Perched atop the Walkie Talkie building, London’s Sky Garden offers some of the most stunning views of the city. This article will provide readers with insider tips on how to beat the crowds and make the most out of their visit to the Sky Garden.
As one of the few free attractions in London, the Sky Garden has become increasingly popular among tourists and locals alike. However, with popularity comes crowds, making it challenging to secure entry. Fear not, as this article will provide readers with everything they need to know to visit the Sky Garden without the hassle of long lines and wait times.
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First Up, Why Visit the Sky Garden?
Located on the 34th to 37th floors of the Walkie Talkie building, the Sky Garden is a hidden sub-tropical garden that offers some of the best views in London. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline while surrounded by lush greenery and exotic plants. In addition to the stunning views, the Sky Garden also features several restaurants and bars, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the Sky Garden is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best that London has to offer.
How to Get into the Sky Garden
If you’re planning a visit to the Sky Garden in London, there are several ways to get in without booking months in advance. This section will walk you through all of the options available to you.
Sky Garden Tickets
The most popular way to get into the Sky Garden is by booking a free ticket on their website. Tickets are released on Mondays and are valid for a particular date and time. Ticketed entry operates between 10am and 6pm on weekdays and 11am and 9pm at weekends. Keep in mind that tickets often sell out quickly, especially for popular weekend slots. Once you have booked your ticket, make sure to print it or have it available on your phone to show at the entrance.
Walk-In Entry During the Pre-Designated Slots
If you haven’t been able to secure a ticket online, you can try your luck with the walk-in spots available each day between 10am and 11:30am and 2pm and 4:30pm. However, there is no guarantee that there will be availability during these times.
Visit for Breakfast
One of the best ways to avoid the crowds and get a head start on your Sky Garden experience is by booking a table at the Darwin Brasserie for breakfast. The restaurant opens at 8:30am on weekends, which means you can enter the Sky Garden 90 minutes before ticketed entry. You’ll need to book a table, but there’s no minimum spend at the restaurant and prices are relatively reasonable.
Visit for Cocktails
If you’d rather visit the Sky Garden for a drink, the Sky Pod Bar and City Garden Bar are open for walk-ins from 6:15pm onwards on weekdays and 9:15pm to 12:45am on Saturdays and 9:15pm to 10:30pm on Sundays. These bars offer a great view of London and often host DJ nights.
Pop in for a Meal
If you’re looking for a more formal dining experience, the Sky Garden has two restaurants, Fenchurch and Brasserie, where you can book a meal. Keep in mind that these restaurants are not cheap, but the food is excellent and the location is special.
Book in for a Yoga Class at Sky Garden
For those looking for a unique experience, the Sky Garden offers early morning yoga classes on weekends between 8:30am and 9:30am. Prices start from £20 for the yoga class, and you’ll need to bring your own yoga mat and an extra layer as it can get chilly up there.
Overall, there are many ways to experience the Sky Garden without having to book months in advance. Whether you’re looking for a meal, a drink, or a yoga class, the Sky Garden has something for everyone.
Cool Facts about the Sky Garden
It’s London’s Highest Public Garden
The Sky Garden, located between floors 34 to 37 of the Walkie Talkie building, is London’s highest public garden. Originally planned to be one of the tallest buildings in The City, the height was reduced in 2006 due to concerns about its impact on the view of St. Pauls. Despite this, the Sky Garden remains an impressive feat of engineering, offering visitors a unique perspective of London from above.
You can See Most of London’s Biggest Landmarks from It
Visitors to the Sky Garden are treated to stunning panoramic views of London‘s skyline. From the building’s elevated position, one can spot many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, The London Eye, and The BT Tower. Best of all, there is no need to make reservations or pay admission fees to enjoy these free views of London.
