One of the best things about London? It’s green spaces, but not just the usual parks. The city has some incredible rooftop gardens too, and here’s the kicker: a few of them are completely free to visit, like the famous Sky Garden!

I popped by recently, and honestly, I was totally blown away! It’s the kind of place that makes you stop, look around, and think, “Wow, London really does have surprises around every corner!”.

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 brought to life by the talented architect Rafael Viñoly, who had a simple but brilliant idea: create a cool public space right at the top of the building.

His vision? An indoor garden that not only lets you soak up some of the best views of London but also offers a much-needed, peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle below.

It’s always impressive when massive architectural projects come with a social purpose, don’t you think? It’s like they’ve got the best of both worlds, eye-catching design and something that benefits everyone.

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

The Sky Garden boasts several observation decks and terraces, including one open-air terrace that really lets you breathe in the city vibe.

It’s the perfect place to kick back and soak in stunning views of both the city skyline and the winding 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 couldn’t help but snap photos from every angle, the Sky Garden is just too photogenic. And lucky for me, the sun was out, making the building look even more stunning than usual. It was one of those perfect London days when everything just clicked.

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!

Standing at the base of 20 Fenchurch Street, the view is absolutely breathtaking, though fair warning, it might give you a little vertigo as you tilt your head back to take in that massive skyscraper soaring high above the city.

It’s one of those moments where you can’t help but think, “That thing is seriously tall!”

4. Sky Garden: a free access!

The Sky Garden stands out as one of the few rooftop spots in London that’s completely free to visit, though, heads up, you’ll need to book your tickets in advance.

It was designed to be an accessible green space where anyone can come and enjoy nature high above the city.

And while London’s got a few other free rooftop gems, there’s something special about this one, with its lush gardens and jaw-dropping views. Pretty incredible, right?

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.

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!

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To go further:
The Sky Garden: 20 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 8AF.
Free access.
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

Check out my other East London adventures here!

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