For a thrilling ride to match any rollercoaster, take kids to London’s Helix Slide At The ArcelorMittal Orbit.
See London from the sky, then descend back down to the ground at an adrenaline-pumping speed in the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide. The famous Helix Slide has just re-opened at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The perfect day out for older kids and teens, this unique attraction is a dream for thrill seekers. Citizen Enfants visited the famous structure to find out more.
What is Helix Slide At The ArcelorMittal Orbit?
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In short, Helix is the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide. What that means in reality is that you whizz down a 173-meter-long tube, as you loop 12 times around the ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture. The whole experience takes just 40 seconds, with riders reaching speeds of up to 15 miles per hour, so it is quite the adrenaline rush. Twisting and turning as you make your way through the partially transparent slide, you can also take in views across London – if you’re brave enough to keep your eyes open!
Helix is located in the famous ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture, which was designed by Sir Anish Kapoor and Cecil Salmond for the London 2012 Olympics. The huge, imposing red structure looks a bit like a twisted tangle of roller coaster tracks and is quite the feat of engineering. It is made of 35,000 bolts and the equivalent of 265 double-decker buses worth of steel (60 per cent of which is recycled). Both the ArcelorMittal Orbit and the Helix were closed in 2024 for essential maintenance, but have reopened under new ownership, having been taken over by adventure company Zip World. With a new lease of life this is bound to become one of London’s most popular attractions this spring and summer.
Who is it for?
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As exciting as any theme park ride and a true ‘bucket list’ experience, this attraction is definitely one for thrill seekers who aren’t afraid of high speeds (or heights). That doesn’t mean it’s not for kids though. Anyone taller than 1.3m (the average height for a nine year-old) is welcome to have a go. There are no limits to how tall you can be, but you must weigh less than 130 kilograms (you can be measured and weighed on site). This is a great day out for older kids and teens who won’t be scared by the height – or the drop – and who view it in the same way they would an adventurous rollercoaster ride.
The Highlights
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Of course the Helix slide itself is the most exciting element of the ArcelorMittal Orbit, but it’s worth noting that there is also a viewing platform with 360-degree views of the capital. Standing at 80-metres tall, on a clear day you can see as far as 20 miles into the distance, and easily spot some of London’s world-famous landmarks such as Big Ben, St. Paul’s and The London Eye.
There’s plenty to do and see around Helix too. The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is huge with endless acres of parkland; it’s packed with fun for kids and is home to some super-cool play areas such as the Tumbling Bay Playground that features rock pools, sand pits, tall treehouses, and wobbly bridges, as well as slides and swings. Or check out the bright red Climbing Wall (that was formed from the gap left by a bridge used during the London 2012 Games) or the Pleasure Gardens Play Area where kids can run around in an expansive space that has been designed to let them explore and play freely. It has climbing frames, oversized swings and even a giant sandpit. There are many restaurants and cafes dotted around the park too; Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen is a great option with children. The attraction is also right next to Westfield shopping centre for dining and shopping.
Need to know
It’s possible to walk in on the day, but it’s better to book online for busy times, such as weekends and school holidays. You will be allocated a time slot and you should arrive 30 minutes beforehand, giving you time to put your belongings in a secure locker before hopping in the lift that will transport you to the top of the tower. You can, of course, take the stairs, but there are 455 of them, so it’s not a climb for the faint hearted – or for little legs. Wear comfortable clothing, you’ll be given a soft helmet to wear and a specially designed mat to slide down on. It’s all very safe and secure and you’ll be given a quick safety briefing by the staff as you wait your turn. Then simply lay down and let yourself go on this super-cool ride that’s definitely one to remember.
Where is it?
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 5 Thornton Street, London, E20 2AD.
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