Sky Garden

Sky Garden is a public garden and viewing space at the top of 20 Fenchurch Street, the City tower nicknamed the Walkie-Talkie because of its distinctive shape. Unlike most London viewpoints, it can be visited for free, provided you book a timed ticket in advance on the official website. Around 155 metres above the street, it spreads over three levels beneath a large glass dome, with landscaped terraces of plants climbing the sides and a terrace looking out over the city.

The main appeal is the view. To the south you look across the Thames to the Shard, Tower Bridge and the South Bank, to the east towards Canary Wharf, and to the west over St Paul's Cathedral and the City. Because the space is enclosed, it works in any weather, and the planting and changing light make it pleasant even on a grey day. Sunrise and sunset slots are especially popular. The venue also includes several bars and restaurants, including the Sky Pod Bar, City Garden Bar, Darwin Brasserie, Fenchurch Restaurant and Larch, which can be booked separately for food and drinks.

Sky Garden suits visitors on a budget, couples looking for a view without paying for a ticket, and families with children old enough to enjoy the height. If you want an unhurried visit, eating or drinking at one of the bars or restaurants can be a good way to stay longer. Security checks apply on entry, similar to an airport, so allow extra time and leave large bags elsewhere. Bring photo ID, as this is usually requested.

Free tickets are released in advance and the most popular times go quickly, so plan ahead if you have a particular date in mind. The building's public opening hours run from 08:00 until midnight on most days and until 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, but free visits are limited to set ticketed hours, so check the official site for the slots on your day. Lifts take visitors to the top; note that if a lift is out of service, capacity can be temporarily reduced.

The nearest Underground stations are Monument and Bank, with Tower Hill also within walking distance, and Fenchurch Street station is just around the corner. The Tower of London, Leadenhall Market and the Monument to the Great Fire are all a short walk away, and London Bridge leads across the river to Borough Market.