QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK

What is the Park In Progress Visit?
The Park In Progress Visit gives a unique and ever changing view of the Olympic Park as it is transformed in to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The visit focuses on a trip to the observation platforms of the ArcelorMittal Orbit with 360 degree views of the London skyline.

Park in Progress visits start at the Site Office at Pudding Mill Lane (a station on the Docklands Light Railway) with a bus journey into the Park. The buses will pass through the south of the Park, taking you close to the Stadium and the Aquatics Centre. Arriving at the ArcelorMittal Orbit, you will alight and take the lifts up to the top floor the ArcelorMittal Orbit, some 80m above the park. From here London’s skyline is revealed, including St Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, Canary Wharf, and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. On a clear day, Wembley Stadium can be seen on the northern horizon, and Crystal Palace is visible to the South. Immediately below you will be the Olympic Park itself, including the Olympic Stadium and the Aquatics Centre.

Descending to the lower viewing platform, you are given a unique insight into the history of the Olympic Park and how it is evolving into London’s newest green space Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, as well as the ArcelorMittal Orbit itself. You then leave the ArcelorMittal Orbit, descending its 350 steps winding around the structure to ground level (or you can of course take the lift if you prefer). Your bus then takes you back through the Park to the Site Office where your visit ends.

How high is the ArcelorMittal Orbit?
At its highest point, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is 114.5m high. The highest viewing platform is 80m high.

Is the Park In Progress visit suitable for people with a fear of heights?
The ArcelorMittal Orbit element of the visit will take you to a height of 80m, and you are enclosed at all times during your visit.

What dates and times will the Park in Progress visits operate?
Please check our website for our opening hours as these may vary.

How do I get to Park In Progress visit?
Your visit starts at the Pudding Mill Lane Site Office, which is a short walk from the Pudding Mill Lane DLR station, one stop from Stratford Station.

What do I need to bring with me?
Please bring ID (such as a driving licence, passport, freedom pass or credit card) as security checks are in place on site, and you may be asked to prove identification. Parents/guardians of children under 16 may be asked to complete a registration form for the child where no photographic ID is available

How long does the Park In Progress visit last?
The visits are expected to last around 60 minutes, depending on how long you want to stay within the ArcelorMittal Orbit.

How long before my trip time should I arrive?
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your visit.

Are there any age or height restrictions on Park In Progress visit?
Anyone can come on a Park In Progress visit, but everyone – including children – must have a ticket, and all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. There is no charge for children aged 4 and under, for whom a ticket will be issued at the Site Office on arrival.

How many people are in each visit?
Each bus can take up to 50 people.

Is the Park In Progress visit accessible for disabled guests?
The Park In Progress visit is accessible throughout. Each bus will be able to accommodate wheelchair users, and there is lift access to all floors of the ArcelorMittal Orbit. Please let us know if you have any special requirements by phoning 0844 581 4995. Limited parking for blue badge holders is available at Pudding Mill Lane.

What footwear is suitable for the Park in Progress visits?
We suggest you wear flat enclosed comfortable shoes. Your visit will include some open air elements as you visit the ArcelorMittal Orbit.

Are cameras and bags allowed on Park in Progress visits?
You are welcome to bring personal items on the visits, and of course to bring your camera to record your visit. There are some items that you are prohibited from bringing on visits, and these are listed in section F of our Terms and conditions. There is no storage for bags at the Site Office and items cannot be left on the visit bus.

What happens if I lose or forget my issued tickets or vouchers?
Please contact us as soon as you can so that we can check your records. Please have your purchase details and reference number ready so that we can trace your original booking. If you have bought your ticket from a different source, you must contact the organisation from which you bought the ticket.

Can I eat and drink on Park in Progress visits?
We ask that you do not take any food or drink onto Park in Progress visits.

I need to take medication regularly; can I carry my medication whilst on the visit?
Yes, of course. Please dispose of any packaging at the Site Office.

If there are adverse weather conditions, how do I know if a Park In Progress visit is still operational?
Visits will take place in all weather conditions other than weather conditions which we reasonably believe will make it unsafe to Visit, such as high winds. We will do our best to make sure that Park In Progress visits are always operational, but there are times unfortunately when we do need to close. When booking we will ask for your email address and mobile number to be able to notify you of any changes or cancellations.

What will happen if I am booked in for a session and Park in Progress visits are closed?
We will book you in for the next available visit alternatively if no other sessions are suitable we will arrange a time for you to visit later in the season.

Do I need to book in advance?
Because of the building work developing the Park, we are only able to offer visits on a limited number of days in 2013, so we really recommend that you book in advance to be sure of your place on the Visits. Tickets may be available from the Site Office at Pudding Mill Lane on the day, but we cannot guarantee availability.

Is there any parking facility at the Site Office?
No, but parking is available at Westfield Stratford City, which is one stop away on the DLR.

Can you accommodate buggies on the Park In Progress visit?
Buggies may not be taking on the visit, but limited storage facilities are available at the reception centre. All items are left at owners’ risk.

Is there a rate for Groups?
Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more – please contact us on 0800 358 0058 or at groups@theticketfactory.com between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday to book your tickets.

I am a Gamesmaker?
We are unable to offer reduced rates for Gamesmakers.

Does the visit include entry to the Stadium or tour the full Park?
Please note, contrary to some media reports, Park In Progress visits do not enter the Park sports venues or tour the full Park. These areas are currently undergoing construction works to open the north to the public from summer 2013 and the south from spring 2014.