Sky Gardens London – Popular London Attractions

Sky Gardens

Updated On: November 07, 2023 by   Ciaran ConnollyCiaran Connolly

Another Popular London Attraction

Looking for something new and exciting to visit while in London? Then we recommend adding Sky Garden to your list of places to check out in London.

Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden that offers a spectacular view across the London city that is open day and night. So you get to see the best views of London during the day and see it lit up ad night – It’s so pretty.

Located on 20 Fenchurch Street, the Sky Gardens is a unique enlarge glass dome offering 360-degree views of London over three storeys high. While you are here, you can explore the beautifully landscaped gardens, an observation deck and an opened air terrace. You can see as far as Crystal Palace.

Diving into the Sky Gardens

The prospect is, of course, spectacular. It is quite unlike any other panorama in the city: it sits right at the centre of it all. The Shard is the first thing you see, bang in the middle of the view in all its splintered glory. When all of the skyscrapers in London were built, only the Shard had an observation area (for a price). For other views of London, you can ride the London Eye, climb the stairs at St. Paul’s (not that high) or the free rooftop at New Change Mall on Cheapside. Now you have Sky Garden. Unlike the Shard and London Eye, the Sky Garden London is completely free to enter but due to its popularity, you must book online at their website.

In an interview with The Guardian, London’s former chief planner, Peter Rees, who beckoned the project through the system, stated: “The Sky Garden would be the figurehead at the prow of our ship. He described it as “a viewing platform where you will be able to look back to the vibrancy of the City’s engine room behind you”. It was to be a deck from which to admire the glass and steel menagerie he had built up during his 30 years in office, a crow’s nest for City boys to look down on what they created.

Horticulture of The Sky Gardens

The exquisite gardens were designed by the award-winning architecture practice Gillespies. They chose to create a rich and vibrant planted terraces with plants from the Mediterranean and South Africa. Also, plants were chosen to work in harmony with the light created under the roof canopy that adds amazing colours to the Sky Gardens.

Gillespies’ design role at 20 Fenchurch Street was also to deliver a high-quality de‑cluttered setting for the building at street level. This has resulted in an accessible and welcoming open space at the base of the building along with a living green wall

Some other flowers that you will find here are the African Lily, Red Hot Poker and the Bird Of Paradise. These are also intertwined with fragrant herbs such as the French lavender and rosemary.

Sky Garden London – the Gardens

The greenery is located up and around the top floor in a ‘U’ shape. There are stairs up and around providing you with a 360-degree view of London along the windows. You need to be able to climb stairs for this part of the visit. On the interior of each staircase, there are benches to sit among the plants.

Sky Garden Restaurants and Bars

There is a variety of great restaurants and bars located within the Sky Gardens that you may wish to check out on your visit. Keep reading to find out what each restaurant or bar has on offer here.

Fenchurch

This amazing rooftop restaurant is not to be missed on your visit here. The menu offers some of the best contemporary British meals that are beautifully presented. This restaurant also boasts an impressive list of drinks including a variety of wines and cocktails.

Fenchurch Terrance

Next is the Fenchurch Terrance if you are looking for more of an elegant experience then this is the place for you. The Terrance is located right next to the Fenchurch restaurant and offers an amazing view of the capital city. Perfect place in the summertime with its unique diversity of botanical cocktails and delicious spritzes. Lovely place for some pre-dinner or post-dinner drinks with a great atmosphere.

Darwin Brasserie

This is another great place located in the Sky Gardens that overlooks the River Thames. It’s a lovely all- day brasserie that offers a relaxed atmosphere. The place has been inspired by the beautiful gardens and nature that surround it. This is one of the best British Brasserie that can’t be missed, and the view will definitely take your breath away.

City Gardens Bar

Now, this is the perfect place to drink and dine that is located right among the amazing gardens. At this Bar, they offer a great drinks list, that you can enjoy along with more spectacular views overlooking London city.

Sky Pod Bar

Lastly, on the list, you will find the Sky Pod Bar which is another all day drinking and dining space like the City Gardens Bar. This bar offers great live music, delicious food and drinks that you will want to check out while you are at the Sky Gardens. Try some cocktails, if you will, while gleaning at the beautiful sunset.

Bookings and Admissions

The good news, especially if you’re on a tight budget, is that entrance at Sky Garden is free. On the other hand, this means you need to plan a little ahead and book online one of the available one-hour slots. Make sure to also keep your booking confirmation; you’ll need it to enter. If you are unable to find a general admission ticket, you can always book a restaurant reservation which allows you to visit the Sky Garden at your leisure. The restaurants are open from 7 AM to 1 AM whereas the public free viewing access is open Monday/Friday from 10 AM – 6 PM and on weekends from 11 AM – 9 PM.

Have you ever visited the Sky Gardens in London? We would love to hear about any experiences you have 🙂

Also if you would like to check out other London attractions here are some we have already visited: The National GalleryKensington Gardens, South Bank, Royal Courts of Justice, National History Museum, Buckingham Palace.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *