Sky Garden

We have been to London many times and been on the Eye and Tower Bridge but by far and away the best views are from the Sky Garden which is located on the top of the "walkie talkie" sky scraper. You are directly opposite the Shard and it is a nice feeling to know that the people in it are probably looking at you but thinking why have we paid all this money when those over there have done it for free!! The garden element of it is not particularly fantastic and drinks etc are expensive. You can also eat up here but again that is expensive. It seems they sometimes also do live music events in the evenings. TIPS TO GET IN. You must book in advance and I would print off your vouchers. A group in front of us tried to scan their mobile but for whatever reason it don't work so they had to leave. We were booked in for 11.30 and joined the queue at 10.55 and did not have any problem. However I would recommend that you don'l leave it any later than 20 minutes before your allocated time to join the queue and 30 minutes wouldn't be amiss. You have to go through airline style security although it isn't as thorough as the airport.

This attraction is free but you should book a ticket ahead of time to reserve a time space. The reservations only open 3 weeks ahead so you can't plan to far in advance. We booked a time but we ended missing it and arriving a few hours late. Staff was less than amused and waved us into the walk-in line. The lines were about the same length (rebooked and walk-in) except that timed tickets got priority for going through security and getting in the elevator. It wasn't very busy so I think we waited about 30 mins as security was very slow. The views were great and the gardens were very cool. There is an external balcony on the Thames side and you can see 360 views by walking around insideThe line to descend was crazy long! Probably took an hour to descend. Would recommend planning at least 2-3 hours just in case of waiting and delays. There was also food and drinks but we did not have anything. I would still recommend because the view is like nothing else and its free so better than the Eye in my opinion although I didn't do the eye because of price.

I’ve been meaning to visit the sky garden for years but it never worked out so was excited to finally get the chance. You have to book a couple of weeks in advance to be guaranteed entry at a certain time slot. The security process is thorough & quick. The sky garden is pretty cool with different layers & views of London. We went in the evening so could see all the lights & there was a DJ playing some atmospheric background music. What I didn’t expect is for it to be so cold up there! There are some blankets & hot water bottles lying around but I think these are given preference to those who have booked tables at the bar. Would definitely visit again to go for a couple of drinks.

A great way to see amazing, 360 degree views of this fabulous city.

Tickets are free and need to be booked online. We booked for 11.30am and turned up about 10 minutes early to be met with a rather long queue but don’t let this put you off. They are the other people that have also booked for the specific time and the queue didn’t take long at all to go down.

During this time, face masks are mandatory and everything is explained clearly before. Security is good with everyone’s bags being scanned and people being searched if necessary.

Social distancing has been implemented in the elevator that takes you to the 35th floor. They have limited the number of people in the lift at any one time to 6 and you have markers on the floor on which to stand.

Once at the top you are free to roam of your own free will. There is a one way system in operation but this doesn’t distract from your enjoyment and you don’t feel at all rushed.

There are bars at the top which offer drinks and refreshments at extortionate prices which people are stupid enough to pay!

The views and photo opportunities are excellent, a highly recommended activity.

We've been here twice in the last year and loved it both times. We've booked online - the last time just 24 hours before Lockdown 2 and were able to get an 11.30am slot. We got there at 11am and by the time we got to the head of the queue at 11.15am they let us in. They were being very safe and restricting overall numbers. Only six people are allowed in the lift to go the 35 floors to the top with footsteps stickers to stand on to be distanced.

The views from the top are stunning - especially if you are lucky to go on a clear day. you are right next to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. The Shard (which costs an arm and an leg to go up) is just over the Thames and you can see far and wide in all directions.

There is also a large indoor garden with lots of exotic plants which were in full bloom in November.

On our last visit, the day before Lockdown 2 in November 2020, we enjoyed being able to sit looking out at the view while ordering snacks online via the QR code on the table which took us to their menu. We each had coffee and a pain au chocolate for £4.50 which was brought to us. The coffee was perfect and the pain au chocolate was the best I've had outside France. A bargain when you consider the view we had as well.

If you can plan ahead, make sure to do so, especially for the popular sunset times. We wanted to see the sunset and did book weeks in advance as soon as our day opened online (had to keep checking). When we got in line at 3:30pm we heard them advising people without reservations to come back around 9pm. The views are beautiful - there are 2 levels and you can see 360 views using both levels. We didn’t order drinks or food. Just went for the views. The SkyGarden is free. The Shard isn’t. But check out both to see which better suits your wants. The SkyGarden was perfect for what we wanted to see and we highly recommend it!

Wonderful concept and amazing views!
We went early in the morning when it opened and it was not that busy which was nice. The interior is really cool and when it's sunny outside it makes it even better.
We had something small to eat in the cafe and I recommend it a lot even though it's a little pricey, but the entry to Skygarden is free so I'm not complaining. Would come back again.

Well worth a visit (made even more special as it's free - can't say that for many attractions in London nowadays!) Whilst the day we went was whipping up a gale added to by heavy rain and queuing outside was far from appealing, the views from the top were well worth the required endurance. What's more, the bar up the top was nice and empty and the bar-tenders very friendly, which made the bubbly purchased go down a treat. A great all-round experience (certainly won't forget the soaking whilst queuing to go in!). Just make sure you book before you go.

Before leaving the U.S., we made a reservation to visit Sky Garden, one of London’s newest attractions and its highest public garden. It is free of charge; but, you must have a reservation to get in as there are limited numbers of tickets available each day. I would definitely make your reservation several weeks in advance.

We arrived shortly before our 4:00 PM entry time. It was pouring rain and there was a line to get into the building and through security. Fortunately for us, it moved rather quickly. We were struck by the curve of the exterior of the building. The Londoners have named this building the Walkie-Talkie as they think it looks like one. After going thru security, we took the elevator to the 35th floor. When we stepped out of the elevator and turned right we were astounded by the greenery.

There were 3 stories of sub-tropical gardens. Since we arrived shortly before sunset, we were able to admire the views of the city and the Thames River while it was still light and also after the sun went down when the lights of the city shone brightly. You can walk up to the 36 and 37th floors, but we took the elevator. There are 2 reasonably priced bars - Sky Pod Bar and City Garden Bar. The 2 restaurants are Fenchurch and Darwin Brasserie – more on the upscale side. You can come for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks and drinks. Sky Garden offered us such a different perspective and views of London. You will experience a 360º view of the city of London.
We will able to photograph such attractions as the Gherkin, Tower Bridge, the Thames and St Paul’s Cathedral. We would highly recommend you put this on your bucket list. It was truly an experience. The closest Tube station is Monument.

You'll need to visit their website and request a ticketed 1-hour time slot in advance. Sunset hours are booked well in advance, so plan ahead. We visited mid-afternoon toward the end of our week in London and enjoyed it immensely. We could see all the places we'd spent hours walking to and from. Great views of London from the 35th floor, plus lots of greenery. And a bar.