We will be in London in a few weeks and would like to know what you think of visiting the Shard or the Sky Gardens. Is it worth having drinks or a meal at either. I think getting tickets to the Sky Gardens is easier if you include drinks or a meal. The Shard seems to have an expensive entrance fee. Is it worth it?
Any other tips on what we should see or do other than what every other tourist is clamoring to do. Hidden gems!!
Thanks,
Steve
Define a hidden gem.
Been going to London for 50 years so my definition of a hidden gem might be different than yours.
As far as the Sky Gardens never been. Of no interest to me. Have walked by the Shard.
As you seem to like modern architecture head to Canary Wharf.
EDIT: OK, guilted myself into sharing “ hidden gems.”
The Hunterian Museum
Watching a trial at the Royal Courts of Justice
The Battersea Power station conversion if you are a shopper
The gift shop at the British Library. Also the cafe.
Holland House and Holland park where the Kyoto Gardens are located
The cafe near the Regents Park tennis courts
St Marylebone Parish Church
Blank Street Coffee at Canberra House
Walthamstow Wetlands
Astral Cafe near the Royal Oak pub
The Pelton Arms on Pelton Road
Lift at the Battersea Power Station for a view
There’s more but think I’ve shared enough. Enjoy
My Sky Garden experience was this past March. I reserved a 6pm ticket, no restaurant reservation. Within minutes of going outside to the deck, security told everyone to go inside, the deck would be closing, no reason given.
Inside was overcrowded, the view from the windows were ok, but the windows weren't clean enough for good pictures.
Thanks, sounds disappointing.
The Shard, which is my favorite modern building, offers several restaurants and bars offering excellent views without an entry fee, plus opportunity to sit, relax and enjoy a bite/drink. I found this option a better value than purchasing the viewing platform entry.
https://www.the-shard.com
Take note of the weather conditions for a bit of rain/clouds inhibits the experience.
In close proximity is Borough Market which, for me, has become way too touristy, food focused and expensive.
I do recommend walking from The Shard to the Thames and then down to Tower Bridge.
Enjoy!
Access to the Sky Garden is free of charge on weekdays 10am-6pm and weekends 11am-9pm. You do have to book your spot online.
TimeOut has interesting suggestions for other roof gardens, if you want to give the Shard a swerve: https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/the-best-rooftop-gardens-in-london
Hidden gems: there isn’t much “hidden” in London these days, but if you list some particular interests, there are plenty of folks on this board who would have info on less touristy spots, or places you might not have thought of.
For example, I have loved visiting Freemason’s Hall, near Covent Garden: https://www.ugle.org.uk/freemasons-hall
For cool gifts, the Royal Opera House (in Covent Garden) has a classy collection of wonderful things that make excellent gifts that aren’t in the “red bus - police box - Paddington - Tower Bridge” wheelhouse but are also very specific to London. (Same goes for the gift shop at the Globe.)
The North End Road Market in Fulham is very local and untouristy, with a distinct London vibe. Lots of interesting little local shops, great fruit and veg, fishmongers and butchers… it’s cool: https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/business/markets/north-end-road-market
The best fish ‘n’ chips in London (IMHO but honestly, it is GREAT) does serve tourists, but I rarely see it listed other places, so call this one a “hidden gem:” The Golden Union, 38 Poland Street. It is right off Oxford Street and steps from Liberty London (and Carnaby Street) so you can visit those more mainstream places and have an incredible lunch.
Steve, if the weather is nice, a walk along the South Bank can be a great afternoon. I started at Westminster Bridge and ended near Tower Bridge. You'll walk past the Tate Modern, the Globe Theatre, Winchester Palace ruins, the Golden Hind, Southwark Cathedral. Throw in a few pub stops, some with views across the Thames like the Founders Arms, some with history like the George, some with both like the Anchor Bankside. This also puts you near the Shard.
I did this walk on an unseasonably gorgeous Saturday in March, so the crowds were out. Borough Market was a disappointing zoo that day. But otherwise a great walk.
We went to the Sky Garden and thought is was very worthwhile, especially for free. We booked 2 different days to be able to play with the weather and how tired we were. Our friends on a different trip booked a sunset time slot and the pictures were unbelievable!
Tickets drop on Monday mornings, and I noticed there is a lot of availability right now, for the week of Monday, June 9th. I also saw they are closed on May 24 &25. Good luck.
I think the Sky Garden is nice, especially when you have good weather. I've been once and it was on a sunny July day and the views were great, and it was warm enough to be on the outside viewing deck. It was free, which is also good- as others have said you just have to book ahead. I haven't been to the Shard tho I plan to one day, just to try it... there are very few London attractions I am unwilling to try at least once.
