Having visited London many times and indeed having lived there, on our most recent trip to London we wanted to do something different, and of course as cheap as possible, which can be a rarity in the capital city.
We found out that one of the newest skyscrapers had a viewing platform, and it was completely free!
20 Fenchurch Street, or as it is affectionally known the 'Walkie Talkie' building (due to its shape resembling a walkie talkie) is located in the heart of the city and across the Thames from The Shard which is £34pp to visit their viewing platform or just down the road from St Paul's Cathedral where you can view London from its famous dome for £18pp.
Opened in 2015, the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street stands at 155 metres high and has 38 storeys is officially London's highest public garden as well as the fifth tallest completed building in the city. It boasts spectacular views across the capital and far beyond. As the name suggests there is a range of plants, flowers, shrubs and ferns which flourish all year round under the roof canopy.
To book a visit to the Sky Garden you will need to book in advance, slots go quickly and you can book up to 3 weeks in advance. You will be given a one hour slot, although there are many bars, cafes and restaurants there which could sway you to stay longer.You will need to bring your confirmation and photo ID on the day. Click here to the website to book...
It’s easy to get to the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street. Monument is the closest tube station, just a few minute’s walk away, and Tower Hill, Tower Gate, Aldgate, Bank and Mansion House are less than a 10-minute walk.
We cannot recommend the Sky Garden enough, and will be booking again when we next visit London. Make sure it is on your list too!!
Don't feel like you are missing out on visiting the Shard, although it may be the tallest building in London, looking across the river Thames at it is just as exciting. We like the idea that it is better to look at the best thing rather than be in it. I.e looking at the Shard rather than in it, or to be looking at the Empire State Building in New York from the Rockafeller rather than missing the iconic building cause you are on it.