Ride the Slide at ArcelorMittal Orbit

Last updated: 25 June 2023

There’s been much anticipation about the ArcelorMittal Orbit slide, with its 12 twists and turns and a drop of 178 metres! So, you can imagine my delight to be invited to join a group of bloggers to try “Ride the Slide!

If you watched on TV, or perhaps you were lucky enough to attend, any part of the 2012 London Olympic Games then you may have noticed a really unique building at the Olympic Stadium – tall, red, swirly, looking like something out of the latest Transformers film.

Remember it? That’s the ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture, a major art installation by Anish Kapoor. Like most of London, you probably look at it’s complicated design with it’s unique twists and turns reminiscent of a roller coaster and think “I wish that was an actual roller coaster…”

Well, let me tell you, this helter-skelter is now the world’s tallest, longest, and fastest tunnel slide! And I had the opportunity to ride it!

I'm always bumping into fun people. Meet Ed from RexyEdventures — I’m always bumping into fun people. Meet Ed from RexyEdventures

It’s Time to Ride the Slide

I arrived in Stratford in East London ready for the experience. I sat through the safety briefing, my insides were all jittery with excitement. I couldn’t stop gazing up to the red tangled mountain of steel knowing that soon, I would be flying through its loops and famous tight corkscrew section known as bettfeder (German for bedspring).

Ride the Slide - looking above! — Insider tip: Peak through the holes on the balcony floor to get this cool shot!

Following the brief, I was handed a padded helmet and elbow pads. Seriously? I need a helmet to ride a slippery slide? As you can imagine, any thought I had that this might be some leisurely slide quickly left my mind.

From top to bottom descending 76 meters it takes just 40 seconds. Reaching up to 15 miles/hr (24 km/hr), the slide loops it’s way around the sculpture whopping 12 times.

Who wants to go first?

We all take a step back, bar one. I managed to keep it together I watch the others casually push through their fear, pop their feet into the nook on the mat, grab the strap and whizz down the chute!

Here We Go

As I dangle my legs over the edge I feel the first drop. It’s a big one and fast enough to take your breath away. The tube itself is a snug 80 centimetres in diameter, I thought that sounded small, but as I’m flying through it at ridiculous speeds I’m grateful for my newly acquired, and compulsory, helmet. Throughout the slide there are some sections topped with clear plastic. I’m sure there’s a nice view to take in, but for me, it’s just a blur of red twisted metal as I fly past.

The 40 seconds goes quickly and I am safely delivered back to Earth. I exit the tube, flushed with adrenaline, my heart pounding through my chest as I’m high fived by the crew at the bottom.

I feel exhilarated. I could easily race back up and do it again!

Here’s my video from the ArcelorMittal Orbit slide:

Do you want a go?

We’re giving away a £10 Gift Voucher for AttractionTix. Valid until Nov 2017 you can use this towards your own Ride the Slide or an experience of your choosing.

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Who’s going to love this?

Adrenaline junkies looking to get a fix on weekends or after work? Then this is for you!

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