Best view points in London
Exploring London by foot is arguably the best way to see the city, but sometimes you just want to see things from a different perspective! A birds eye view can be the best way to capture the full scale of the capital, so we’ve rounded up some of our favourite vantage spots from around the city, so you can see London in all its glory!
ROYAL LANCASTER LONDON
Lancaster Terrace, W2 2TY
The 18-story Royal Lancaster London boasts unparalleled views of Hyde Park and the iconic London skyline; with guest rooms that epitomise ‘a room with a view’! From the higher floors, views span from Wembley Stadium in the north to Battersea Power Station and Crystal Palace in the south and rooms facing Hyde Park take in the stunning Italian Gardens too.
LONDON EYE
The Queen’s Walk, Bishop’s, London SE1 7PB
Located on the Southbank, the iconic London Eye has become symbolic of the city and is still one of the best ways to take in 360 degree views of the capital. Reaching 135m at its highest point, the observation wheel takes 30 minutes to rotate, leaving you more than enough time to take in the stunning views spanning up to 40km!
Admission: £31 for adults | 3-15yrs £23 | Under 3’s Free. VIP upgrades available.
How to get there: 60 minute walk from hotel or take Central line from Lancaster Gate 4 stops to Tottenham Court Road and then change on to Northern line 4 stops to Waterloo and walk 3 minutes.
SKY GARDEN
1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
Situated at the top of the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building, Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden with lush greenery, exquisitely landscaped gardens, observation decks, and an open-air terrace to enjoy the incredible 360 degree views of the capital. Afterwards, enjoy fine dining at Fenchurch Restaurant or for something more casual, all day dining at Darwin Brasserie. For those just looking to ‘cheers!’ whilst watching the sunset, Champagne and cocktails can be enjoyed at City Garden Bar or Fenwick Terrace.
Admission: Free entry. Pre-booking tickets is advised and can be done online up to 3 weeks in advance.
How to get there: Take Central line from Lancaster Gate 8 stops to Bank station and walk 5 minutes.
THE SHARD
32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG
London’s highest viewing platform is located south of the Thames at the top of The Shard, on floors 68-72. At almost twice the height of any other viewing platform in the capital, the statuesque and iconic Shard has now become simultaneous with the London skyline and offers unparalleled 360 degree views for up to 40 miles across London and beyond, on a clear day.
Admission: £34 per person. VIP upgrades available.
How to get there: Take Central line from Lancaster Gate 2 stops to Bond Street and then change on to Jubilee line 4 stops to London Bridge and walk 4 minutes.
TATE MODERN
Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Not only is Tate Modern an unmissable contemporary art gallery in the former Bankside Power Station with masterpieces from the likes of Warhol, Picasso and Matisse, it also has an incredible open viewing terrace on the top floor of the Blavatnik Building. Enjoy views across the River Thames, taking in St Paul’s Cathedral and as far as Canary Wharf and Wembley Stadium in the north of the city.
Admission: Free
How to get there: Take Central line from Lancaster Gate 2 stops to Bond Street and then change on to Jubilee line 4 stops to Southwark and walk 10 minutes.