On a recent trip to London with two friends, we packed our itinerary with all the must-see attractions – and as you know, London has a LOT of them! The one that surprised me most (I didn’t even realize it was a ‘must-see’) was London’s Sky Garden. With its incredible views, unique atmosphere, and the bonus of being free to visit, it quickly became one of the highlights of our London adventure. If you’re planning a trip to the City on the Thames, this London Sky Garden review will give you the inside scoop on what to expect. Plus, find out important must-know Sky Garden booking tips (spaces are limited!) so you don’t miss out on a reservation.
(Heading to London in the spring? Check out our essential London Packing List for Spring!)
What is the Sky Garden?
Perched at the top of the “Walkie Talkie” building (officially known as 20 Fenchurch Street) more than 500 feet high, the Sky Garden is a stunning public space providing 360-degree views of London. With its lush greenery, open terraces, and floor-to-ceiling windows, London’s highest public garden feels like a tropical oasis in the middle of the city. Open since 2015, the Sky Garden spans three floors and is a combination of an observation deck, botanical garden, and trendy social venue all rolled into one.
Our Review of the London Sky Garden
My friend, Sarah, was the one who added London’s Sky Garden to our itinerary – and I’m so glad she did. Researching ahead of time, she knew it was free to get in and that we needed to book a timeslot in advance. She actually booked two separate dates and times, because we weren’t exactly sure when we were able to fit this into our schedule. We ended up visiting the Sky Garden one evening at sunset, and it was incredible.
Best Time to Visit Sky Garden
I highly recommend visiting the Sky Garden at sunset. During our visit, the sun dipped below the horizon and the city lights began to shine, creating a breathtaking backdrop for our evening. Being there during the last bit of daylight and into nightfall gave us the opportunity for a series of stunning photos. Check them out:
The ambiance inside the Sky Garden shifted after dark, too. Colored lights illuminated the inside of the garden, giving it a nightclub-feel. We sipped on cocktails as we marveled at the views of iconic landmarks like the Shard, the Tower of London, and the Thames River. We were there on a Sunday night when the Sky Garden is open until 9 p.m. Currently, the Sky Garden hours are: 10 a.m .- 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
There was quite a crowd at the Sky Garden when we went (sunset is a popular time!) but don’t let the idea of crowds dissuade you from going. There are so many windows on different levels that it wasn’t hard for us to get a good spot for photos.
Sky Garden Bars and Restaurants
If you want to enjoy a meal while viewing the gorgeous London skyline, you can reserve a table at one of Sky Garden’s restaurants: Darwin Brasserie offering breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, or the more upscale Fenchurch Restaurant. We didn’t eat at either of these restaurants, so I can’t vouch for the dining experience, but we did enjoy a drink from the bar in the Sky Garden. My cocktail was pricey and small, but one of the prettiest drinks I’ve ever had.
Why is the Sky Garden Free to Visit?
I’m surprised this beautiful and popular venue doesn’t charge people to visit. After doing a bit of research, I found out this large office building sits on the edge of a conservation area and they were only permitted to build there if they created a public space that was free and open to everyone. Lucky us!
A Must-do After Visiting Sky Garden
After leaving the Sky Garden, my friends and I took a short walk to Tower Bridge. Seeing it lit up against the night sky was the perfect way to cap off our evening. If you’re visiting the Sky Garden in the evening, I highly recommend making time to stroll to Tower Bridge afterward for some stunning photo opportunities. Check out our guide with tips for visiting Tower Bridge at night.
Sky Garden Booking Tips
One of the best things about the Sky Garden is it’s free to visit, but spaces are limited so you need to book your tickets in advance. Here are my top tips for securing your spot and making the most of your visit:
- Book as soon as tickets are available. Free tickets are released on the Sky Garden website every Monday morning (excluding bank holidays) three weeks in advance for the whole week… and they go quickly – especially for popular times like sunset. Set a reminder to check the booking page and reserve your spot as soon as new dates open.
- Reserve two time slots if you’re unsure. If you’re still finalizing your itinerary, book a couple of different time slots since it’s free and there’s no penalty for canceling a reservation later if your plans change. Just don’t forget to cancel! This is a popular place and if you’re not using your timeslot, give someone else the opportunity.
- Sunset is the best time to visit Sky Garden. While the Sky Garden is impressive at any time of day, sunset offers a breathtaking transition from day to night. You’ll get both golden hour photos and a chance to see the city lights sparkle after dark.
- Experience the evening ambiance. At night, the Sky Garden transforms with moody lighting and a lively atmosphere. If you enjoy a more social, upscale vibe, book an evening slot to experience this unique side of the venue.
- Walk to Tower Bridge afterward. It’s an easy 10-15 minute walk from the Sky Garden to Tower Bridge. Seeing the bridge lit up at night and walking across it provides an unforgettable end to your visit.
Is the Sky Garden Worth It?
Absolutely! Where else can you enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the London skyline for free, all in a modern and fun atmosphere? Whether you’re a first-time visitor to London or returning for another adventure, it’s a fantastic way to experience the city from above.
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