Review: Conquering Summit at Ally Pally – The UK’s Highest Roof Walk
Summit at Ally Pally – By Rachel Ducker
There are not many days out that leave you buzzing all the way home, but climbing across the roof of Alexandra Palace managed it.
Being alone was a treat in itself for me, as I’m almost always accompanied by at least one of my children. Summit is for ages eight and up, which meant that I had to find a way to persuade my younger children that this was a worthy reason for me to try to do something by myself.
And it definitely was a challenge.
I am not a great lover of heights. I don’t think I am scared of heights as such, but if I am in a place high enough I am very conscious of precisely how far away the ground is.
Choosing to step onto the UK’s highest roof walk – 130 metres above sea level – maybe wasn’t the most obvious way to spend a relaxing day on your own.
But that was partly the point.
What is Summit at Ally Pally?
Summit was launched in February 2026. Summit is a fully guided rooftop adventure taking visitors on the roof of the North London landmark Alexandra Palace.
Developed with adventure experts Wire & Sky, the walk runs over the roof of the Palace before heading towards the much-celebrated Angel of Plenty, the giant ring of the 2.5m-high, 165ft-wide metallic structure and the city’s highest point. It ends at a viewing platform offering 360-degree vistas over London, with clear days revealing sights as far as 25 miles out – including The Shard and Canary Wharf.
Your entire visit takes approximately an hour and 10 to 15 minutes is spent on the main viewing platform. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your approved climb time to ensure you have time to register and get ready for your climb.
Once outside, you will be strapped into your safety harness and equipment and briefed about what is happening.
This was possibly the point where I was beginning to second guess some of my life decisions.
But did it actually feel scary?
There is a difference between something feeling exciting just because you are high up, and something feeling unsafe.
Summit definitely fell into the first camp for me.
The harness and safety system made me feel very safe and I never once felt I was precariously walking around an open roof top. You are secured in comfortably and led along, which is pretty reassuring as, once I’d got past that initial out-of-body gut-wrenching sensation of looking down and thinking ‘yep, I really am doing this’, I loved it.
That was also something that my guide really contributed to.
He was brilliant – he knew Alexandra Palace really well, was very well prepared for the experience and had a good nose for when to reassure you without drawing attention to what’s happening.
They’re there not just to get you around safely, but to let you know the history of the building, and to show you what you’re looking at all over London. Summit explicitly mentions that its guides are specially trained to cater for nervous climbers, and I could definitely see that happening. There was never any pressure to rush.
The climb itself
You go 176 steps up and 176 steps back down, divided in chunks with rest breaks. It’s okay to take a pause as often as you want along the way. Summit considers it a moderate level of fitness- seemed to agree.
You finally arrive on the roof itself, and head in the direction of the Angel of Plenty.
This is where the experience really changes.
And suddenly the whole of London is laid at your feet, but because Alexandra Palace is perched above the cluster of shrouded central London high rises, you get a far more expansive view of the city than you will from most other viewing platforms.
It also seems very dissimilar to sitting down in a lift and walking into an observation deck.
You have earned the view a little.
And when heights are making you just a little nervous, you have absolutely earned it.
Above there is an opportunity to stop, take it all in and have photo’s done before starting your route back down.
Bring your own phone if you would like a camera on the climb, you will require one of Summit’s safe phone pouches to bring it along with you. These can be ordered in advance or purchased on the day of your visit. No cameras are allowed on the climb.
Daytime, sunset or London after dark
There are multiple elements I love about Summit.
There are three main public climbs.
The Standard daytime climb is the one I have done and will give you those incredible panoramic views across London.
The Sunset climb is scheduled before or after golden hour watching the city go from day to night.
And the London Lights, which is offered in the evening when the great illuminated symbols of London and the lit streets beneath are experienced.
Having done it during the day now, I would actually be keen to go back for a night climb as I feel like the vibe must be totally different.
We also offer private climbs, group experiences and specially designed school and youth group educational climbs. For groups, there’s also the opportunity for large group bookings, perfect for company days or fundraising events for charity, or you can have your own private climb, complete with your own guide and the rooftop experience just for your group.
This alone makes it kind of a weird way to celebrate.
Summit team is more than happy to arrange a private climb for your occasion like for a birthday or perhaps that more intimate moment. If you had a particular place in mind for instance for a proposal get in touch with the team and they can arrange a private experience.
And then there is Bonfire Night…
Featured Book Coming in November? One of the most spectacular editions to date is arriving in November.
Alexandra Palace’s Fireworks & Drone Festival is on on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026, but for the first time a handful of people will be able to watch the display from the Palace rooftop, as part of Summit.
Given that the Alexandra Palace enjoys such a spectacular view of the London skyline, from its local grounds, to see the spectacle of the fireworks and drone show on display from 130 metres above sea level sounds pretty out of this world. Places are restricted, and there are limited.
Is it family friendly?
Yes, though this is where I couldn’t have my usual little crew.
The minimum age is eight with a minimum height of 1.2 metres, as this is the minimum size for the harness system. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. There is no stated upper age limit.
So I could totally see me coming back to do this with my kids someday.
But at this moment, I suppose I am quite glad I went it alone.
There’s a satisfying feeling of going somewhere alone, clipping in and resolving to cross the roof of one of London’s most iconic buildings just because you’re able to.
What should you wear?
This will be an outside event so dress accordingly rather than for the photographs.
Dress in comfortable clothes and appropriate outdoor footwear. Trainers, sensible shoes should be worn, open-toed shoes, sliders, flip-flops and heels are not allowed. Summit cannot supply waterproofs or jackets so if the London weather is not looking good bring appropriate clothing with you. Climbs can be rescheduled or refunded unless weather conditions make climbing impossible.
Small lockers are available for valuables, larger ones for cabin-sized items.
Getting there
Location Summit is convened on the East Court at Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY.
Alexandra Palace railway station is about a 10-minute walk through the park, with Great Northern trains from Moorgate and King’s Cross. The nearest Underground station is Wood Green on the Piccadilly line, about a 20-minute walk away, with connections by bus. There is parking at Alexandra Palace for a fee.
The verdict
I arrived at Summit anticipating a fun afternoon in London and some excellent views.
I wasn’t expecting to leave feeling so proud of myself.
It was slightly daunting at the start for sure but I certainly never felt unsafe. Everything was well padded and secure, the pace was good and the fact that I had such an expert and reassuring guide made a huge difference.
And that feeling afterwards surprised me.
When I got back down I felt that little rush of “I actually did that”.
I was buzzing on the journey home.
A few days later, I still am.
It can be tempting, especially when you get busy and more or less every day out revolves around your children, your work or someone else’s agenda, to overlook the fact that sometimes doing something for you can be just as rewarding.
For me, Summit was exactly that.
A little solo getaway. A challenge. An opportunity to see London from a whole new perspective.
And, yes, something I would absolutely recommend.
Next time, I will bring someone with me.
Book Summit at Ally Pally
Summit experiences can be booked directly through the official website, where you can choose between daytime, sunset and London Lights climbs as well as enquire about private and group experiences.
Book Summit: Summit Ally Pally – official booking website
Find out more about Alexandra Palace: Summit at Alexandra Palace
Fireworks & Drone Festival – 7–8 November 2026: Alexandra Palace Fireworks & Drone Festival
