Name me biased however I believe London’s skyline is certainly one of my favorite cityscapes world-wide: from the eye-catching trendy skyscrapers to historic and iconic structure, you’re additionally spoiled for selection if you wish to get pleasure from these views in London with children.
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Between the pure viewpoints in London, together with a few of the highest hills, to sights just like the London Eye, Sky Backyard and View from the Shard, in addition to free views of London, there’s one thing for each finances too.
So whichever facet of the town you’re visiting, and whether or not you’re reserving forward or planning a spontaneous go to, try my prime picks for the very best views in London with children.
The London Eye
One of many iconic sights of the town, the London Eye might be the very best recognized place to get a hen’s eye view of the capital (though definitely not the one choice!)
And there’s cause for it… Turning excessive above the South Financial institution and looking throughout the Thames, you will get some spectacular panoramas.
It’s finest throughout good climate – unsurprisingly – however chilly sunny winter days can provide some gorgeously clear views. Or time your ‘flight’ for sundown and watch the lights twinkling on throughout London.
Prebooking is strongly suggested, with reductions in case you purchase your tickets on-line prematurely. There are additionally fast-track tickets obtainable to skip the queues, which is right with children, particularly in peak season.
Sky Backyard
London’s highest public backyard, the Sky Backyard is among the metropolis’s most uncommon viewpoints – and among the finest free views in London with children.
Set within the skyscraper referred to as the Walkie Talkie, the terraces are crammed with Mediterranean and South African vegetation, so it feels such as you’re removed from the town beneath – which you will get an incredible 360-degree view of by way of the home windows.
Tickets are free however you must ebook prematurely (and adults want ID to enter), with tickets promoting out rapidly for weekends and college holidays.
Tickets are launched three weeks prematurely (bookings open on Monday mornings): it’s also possible to ebook tables on the two eating places as a substitute solution to go to (though clearly it’s not then free). In any other case you may flip up and see if there’s area: at busy instances that may imply an extended queue or being turned away although.
For extra concepts on how to economize on days out in London with children, try my prime suggestions
Royal Observatory in Greenwich
Greenwich Park stretches for 183 acres so it’s a beautiful place to go to at any time, however head up the hill to the place the Royal Observatory is ready and also you’ll discover one of many free finest views in London with children, and certainly one of my very own favourites.
Contained in the oldest enclosed royal park, the place it’s also possible to hop throughout the meridian line, you may look out throughout the Royal Naval faculty to the Thames past, and out to the London Docklands.
Properly value climbing the hill for!
For extra concepts of issues to do in Greenwich with children, try my prime suggestions
Horizon 22 (22 Bishopsgate)
For London’s highest free viewing platform, there’s an opportunity to look out over the town from 254 metres up at Horizon 22.
Opened in September 2023 at 22 Bishopsgate, it’s solely a brief stroll from the Sky Backyard and the Backyard at 120, so that you’ll get related views – whereas this one is increased, you don’t get the identical backyard atmosphere although.
Tickets normally change into obtainable 60 days prematurely, however get snapped up in a short time. In case you’re within the space, flip up between 10am and 12 to get tickets for a similar day, with a QR code to scan for entry.
Backyard at 120 (120 Fenchurch St)
Backyard at 120 is one other of the newer viewpoints in London and one thing of a rival to the Sky Backyard, with its personal views of close by skyscrapers together with the Gherkin and the Walkie Talkie itself.
Situated on the highest flooring of 120 Fenchurch Road, a couple of minutes from Leadenhall Market, the elevate takes you as much as the most important public rooftop area within the Metropolis of London.
The free-to-enter roof backyard has rows of manicured hedges, lovely wildflowers, water options, and a wisteria-covered pergola: good for a sunny day within the metropolis.
One New Change
On the massive purchasing centre of One New Change in the course of the Metropolis of London, bypass the busy retailers and head as much as the advanced’s rooftop for a few of the finest views over the capital.
The fashionable rooftop terrace has a view of St Paul’s Cathedral that’s so shut it nearly appears like you possibly can attain out and contact it.
The general public terrace is open seven days every week and is free to go to. You’ll additionally discover Madison’s Restaurant and Bar on the rooftop, however no youngsters are allowed in on Saturdays and solely till 3pm on different days – in case you do need to go to, you’ll have to ebook prematurely to get desk.
The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate
One other of the most recent viewpoints in London, The Lookout is ready on the fiftieth flooring of 8 Bishopsgate for some spectacular views over the Metropolis from the viewing gallery.
It’s additionally free to go to however finest to prebook – tickets are launched biweekly on Mondays, however it’s unsurprisingly fashionable they usually get booked quick. Stroll-ins could also be admitted relying on the day’s availability although.
