London is known as a concrete and urban jungle; skyscrapers dominate the city and amongst them The Shard has the reputation for offering the most breath-taking panoramic views of the city- at a price… But why should we have to pay to observe our own city and the buildings that we walk past everyday at a ground level? The many other buildings that act as viewing platforms to showcase the best sights that London has to offer are often outshined and overlooked in lieu of The Shard, but not no more. Below is a list of the best free views in London that you need to take advantage of- especially as the long summer days ensure you get to savour these views for much longer; whether it be sunrise, midday or sunset, these views are sure to create a lasting impression on you.
Standing directly opposite The Shard at 20 Fenchurch Street is the Skygarden, alternatively named the Walkie-Talkie building. As the name suggests, this is a viewing platform with a twist, it is both an observation deck with an open air terrace, but also London’s highest public garden. Think of a greenhouse but ten times bigger and a hundred times higher up! Once you enter the top floor of The Skygarden, there are staircases on either side of you which when combined with the transparent glass walls of the building, create the illusion of you walking upwards into the sky with each step! Each of the four walls of The Skygarden offer a different but equally stunning view of the city- it is hard to believe it is all for free! Tip: booking is essential and slots often go fast so make sure to book with plenty of time in advance. One of the best views in London!
Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, One New Change is not your typical shopping centre. You are made to feel like James Bond as you take a swanky glass-walled lift up to the public terrace on the sixth floor of the building. As soon as you step into the lift, you come face to face with St Paul’s Catherdral – it is a wonderful experience to go from ground level to eye level (yes I know it’s a building but you know what I mean!) with a click of a button. Once you step out onto the terrace, this feeling gets even better, it is as if you can reach out and touch St Pauls in front of you. Of course the terrace also offers you the opportunity to pick out other neighbouring landmarks in London’s skyline such as The Old Bailey and The Tate Modern art gallery. The terrace is open daily from 6:00am, allowing you to view the city basked in sunlight as she is waking up and then to witness the sun setting as the city falls to sleep. It doesn’t get better than that does it? The fact it is free is truly incredible.
The name alone sounds so beautiful right? This free view of London stands out from the rest because it doesn’t involve entering a man-made building, instead it is a natural outside viewing platform above a 213-foot hill! Located on the northern side of Regent’s Park, this is the perfect spot to breathe in the fresh summer air whilst observing how striking London really is (yes I know I’m biased). This view is also amazing because you are not restricted by a building, you are totally free and it is also a romantic spot where lots of loved-up couples flock to, so why not grab a picnic blanket and supplies and spend the day there? One of the best views in London!
Yes, The Tate Modern is an art gallery, but as well as displaying innovative and thought provoking art (an alternative free way to view what London has to offer), The Tate also offers the public the chance to view London’s skyline from four different and unique angles. Located on the tenth floor of the Blavatnik Building (there are lifts don’t worry!) is an open air square terrace and viewing platform that you need to take advantage of – did I mention this is all for free? Take a friend along, or even visit by yourself and play a game of ‘eye-spy’, picking out London landmarks such as Canary Wharf, The Shard, The London Eye and Wembley Stadium. It is open 10:00am – 18:00pm Sunday to Thursday, and 10:00am – 22:00 Friday to Saturday so there is no excuse not to go with all this availability!
London is famous for its bridges which stretch across the River Thames. However, Tower Bridge is arguably one of London’s most iconic and instantly identifiable structures still standing strong after its construction 120 years ago. The bridge deck is freely accessible to both traffic and the public with walkways either side and little viewing platforms along the way. Noticeable London landmarks visible from this viewing platform include: The Tower of London, St Katherine Docks, City Hall, The Skygarden and much more- you will have to visit yourself to see what else is on offer! Tower Bridge is open to the public for free and for 363 days throughout the year – it is definitely worth taking advantage of and visiting. One of the best views in London!
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