Alexandra Palace is about to offer visitors a whole new perspective. Ruth Emery straps in for a first look at “Summit”, the UK’s highest roof walk, and discovers London from 130 metres above sea level…
I regret not bringing my gloves, or perhaps more importantly, a hairband.
It’s a cold, windy January day, albeit with a bright blue sky, and I’m thankful it’s not raining. But when you’re 130 metres above sea level, the temperature plummets further and the wind intensifies.
My long hair waves manically around above my head, and then whips me across the face. I try to catch it and tame it, but then I realise I need to take another photo of the eye-popping 360 degree view across London. I let go of my hair, grab my phone, and laugh (and apologise) as my hair hits the man behind me.
As I take snap after snap, I forget about the hair drama, and the fact my fingers are slowly turning white and numb. Instead, I huddle with nine strangers to stay warm, who are also getting a sneak preview of the UK’s highest roof walk, and listen to our guide Ross regale us with facts about this majestic building and panoramic view.
“Alexandra Palace is wider and higher than Buckingham Palace and is the only palace you can walk on top of!” he shouts, above the noisy wind rattling around us. “The view spans over 25 miles, covering 28 London boroughs and four counties!”
It is indeed, a hair-raising experience, in more ways than one. I’m on top of Ally Pally, the 150-year palace in north London named after Princess Alexandra of Denmark.
I live mere moments away, and frequently visit for my daughter’s ice skating lessons, to go to the boating lake, the theatre and concerts, and more. The view is spectacular from ground level, but on 14 February a new experience called “Summit” will open allowing visitors to walk across the roof.
It’s London’s newest roof-top adventure and the highest roof walk in the UK (at 130 metres – or 426ft – above sea level). The guided route was developed by Wire & Sky, the company behind attractions such as the Dare Skywalk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Cutty Sark rig climb and Liverpool’s Anfield Abseil.
Although some structures rise higher above ground, the Summit gets its “highest” status as it sits further above sea level due to its hilltop setting.
The hour long walk takes in the beautiful rose window balcony, where everyone is strapped into harnesses. We then venture outdoors to climb what are essentially maintenance stairs for cleaning the roof before arriving on a purpose-built platform behind the Angel of Plenty statue. Here we pause, taking in the uninterrupted panoramic views across the capital and beyond.
I spot St Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, Canary Wharf, the London Eye, the BT Tower, and stadiums like Wembley and Tottenham. I can even see my house (sort of, behind a tree, but the road I live on is definitely around there), and my children’s school.
This is a thrilling way to experience the city, and to discover the history of one of London’s most beloved landmarks. Summit offers three ticket options: daytime climbs, sunset climbs and London lights climbs (after dark). Group, private and educational climbs are also available.
The attraction will be open all year-round, and for those not local like myself, a climb can be combined with say, going to a gig, before the theatre, or even if you’re visiting for the darts or snooker. I’m told that you could climb up on the roof and listen to the warm-up act of a concert and then head down and inside in time for the main act.
Or, perhaps book a climb for when the summer festival Kaleidoscope takes over the building and the park, and get the best view from up high? There will also be special climbs for fireworks, New Year and Halloween. Note that it does generally go ahead whatever the weather; lightning is the only hard “no-no” when a climb might be delayed or cancelled.
As I walk back down with my wind-swept hair, it’s time for a hot chocolate to warm up. It was an energising daytime ascent, and I’d love to do it again at sunset or nighttime to capture a different perspective.
I’m already planning a return trip, with my husband and nine-year-old son in tow – and this time I’ll remember a hairband and gloves.
Summit opens on 14 February. For more information — and to book your own hair-raising experience — visit www.summitallypally.co.uk. The sunset climbs are getting booked up already, so book early to find a slot. Prices from £22, minimum age is eight (and minimum height is 1.2 metres).