The Garden at 120: Free Viewpoint of London

This open-air viewing point in Fenchurch street is free to enter and you do not need to book. It is a great alternative to the Sky Garden or Horizon 22 if they are fully booked.

Read more: Viewing Points in London

This quiet and tranquil rooftop garden is situated on the 15^th floor of 120 Fenchurch Street. You will need to queue to get in but it doesn’t take too long.

The lifts up to The Garden at 120 — Lifts at the entrance

The ceiling screen outside The Garden at 120 — Lifts at the entrance

This open air viewing platform has 360 degree views but as it is the lowest of the viewing platforms, the skyline is hindered slightly especially by the skyscrapers behind. From the Thames to the Docklands; the Shard to St Pauls Cathedral, it is still a wonderful, atmospheric view.

A view of Sky Garden with the Shard in the background — Sky Garden and The Shard

A view of the gherkin from The Garden at 120 — Sky Garden and The Shard

It is particularly fun to spot the famous landmarks of London once it gets dark with all the lights.

In the summer months it is perfect to sit and eat lunch or have a snack and drink to soak up the London skyline. The water feature running through the garden helps you to connect to nature alongside the plants such as wisteria, roses and even fig trees.

Bench seating at The Garden at 120 — Bench seating

Water feature at The Garden at 120 — Bench seating

If you work in the city or just want a break from a busy day sightseeing, this is a perfect place to have lunch. 14 Hills Restaurant is located one floor below, accessed by steps from the garden or via the lift. I visited just after it opened at 10am and did not have to queue.

Getting to The Garden at 120:

A two minute walk from Fenchurch Street Train Station

A few minutes walk from Monument, Tower Hill or Aldgate Tube stations

Bus numbers 115, 242 and 254 stop nearby.

The Garden at 120 Tickets.

You do not need to book a ticket beforehand. You will have to queue to visit so leave yourself time (up to 30 minutes at the peak).

Opening Times:

Summer Months (1^st April to 30^th September) Monday – Friday, 10am – 9pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm. Closed on Bank Holidays.

Winter Months (1^st October – 31^st March) Monday – Friday 10am – 6.30pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm. Closed on Bank Holidays.

Eat and Drink:

14 Hills opens at 12pm for lunch and dinner. The bar is open from 12pm – Midnight Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 10.30pm on Sundays.

Sign to 14 Hills Restaurant at The Garden at 120 — Restaurant is one floor below

Entrance to 14 Hills restaurant at The Garden at 120 — Restaurant is one floor below

You can of course bring your own food and drink. There aren’t that many benches in the garden. The best place to sit is by the water feature.

Toilets:

There are toilets situated on the 14^th floor accessed by steps from the garden or via the lift.

Accessibility: Easy to navigate. The gardens are all flat with the toilets and restaurant accessed by the same lift you enter from.

Top Tips for visiting The Garden at 120:

To avoid any long queues, try to visit earlier in the morning. It opens at 10am so is a perfect place to have a coffee break.
It is open air with no protection from wind and rain so bring an umbrella!
It’s the perfect back up plan if the other viewing platforms are all booked.