Highlights
- Experience the UK's highest roof walk - 130 metres above sea level
- Enjoy 25-mile uninterrupted views of London on a clear day
- Climb an authentic palace
Description
'Summit' is a one-hour guided roof climb at London's historic Alexandra Palace. Operated by the urban adventure specialists Wire & Sky, this experience provides a unique blend of historical discovery and views while ascending one of the city's most iconic landmarks.
The journey begins on the ground. Guests must meet their climb guide at the Summit reception area, which is located just inside the East Court Entrance of Alexandra Palace. From there, the guide will take the group to the Rose Window. At this location, guests are fitted with safety equipment, including a full-body harness and a lanyard for the safety system. This ensures a secure attachment to the safety system whilst on the roof. A trained guide, who is as knowledgeable about the Palace's history as they are about safety, leads the group.
The ascent follows a specially designed route up the Palace's roof, providing a close-up look at its intricate Victorian architecture. A key moment of the climb is passing the site of the Great Hall's original Rose Window. This magnificent window was destroyed in 1944 by a German 'doodlebug' bomb, but its legacy lives on through fragments that were incorporated into a new design.
The climb culminates at the apex of the roof, where guests reach the iconic 'Angel of Plenty' statue. She represents plentifulness and abundance through the specific items she is depicted with. She holds a sheaf of wheat and a wreath, while a cornucopia—or horn of plenty—lies at her feet, overflowing with flowers, fruit, and corn to symbolize nature's riches.
From the summit, visitors are rewarded with a stunning, 360-degree panorama of the London skyline. The elevation offers a unique perspective on the city's blend of historical and modern architecture. On a clear day, the vista is expansive and includes a host of prominent landmarks. Notable sights visible from the Palace include the distinctive dome of St Paul's Cathedral, the towering glass spire of The Shard, the financial hub of Canary Wharf, the iconic London Eye, and the BT Tower. The view also includes three Premier League football grounds: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Emirates Stadium (Arsenal), and London Stadium (West Ham United).
The experience is a fusion of adventure and cultural insight. The guides ensure the climb is enjoyable and inform the group, allowing time for photographs and to simply take in the views. No prior climbing experience is necessary, making 'Summit' an accessible way to see London from a new height.
Includes
Entry tickets
Safety equipment
Guided tour
Excludes
Photography
Secure telephone pouch (to take phones on the roof)
Tips for the guide
Important Information
- Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at a maximum ratio of 1 adult to 4 minors
- Harness fit: waist up to 120cm, thighs up to 75cm
- You should contact us if you have undergone major surgery that may affect your strength / mobility within the past 12 months or have a medical condition that may be aggravated by exertion (including but not limited to epilepsy, vertigo, heart conditions) so that we can explain the nature of the activity in detail and discuss your participation together
- Essential medication (e.g. inhalers, insulin) must be declared to your climb guide on the day so that they may carry medication securely during the climb
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
