Five years after the launch of The Orbit, the London tobogganHöller's attraction is more popular than ever.
The slide opened in June 2016.
Today, let me take you on a tour of this unique attraction in the English capital.
London Toboggan: article summary
London Toboggan: your arrival on site
At the base of The Orbit is the entrance hall, with a member of staff outside explaining the attraction.
The employee is really welcoming and can answer a lot of questions. So you can let out your fears and anxieties. About de-stress a little before the big jump!
Inside the entrance hall, two members of staff stand behind the counter with two queues:
- One for preserved banknotes
- The other for ticket sales
Listen carefully to the safety rules
Once you've validated your ticket, you'll need to take a few safety rules into account. For your own good, there are many rules you need to follow.
A member of staff will also explain the basics : no phones, cameras, bags, jewelry or sunglasses.
Your safety equipment, a soft helmet and protective gear, is provided at the top of the slide and must be worn.
London Toboggan: leave your belongings in a locker
Once you've got your ticket and arrived at the right time slot, the first stop is the lockers.
These are located on the outside, at the base of the Orbit. You'll need a piece of 1 to lock the locker and this coin will be returned to you.
As the safety regulations stipulate, I advise you to leave all your belongings behind. Don't try to bring your phone, as it could be damaged.
Keep your ticket with you, as you will need to show your reservation at the top of the attraction.
The lockers are not far from the end of the slide, so you can meet people who have just come down. Feel free to ask them for their first impressions!
Begin your ascent
There are two elevators in the center of The Orbit. There should be a member of staff to guide you up.
Level 2 offers an observation platform. Level 1 is the entrance to the slide. You can climb up to the observation platform before or after your toboggan ride.
London Toboggan: arrival at the top
Once at the top, it's up to you to decide whether or not you want to continue. The slide is 178 metres long and takes just 34 to 40 seconds to reach the bottom. It can look pretty impressive, and you'll see some people turning back.
First of all, you need to present your ticket, as you will have booked a specific time slot.
The staff will give you your helmet and arm guards and check that your equipment is correctly installed.
If you're wearing shorts, they'll also give you knee pads. And if you're wearing a tank top, you'll receive a protective shawl for your shoulders.
Get ready to launch
Once you've reached the start of the queue, you're admitted to the preparation area at the top of the slide.
A member of staff prepares your mat. You lie down on it and put your feet in the stirrup provided.
Lie down and hold the mat strap. Arms in, shoulders relaxed, elbows locked and in. Raise your head to look at your toes so that your chin is on your chest.
When the green lights come on, the staff will help you make your way to the top. you can hurtle down the impressive descent.
What to do after getting off the slide
Once you've reached the bottom, you can head for the to your locker to retrieve your belongings.
Then take the elevator to level 2 to access the observation platform and admire the view.
London Toboggan: Is it scary?
If you stop and think, then yes. If you just get on, grab the safety gear and go without thinking too much about the consequences, then no.
The London Slide is a unique attraction that you can try out on your trip. This one will be perfect for thrill-seekers on vacation in the capital.
What to do in London in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special London guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special London guide!
Leave a Reply