We are visiting this site this coming August. Has anyone visited it? And is it worth it to go around sunset? This must be Sky Gardens? There is a charge to reserve a table with a view and it is not cheap.
Posted by
FL USA
1669 posts
Overpriced, over populated and under whelming.
Have a drink at the restaurant bar in the shard or go to the roof of the Tate.
Or, go low and take an evening cruise on the Thames for a different perspective.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
3352 posts
If you change your title to Sky Garden, you would probably get more replies. Or do a search, there are many threads about it.
Tickets to visit are free, and I thought it was worth seeing. I also enjoyed a dinner there, but it's not necessary to enjoy the views.
https://skygarden.london/
Posted by
OP
40 posts
Will do and thanks
Posted by
United States
1050 posts
We opted just to book tickets to go up to see the views - north dinner/food included- and it was wonderful. We lucked out with pretty skies and could see quite a bit of London and the surrounding area. You do need to be patient with the crowds as there are quite a few who want to pose and re- pose for perfect instagram shots/video. If I recall correctly you can book two weeks from when you want to go. It’s been a few years though, so check on that. Hope you can enjoy it!
Edit: I just looked it up online and it’s a three week booking option now if you just want access to the roof.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6786 posts
I went up there one morning and enjoyed the views a lot. I don't recall having to book ahead or pay anything, but it was early in the day, and this was about ten years ago. It's an interesting place, and convenient to other sights. The only other bird's-eye experience I've had in London was the Eye, also great views but a lot more hassle. Don't know about the Shard, but that might go on my list for next time.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
8704 posts
When we went all the free tickets for the day we wanted to go were given away, so we went during the free no ticket needed time. Believe it was 9:00 or 10:00pm. We waited in line longer than it took to look around once we got up there.
Posted by
Walnut Creek, CA
909 posts
Read Day 24 of my trip report
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/england-trip-report-london-part-1-and-4
In short, spending the money for the dinner at the Darwin Brassiere is NOT worth it.
the "window" seating is not a window, but at the ledge that looks down onto the sky garden, so your views are blocked by the ribs of the building.
The food is mediocre and over-priced.
You are better off just getting the free tickets to the garden and skipping the expensive, lousy meal.
Posted by
Warrington, England
242 posts
Free tickets are released two or three weeks in advance. Have a look on the Sky Garden website for clarification. Wherever you are, get ready to book when the slot opens using UK time.
Popular slots book very quickly. Absolutely no need to book an expensive meal.
You get great views over London. Better than the higher Horizon 22, which also free.