BEST FREE VIEWS IN LONDON – The Sky Garden

Taking in London from above is a must, which is exactly why we are sharing the best free views in London and today we look at The Sky Garden. 

What is the Sky Garden?

Located just a short walk from the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, the Sky Garden offers panoramic views of London’s greatest landscapes and architecture.

The garden is located from floors 34 to 37 of the Walkie Talkie building and gives you unobstructed views across London. With clear skies, you can expect to see the London Eye, the Share, St Paul’s, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf. 

Get some shots from the outdoor observatory deck, take in a glass of wine from the bar or stroll around the levelled greenery that gives this place its name Sky Garden.

Sky Garden prices

Reservations are free to make, so you can visit the Sky Garden even if you are on a super tight budget. It is one of our favourite free things to do in London. However, there are bars and restaurants to enjoy but again, book in advance to reserve a place. 

The Sky Bar offers an array of soft and alcoholic drinks, the cheapest beer costs £5 whilst a white wine costs upwards of £8. Although pricey, this is one of our favourite rooftop bars in London. 

The Fenchurch Restaurant is also available from the top of this tower but tables should be booked in advance. Meals are pricey here with the average main course costing around £32.

Sky Garden Reservations

Tickets are available to book online and should be done so at least three weeks in advance. Plan your time carefully and make sure to book in advance, especially if you are visiting during the day. 

If you are visiting in the evening, walk-in guests are welcome without a reservation. However, note that reserving your free ticket online saves disappointment and allows you time to book a day slot, or sunset time slot. If you arrive after 6.15 pm, you can enter without reservation but be prepared for a bit of queue, especially on weekends.

You can book a table or spot at the bar as well but times are from 6.15 pm during the week and after 9.15 pm on weekends. 

Best time to visit the Sky Garden:

For the best views of London, head here during the Summer or Autumn months; the outside terrace is subject to weather conditions. Ideally, head here an hour before sunset, you can see the city during the day but also watch London light up as the sunsets. Make sure you check the sunset times for your chosen date (when booking there weeks in advance, this can change a lot). 

Opening hours: 

Open 7 days a week, from 10am to 6pm on weekdays and 11am to 9pm on weekends.

Events at the Sky Garden

Yoga – You can actually take a yoga class here in the mornings, with classes started at 6.30am, 8am and 8.30am. Classes cost £10 or you can enjoy yoga and breakfast for £20. 

Live music – From Wednesday to Saturday, from 6.30pm onwards, you can enjoy live music at 155m in the sky. 

Sky Garden Dress Code

There is no dress code at the Sky Garden but some restaurants in the building will operate a dress code. However, there is none for the main terrace.