The Gardens Are Gorgeous
The Sky Garden’s gardens are a sight to behold. Spread out over three terraces, each representing a different kind of habitat, the gardens are filled with Mediterranean and South African species. The lush greenery is punctuated by bursts of color from flowers such as Bird of Paradise and Red Hot Poker. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city and Thames while strolling through the gardens. What’s more, the flowers are in bloom all year round, making the Sky Garden a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
The Building Once Melted a Car
In a bizarre incident dubbed “Scorchgate,” the Sky Garden building once melted part of a Jaguar parked on Fenchurch Street below. The glass panes of the building gave off so much solar glare that the wing mirrors and side panels on the car began to melt off. This incident went viral on social media, with Londoners flocking to the scene to try and fry eggs on the street using the heat from the Sky Garden. While this incident may have been a minor blip, it is a testament to the building’s unique design and architectural prowess.
A Quick Guide to Sky Garden’s Restaurants and Bars
Fenchurch
Located 37 floors above the bustling city of London, Fenchurch is the signature restaurant at Sky Garden. This contemporary restaurant offers a stunning view of the city, along with a menu bursting with fresh flavors.
Fenchurch is open from Thursday to Sunday, from 12pm to 9:45pm (closing at 8:30pm on Sunday). Guests can choose from an a la carte menu throughout the day, but the set lunch menu is particularly good value at £34.50 for one course or £39.50 for two or three courses. For those looking to indulge, the restaurant offers five and eight course tasting menus.
In addition to the delicious food, Fenchurch also boasts a fantastic cocktail menu, featuring drinks inspired by iconic London locations such as Borough Market and Hampstead.
Darwin Brasserie
Located on the 36th floor, Darwin Brasserie is an all-day dining spot that also happens to be one of the best brunch spots in the city. The three-course brunch menu includes dishes such as pressed ham hock terrine and classic eggs florentine, served atop caramelized onion hash and slow roast tomatoes. The brunch costs £42.50 per person, with drinks available for an additional charge (please note that drinks are not bottomless).
Guests can also indulge in a carafe of house wine for just £20 while taking in the impressive skyline.
Sky Pod Bar
For a more relaxed atmosphere, head to Sky Pod Bar. This spot offers a small range of all-day dining options and a fabulous array of cocktails in the evenings. Sky Pod Bar opens at 10am (9am on weekends) and stays open late.
City Garden Bar
Located one floor up from Sky Pod Bar, City Garden Bar is a great spot for a cheeky evening cocktail while taking in the sunset. Guests can enjoy a negroni and a charcuterie board while watching the sun go down.
Larch
While not a fancy restaurant with a view, Larch is still worth a visit. This Italian restaurant on the ground floor serves up delicious dishes made from seasonal British produce. The cooking is simple and should be enjoyed with a glass of wine from their extensive wine list. If wine isn’t your thing, Larch also offers cocktails that rival any of the other Sky Garden venues.
The highlight of Larch is undoubtedly the terrace, a laid-back spot for al fresco dining during the warmer months.
The Cafe Gift Shop
Although it may seem out of place among the other dining options, Sky Garden’s Cafe and Gift Shop is worth a mention. Guests can grab a quick coffee to go or enjoy a leisurely sip on the top decks. The selection of fresh pastries is a perfect accompaniment to any coffee.
Sky Garden London: Practical Information and Map
Map
Sky Garden is a public garden located on the 35th floor of the Walkie Talkie building in London, offering panoramic views of the city. The garden is divided into three floors, each with its own unique features. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful greenery, stunning views, and various dining options.
Below is a map of the Sky Garden:
| Floor | Features |
|---|---|
| Level 35 | Observation deck, bar, and outdoor terrace |
| Level 36 | Darwin Brasserie |
| Level 37 | Fenchurch Restaurant |
Visitors can access the Sky Garden for free, but they must book a time slot in advance on the official website. The time slots are available for booking up to three weeks in advance. Visitors must arrive 10-15 minutes before their booked time slot to clear security and enter the building. The Sky Garden is open seven days a week, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays and from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekends.
The nearest tube stations to the Walkie Talkie building are Monument and Bank, which are both a short walk away. Visitors can also take various bus routes that stop nearby. The building is wheelchair accessible, and there are lifts available to reach the Sky Garden.
In conclusion, the Sky Garden in London is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy breathtaking views of the city while surrounded by beautiful greenery. Visitors should book their time slots in advance, arrive early, and enjoy the various features offered on each floor.