If you’re looking for something new to do this half term head to ArcelorMittal Orbit, the UK’s tallest sculpture and London’s latest visitor attraction. Offering an amazing panoramic view of London, ArcelorMittal can be found in the heart of the 2012 Olympic Park. Designed by Sir Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond, this giant sculpture is a breathtaking sight of twists and turns, tempting visitors with a 20 mile view of the London skyline.
Fantastic screens create the perfect place for visitors to learn about the capital, surveying stunning sighs such as The Shard, St Paul’s and Canary Wharf. Plus, an exclusive bird’s eye view of the world-famous Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. When designing ArcelorMittal Orbit, Sir Anish Kapoor installed two mirrors, an integral part of the sculpture. The mirrors move the horizon, whilst audio of local London life plays, a feature which can be heard as visitors travel down the 455 steps of the external spiral staircase.
At the bottom of the sculpture lies EastTwenty Bar & Kitchen, a welcoming destination to offer you warming food and drink before or after hours of exploring. Other sights to behold are the dancing water fountains, adventure playgrounds, four themed walking trails and many art installations. The beautifully landscaped parklands on site were also created by the same architect who worked on New York’s High Line.
Over half term, fun festivities include; Diwali lantern making, Halloween pumpkin carving, ghoulish mask making and a fancy dress family disco. In addition, visitors can have their picture taken in the brand new Photo Pod and go home at the end of a happy day with a free photo.
Activities start on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th October, as ArcelorMittal celebrates the Hindu festival of Divali. Mehndi body art sessions are available for children visiting, alongside the chance to learn the beautiful craft of traditional Divali lantern making. From Monday 27th October to Saturday 1st November, all the half term fun takes on a Halloween twist. Make your own spooky mask, or carve a pumpkin, before preparing for Friday 31st and a night of family fun. Taking place between 3.30 and 5pm, the evening’s events include a family disco, fancy dress competition, games, treats and music. Definitely a much more exciting alternative to Trick or Treating in the dark.
Half-term activities and the Photo Pod are included in the standard entry price. The ArcelorMittal Orbit is open daily 10am – 4pm (last entry 3.30pm) from 1 October, half-term activities will run from 2pm to 4pm every day. Tickets cost £7 for children, £15 for adults, £40 for a family ticket (two adults/two children) and £12 for concessions. Residents of the Park’s neighbouring boroughs enjoy £2 off standard ticket price.