On the plus facet, in contrast to the Sky Backyard, in case you can snap one up, you may ebook months prematurely. Tickets are legitimate for 45 minutes, with timed entrance slots each quarter-hour.
The Monument
The Monument to the Nice Fireplace of London stands 202 toes excessive, and 202 toes from the spot the place the hearth began on Pudding Lane – in case you laid it down, it might attain proper to the location of the bakery the place the sparks ignited the city-wide conflagration.
Sitting on the junction of Monument Road and Fish Road Hill, it was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1677, with new gold leaf added to the flaming orb on the prime throughout restorations in 2009.
However it’s not only a good spot to go to with children studying in regards to the Nice Fireplace, it’s also possible to climb the 311 steps to the gallery on the prime to look out throughout the town, with 360 diploma views.
There’s a free certificates for many who make it to the highest too. Tickets value £6 for adults, half-price for teenagers and you should purchase them on the Monument on the day of your go to.
For extra places linked to the Nice Fireplace of London, and a scavenger hunt for teenagers to comply with, try my Nice Fireplace of London stroll
Viewing Stage Tate Fashionable
Climb to the highest of the Tate Fashionable’s Blavatnik Constructing for extra spectacular 360-degree views of London with children.
The free tenth flooring viewing terrace sits proper within the coronary heart of the town, with some spectacular close-up views of well-known landmarks together with St Paul’s Cathedral, positioned simply throughout the river, the Shard, and the towering skyscrapers of the Metropolis of London.
When you’re finished on the terrace, have a look round at a few of the gallery’s unbelievable paintings whereas the Tate Fashionable restaurant has its personal breathtaking views. You would even stroll alongside the South Financial institution and evaluate it with the Queen Elizabeth Corridor Roof Backyard round quarter-hour away – scroll down for particulars.
Queen Elizabeth Corridor Roof Backyard at Southbank Centre
The Queen Elizabeth Corridor Roof Backyard on the Southbank Centre won’t be one of many highest viewpoints in London, however this hidden gem does have its personal particular views over the town.
The distinctive rooftop backyard oasis has a lush garden so that you can sit on and is crammed with vibrant fruit bushes and wildflowers.
There’s additionally a restaurant the place you may seize drinks and selfmade pastries to get pleasure from whereas taking within the views over the River Thames and the bustling metropolis past. The backyard is open Thursday to Sunday and is totally free to go to.
Parliament Hill
As the very best pure level within the capital (at 98 metres excessive), Parliament Hill is dwelling to a few of the finest free views of London, trying throughout to St Paul’s Cathedral, the Gherkin and the Homes of Parliament.
A part of the general public parkland within the nook of Hampstead Heath in northwest London, it’s a preferred spot for locals to convey a picnic and watch the sundown over the town skyline.
Or in case you’re visiting throughout the day, you’ll additionally discover Parliament Hill Fields Lido and an journey playground close by to entertain the little ones.
There are many bus routes stopping close to Parliament Hill, in addition to parking close to the Heath. In any other case Hampstead and Tufnell Park tube stations are closest, in addition to Gospel Oak station.
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is one other excellent spot to seek out superb free views of London, and whereas it’s a bit decrease than Parliament Hill, it’s nonetheless nearly 63 metres above sea stage and nearer to central London.
One of many six protected viewpoints in London, the place the bushes are saved low in order to not obscure the view, the hilltop park sits to the north of Regent’s Park and is near the upmarket London neighbourhood of Primrose Hill, recognized for its grand Victorian townhouses.
From the summit, you may absorb some unbelievable 360 diploma views over the town; to the south is a transparent view of the enduring landmarks of central London, whereas to the north you may see over the neighbourhoods of Hampstead and Belsize Park.
It’s a brief stroll from London Zoo, or round 20 minutes from Camden City tube station.
For extra issues to do in Camden with children, try my prime picks
Kew Gardens: treetop cover stroll
You won’t anticipate to have nice views from Kew Gardens, however head as much as its treetop cover stroll and on a transparent day, you may see so far as the Docklands.
The treetop stroll is ready 18m above the bottom, so there are additionally some beautiful views of the Royal Botanic Gardens themselves, however head to the facet furthest from the steps and peer by way of the bushes to identify the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.
Greatest when there aren’t too many leaves on the bushes although. The treetop stroll is included in tickets to Kew Gardens, and the excessive sides imply it’s protected sufficient for toddlers too – though do keep in mind there are 118 steps up (in addition to a elevate).
For extra recommendations on visiting Kew Gardens with children, try my prime recommendation
IFS Cloud Cable automobile
If standing and taking a look at views doesn’t sound entertaining, households can get pleasure from London from the sky with a journey on the IFS Cloud cable automobile.
The cable automobile travels between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, with distinctive aerial views over the Thames and the London Skyline.