I can help with hidden gems but need a bit more steer on the type of things you like to see (e.g. historic homes/sites, gardens, places to eat/drink, etc).
Hidden gem, if you are from the USA or otherwise have an interest, is Benjmain Franklin's home near Trafalgar Square. https://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/ They offer both "Historical Experience" ("During the Historical Experience the eighteenth century spaces serve as stage for a drama that seamlessly blends live interpretation and cutting edge sound, lighting, and visual projection to tell the rich story of Franklin in London") and "Architectual Tour" ("The Architectural Tour explores the Georgian features of House, along with its fascinating history encompassing Franklin’s long residence (1757-1775), the Hewson anatomy school, and the comprehensive conservation project that saved it from dereliction") They also have started a walking tour of the area. I have been twice and loved it.
Don't be put off, the views are fantastic. Try to book a slot during the week and possibly a morning when it should be quieter. The gardens are nicely landscaped and there is usually lots of room away from the windows. Buy a snack before you go in, maybe a Tesco meal deal and eat it on one of the terrace seats, no need to pay fancy prices.
There are other similar places, the Garden at 120 on Fenchurch St is around half the height of the Sky Garden. There is another that I have not been to called Horizon 22 and is supposed to be higher than the Sky Garden.
We went to the Sky Garden two weeks ago and thought it was worth while. It is beautiful along with great views of the city. The tickets are free, but please note the closing time is 6:00pm so take that into consideration so you are not disappointed like jeanm. We had a 3:30 time slot and had plenty of time to check out the views and have a cocktail. There are tables strewn all over and even though it was busy, tables were easily available. We found it less busy on the second level.
I also thought the views at the Sky Garden were amazing and really enjoyed my visit. I haven’t been to the Shard yet.
Our friends who had the sunset time slot got that by booking the bar. You have to put down a deposit but it is totally refundable if you cancel 24 hours in advance. The drinks were pricey but to me you are paying for the experience.
I am planning a fall trip to London. My notes say that the Tate Modern (free) has a nice view
Yes, the Tate Modern has a free to access viewing platform which is open now after being closed for a number of years.
Looking for clarification, am I understanding that I can get a free ticket for the terrace, and its open until 9pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday? Is there a limit to the amount of time people can spend with the free ticket?
Yes you book your slot 3 weeks in advance when they go on sale. I have read that at busy months, wherever you are in the world you need to be booking when the ticket office opens in GMT time before they all go.
On my visit, which was in June when the kids were at school I had no problems.
You are allowed to spend as much time there as you wish, within reason of course. I would say that after an hour you would be "viewed out".
No need to book an expensive meal unless it is the only way to get a ticket.
When we visited the Sky Garden we didn’t book ahead so ended up going during the walk-in evening hours. As it was in late November the line wasn’t bad.
We visited the SKY Garden three times last year, 2x in March & August 2024.
The first time, it was so exciting, we reserved a table at almost sunset and definitely think the night view with lights is most exciting, but the day is also fabulous to view the landmarks and appreciate the vast Thames in relation to the landmarks. Because we wanted night & day, I scheduled an early breakfast which was a nice, good value and then the night visit. We had a few cocktails each and some nuts/olives. There was a nice DJ and it seemed very elegant & exciting.
When I returned in August, it was a completely different vibe. It had a very busy busting vibe with people all over the place. A bit chaotic and less relaxing at the table. You can never go outside so the views are from the glass. No one cared about the minimum at the table . In fact you can absolutely just get the basic ticket to enter if you are able, and then decide to purchase drinks or snacks at the bar or not. If not staying, 30-45 min is plenty of time to see the stunning views and enjoy the foliage and walkways.
It's definitely a cool experience, and not particular pricey.
Another tip if you have any medical interest at all(we are nurses) is the Old Operating Theater...https://oldoperatingtheatre.com/ open only Thurs-Sunday 10:30-5pm , 9 GBP, and you need under 1 hour. After, we found a great street market and enjoyed our scallops & mushy peas in the park at the base of the street. Be aware, there are 52 small spiral steps to go up & down.
Oh, how fabulous this oldest surviving surgical operating theater in Europe is , housed in the attic of the early 18th century church of Old St. Thomas Hospital. Funny too ! You won't believe how procedures were once performed. I highly recommend this unique visit.
** on my 3 visits you were unable to go outside, I see perhaps that changed ? Sorry about that.
