London Photo Gallery - ArcelorMittal Orbit

The ArcelorMittal Orbit was built as a landmark for the 2012 Olympics with 35,000 bolts and lots of recycled steel that could make 265 double-decker buses. It was the idea of Mayor Boris Johnson, who during a conversation with Lakshmi Mittal from ArcelorMittal, agreed to build the structure.

After closing in 2024 for maintenance, it re-opened to the public in February 2025 with an observation deck offering skyline views at a relatively affordable 12 pound entry price.

However, visiting is a time-consuming and complex procedure. You can pre-book a ticket online or walk-in. Either way, you first need to go to a computer kiosk to sign your waiver forms. Perhaps this was designed for the adventure activities available, but that waiver is needed even for a visit to just the observation deck. Then at the customer service desk, staff need to draw up your completed waiver on her computer with your email address to check you in. There is a lot of typing involved so processing a customer will take quite some time. Afterwards, you exit out back across the courtyard to the elevators.

The observation deck consists of 2 levels with the upper level having an outdoor walkway for half the structure, although there is a wire mesh getting in the way of your photos.

Looking west, there aren't any tall buildings in your way and you can clearly see the City in the distance.

The windows also face Canary Wharf, which is a short Tube ride away.

The area north of Stratford station now has many skyscrapers around the new Westfield shopping mall. There are less buildings south of the station where the old Stratford is still strong.

An annoying wire mesh gets in the way for any view north of the tower so I need to zoom in between to enjoy the views.

It is possible to take the stairs back down but with the wire mesh, you won't be able to enjoy the views. Alternatively, you can pay extra to take the slide back to the ground.

London Photo Gallery Main Page

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