Through the day, the journey takes round 10 minutes every manner, plus there are additionally prolonged night time flights after 7pm the place you may watch the town come alive after darkish.
You should use your contactless card or Oyster Card to board the cable automobile, or purchase a ticket on the ticket workplace once you arrive. It’s a little manner from London’s different household sights, so finest mixed with visits to the O2 or Greenwich.
Tower Bridge
One of the crucial iconic photos of London, folks flock to take photographs of Tower Bridge – however not everybody is aware of that it has its personal nice views in case you head inside.
Head into the Tower Bridge Exhibition and you may cross its high-level walkways and expertise views down over the bridge and River Thames by way of its glass flooring. One for the courageous!
To ensure entry, you’ll need to purchase tickets prematurely. There are sometimes household actions and it’s nice to discover if you would like extra than simply nice views of London with children.
Up on the O2
One other of the very best views in London with children who get pleasure from one thing just a little extra adventurous is from the rooftop of the O2 Space in Greenwich.
Up on the O2 is a singular London expertise that allows you to climb over one of many metropolis’s most iconic buildings.
With the assistance {of professional} guides and gear, you’ll enterprise 52 metres above floor on a structured walkway to succeed in the roof summit. From right here, you’ll be greeted with views over the Greenwich Peninsula, the Olympic Park, and Canary Wharf.
The expertise is appropriate for teenagers aged 8+, and you’ll want to ebook tickets and a time slot prematurely.
St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s is a distinguished function within the London skyline from so many viewpoints, however it’s additionally an incredible spot from which to look again over central London.
On a go to to the cathedral, you may climb up 378 steps to the Stone Gallery or 528 stairs to the Golden Gallery, sitting on the prime of the dome.
From each spots, you’ll be handled to unbelievable panoramic views throughout London, and every gallery is included with the common admission ticket to the cathedral.
View from the Shard
The View from the Shard is among the dearer London viewpoints, however it’s additionally deservedly some of the memorable.
The big viewing platform sits on flooring 68 and 69 of London’s tallest constructing, a whopping 310m above the bottom, making it London’s highest viewpoint.
The 360 diploma view over the capital permits you to see for as much as 40 miles on a transparent day, and The View from the Shard is the one place the place you may actually see the entire metropolis without delay.
There’s additionally an Open-Air Skydeck on flooring 72 so you may really feel nearly as in case you’re floating within the air above London. Click on right here to ebook tickets.
Raise 109 at Battersea Energy Station
One of the crucial uncommon viewpoints in London, you’ll get a barely completely different probability to look out throughout the river from the south financial institution at Battersea Energy Station.
Raise 109 whisks you 109 metres from the Artwork Deco turbine corridor to the highest of the north-west chimney – one of many 4 well-known white chimneys on the enduring construction, which as soon as generated one fifth of the town’s energy.
The glass elevator results in a transparent enclosed construction, so there are 360-degree views out over the Thames and the London skyline. Permit round 45 minutes for the expertise, together with the interactive exhibition initially: tickets are for 10-minute timed slots
Grownup tickets value from £17, youngsters aged 3-15 from £12. Infants and toddlers beneath three are free, though buggies/pushchairs should be left on the base of the elevate.
Alexandra Palace
Slightly additional out than different viewpoints on this listing, Alexandra Palace is a grand Victorian leisure venue set in 196 acres of parkland in north London – and amongst its many household sights are some gorgeous views of the town skyline within the distance.
The park additionally has pitch and putt, pedalos and rowing boats on the boating lake, tree-top adventures at Go Ape, ice skating, and occasional festivals all year long, making it an incredible day trip for all of the household.
King Henry’s Mound in Richmond Park
In Richmond Park, London’s largest royal park, there’s one other of the town’s protected viewpoints, with nothing allowed to be constructed within the sightline.
Climb King Henry’s Mound and you may look throughout in the direction of St Paul’s Cathedral greater than 10 miles away, with a telescope to assist take advantage of the expertise.
Legend has it that King Henry VIII waited right here for the sign that Anne Boleyn had been executed and that he was free to marry once more – nearly definitely not true, although it’s story.
The hill itself is definitely a prehistoric burial chamber from the Bronze Age and later used as a viewpoint for searching. The much-married king did typically hunt within the parkland although and will effectively have loved the views himself.
For extra viewpoints with royal hyperlinks, head to south east London and One Tree Hill in Honor Oak – Elizabeth I is claimed to have rested and picnicked beneath the Oak of Honour right here (a historic boundary marker). She wouldn’t recognise the skyline however the views are nonetheless spectacular: it’s straightforward to mix with a go to to the Horniman Museum too
Disclosure: This put up incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Photos: Sky Backyard/Greenwich/Kew/St Pauls copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy of Depositphotos
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