Place - O2 Arena

Background:
Everyone knows the story; after the government spent a fortune on the worlds largest tent the structure stayed empty waiting for someone to stump up enough cash to turn it into something. Finally an arena was built and sponsored by O2.

We didn't have any real reason to visit, except curiosity, so had little idea of what was there; except I had read it had an indoor beach.

What is it?

The O2 arena has an array of bars and restaurants, the arena and a cinema; all reasonable. It also has a large sandpit which they brand as the beach and outside three water-features which double up as children's paddling pools.

The beach

This is a large sand pit with fake palm trees and surrounded by deck chairs. Various members of staff dressed up as pirates wander around entertaining children with various games, etc. As it turns out, my kids were more than happy just to play in the sand.

Facilities

The changing facilities were pretty poor (pull down changes in the toilets rather than a changing room).

Food and drink

A large number of, generally chain, restaurants and bars are available.

Cost

The two areas of the O2 arena mentioned and toilets/changing facilities are all free.

Verdict

For children the arena has little to offer, however what it does is well layed out and passed the child test. That said, it does not offer enough for a day out on its own and isn't in an area that offers much else. But if your seeing a film or going to a show in the afternoon its probably worth spending the morning there too.