Sky Garden, London
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Sky Garden - by Glenn Cannell from Pixabay
Description
The Sky Garden is a viewing area open to the public until early evening (later on weekends) on the 35-37 floors of 20 Fenchurch Street (a skyscraper dubbed the "Walkie Talkie"). From there, visitors can enjoy great views of the city's skyline among some landscaped garden areas. There are also 2 restaurants and 2 bars
Access & Transport
The building is located along Fenchurch Street, a 2mins walk from Monument underground station (Circle and District lines) and 5 mins away from Bank station (3 underground lines + the DLR). The Sky Garden is accessed via high-speed lifts up to level 35.
Instructions & Recommendations
Visitors will need to book a 1h slot with reservations opening 3 weeks ahead of time. If you are planning to visit with children during public hours, please note that children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult with max ratio of 3:1. There are other applicable restrictions after public hours - please check the website accordingly. Given the location, this activity is best combined with Tower Bridge, The Tower of London and generally walking around the City of London.
Environmental & Social
The building rates well in terms of sustainability (BREEAM Excellent rating) but construction has been resources intensive and running the tower is far from being carbon neutral. Socially slightly positive as it offers public access to viewing decks that normally visitors should expect to pay for (this was part of the conditions of the building construction approval process)
Conclusion
As one of the highest vantage points over the city that does not charge a fee, the Sky Garden is worth including in your itinerary if you'd rather save your budget for other activities. However, if you do have some leeway cost wise, there might be more relaxed bar/restaurant options at the Shard or some of the buildings in the City. A final note: the garden is a nice touch but don't except to be too impressed.
Key positive
Spectacular views over the city skyline
No entrance fee entitles visitor to a 1h slot
Key negative
Requires advance booking as capacity is quite limited
Suitability
Suitable for all ages but take note of the age restrictions. Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Monday10:00 - 18:00
Tuesday10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday10:00 - 18:00
Thursday10:00 - 18:00
Friday10:00 - 18:00
Saturday11:00 - 21:00
Sunday11:00 - 21:00