One of the best things about London is all the green spaces. But it’s not just about parks – London has some pretty amazing rooftop gardens too. And guess what? Some of them are even free to visit, like the Sky Garden! I recently visited it, and I was totally blown away by the place.
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON is here to share 4 reasons why you absolutely have to visit the Sky Garden!
1. Sky Garden: an oasis on top of London!
The Sky Garden is often referred to as the ‘expanded glass dome’ atop 20 Fenchurch Street, the iconic London skyscraper nicknamed the ‘Walkie-Talkie,’ which was completed in 2014.
The Sky Garden was designed by architect Rafael Viñoly, who wanted to create a cool public space at the top of the building. The idea was to have an indoor garden that not only offers amazing views of London but also gives you a peaceful, green escape from the busy city below. It’s always impressive to see huge architectural projects that also have a social purpose, right?
The landscaping was carefully chosen to create the feel of a tropical garden, and the large windows allow sunlight to flood the space, making the gardens feel more natural. On the day I visited, there was a bright blue sky, which was a nice bonus!
The Sky Garden is packed with lush greenery – think tropical trees, ferns, and colourful blooms everywhere. It’s like stepping into a mini jungle right above the city. Totally a cool place to unwind and soak up the views!
2. Sky Garden: a 360 degree view of London
Sky Garden features several observation decks and terraces, including one open-air terrace, making it the perfect spot to take in stunning views of the city and the Thames.
The view of London’s iconic buildings is just amazing, with spots like the Shard, St. Paul’s, the HMS Belfast, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and many others all in sight – it’s like getting the best of both the city’s history and its modern skyline.
The Sky Garden lets you see London from a whole new angle, and you’ll really get a sense of how diverse the city’s architecture is.
It’s also the perfect way to really take in how diverse and dynamic the city is.
3. An architectural treasure
I’m really into architectural photography, and the Sky Garden is the perfect spot to experiment with lines, curves, material contrasts, colours, and reflections. I have a blast every time I go there!
I can’t resist snapping photos from every angle of the Sky Garden – it’s just such a photogenic place. And luckily, the sun was out, making the building look even more amazing that day!
Modern architecture isn’t always about just looking cool – it’s often about giving us the chance to take in incredible views. And Londoners (or visitors) are really lucky to have access to a spot like this!
From the base of 20 Fenchurch Street, the view is absolutely breathtaking – though it might also give you a bit of vertigo, as you gaze up at the towering skyscraper rising high above the city.
4. Sky Garden: a free access!
Unlike a lot of other rooftop spots in London, the Sky Garden is totally free to visit – but you will need to book your tickets ahead of time. Indeed, it was created to be a green space anyone can enjoy, giving everyone a chance to experience nature high above the city. Amazing, isn’t it?
Sky Garden is a must-visit when you’re in London – it offers a whole new perspective of the city. Plus, in addition to its lush gardens, there are bars and restaurants, where you can grab a drink or a bite while taking in stunning views of famous landmarks like the Shard, St. Paul’s, and the Tower of London.
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I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found inspiration here. If you are planning to explore the Sky Garden soon, please share your experience and opinion on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON’s blog!
To go further:
The Sky Garden: 20 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 8AF.
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday: 10am – 6pm
Saturday – Sunday: 11am – 9pm
Bank Holidays: 11am – 9pm
Tickets are available to book online on a weekly basis, up to three weeks in advance of your visit.
Website
Etonnant ! Londres est une ville pleine de surprises que nous découvrons pas à pas grâce à l’insatiable curiosité de DYSL qui nous transmet ses découvertes avec talent et enthousiasme .
Beautiful architecture and really nice pictures!
@myriam Thanks Myriam for your enthousiasm regarding DYSL blog!
@thierry Thanks Thierry, I am happy you liked my pictures!
Très belles photos! Une réservation s’impose!
@annie Thanks Annie!