchase decisions to suit their needs. A mum of one, she loves to travel and visit adventurous places with her family.

About Mumsnet reviews

All Mumsnet reviews are written by real parents after hands-on testing. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.