London Days Out | Now open
You can now stand on the summit of the world’s highest mountain without leaving north London. Everest: The First Ascent, a new immersive virtual reality experience, has opened at Eclipso London on Camden High Street, recreating Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s historic 1953 climb.
Here are five reasons to give it a go.
1. Relive a legendary climb
In 1953, Everest was still unconquered. This experience puts you alongside the British expedition, the climbers and the Sherpas as they journey from Kathmandu, through base camp and a Himalayan monastery, to the final slopes and the summit. It was created with an advisory board of Himalayan, mountaineering and cultural specialists, so it’s educational as well as exciting.
2. You walk, not just watch
This is free-roam VR, so you move around a 400 square metre set with no cables or controllers, roped to your team just as the 1953 climbers were. You’ll cross an icefall on a swaying ladder, push through a storm and finally stand on the summit.
3. You’ll feel the mountain too
Physical effects add to the realism, with cold air, wind, vibration and pressure cues that your body reads as real. It makes the experience far more convincing than simply watching a VR film.
4. A festival favourite
Before arriving in London, Everest: The First Ascent was selected for the Venice Immersive competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. Early reviews have been strong, describing it as a contemplative, beautifully crafted piece that ranks among the best VR experiences in the capital.
5. Perfect for half term
The whole experience takes around 50 minutes, including onboarding, and it’s suitable for ages 8 and up, with children accompanied by an adult. It’s open seven days a week from 11am to 8pm, so it’s easy to fit around a day in Camden. Tickets start from £20, and there are reduced prices for children, students and London residents.
Tickets and info
Everest: The First Ascent
Eclipso London, Basement Floor, 213–219 Camden High Street, London NW1 7BT
Open Monday to Sunday, 11am – 8pm
From £20 | Around 50 minutes | Ages 8+
Nearest station: Camden Town