Sky Garden is my favourite viewing platform in London. In this guide I will tell you everything you need to know about visiting. Once you’ve been, you can tell me if you agree!
London’s highest free public garden is located at the top of the Walkie Talkie building. With its bustling atmosphere, tropical garden and 360 degree view of London it is one attraction not to miss. The iconic building, The Shard, takes centre stage as you walk onto the outdoor terrace where you can take in the iconic skyline of London from the Docklands to the east and St Pauls Cathedral to the west. Situated at the top (35th floor) of the Walkie Talkie building on Fenchurch Street, the literal garden in the sky is a must-see attraction when visiting London.
Walking Talkie Building
The Walkie Talkie building takes its name from the shape of a walkie talkie, designed by Rafael Vinoli. The gardens were landscaped with drought resistant plants that flourish all year round. The plants are mainly to the sides by the steps with seating areas at various places as you walk up to the top area.
Garden and Sky Pod Bar
As you enter the stunning venue from the lift, the awe-inspiring view takes your breath away.
There is plenty of seating, both café style with bistro tables and comfortable sofas. No purchase is needed to sit at any chair or table. The Sky Pod Bar serves a variety of drinks and snacks to have while admiring the view or to just soak up the atmosphere. If you walk up either side of the garden areas you will find the City Garden bar at the top with more options available as well as viewing the north side of London.
Just behind the building to the north, you can actually see two other free viewing platforms; The Lookout and Horizon 22. If you look carefully, you can see people waving at you! Looking east and below where you stand, you can see The garden at 120 (Fenchurch Street) another free viewing platform.
Read more: Viewing Points in London
Sky Garden Restaurants
There are two restaurants available if you would rather have a sit down meal. The Darwin Brasserie is the more casual of the two, while the Fenchurch Restaurant has an elegant vibe. Both are at the top of Sky Garden, reached by walking up the steps either side of the main area or there is a lift from just behind the café to take you up to the restaurant level. You need to book a table at both restaurants but then you do not need a reservation for the Sky Garden. I can recommend brunch at the Darwin Brasserie with the added bonus of you can still spend time in all of Sky Garden if you missed out on entrance tickets.
Read more: Restaurants at Sky Garden
Sky Garden Address
Accessed from the rear of 20 Fenchurch Street, the way in is to the right of the front entrance. There are lifts on Philpot Lane and Rood Lane from the rear of the building.
Sky Garden Tickets
Daytime visits, although free, must be booked in advance. Tickets become available every Monday morning (no specific time but is normally between 9-10am UK time) for a one hour timed entry for the week, three weeks in advance. Walk-ins can be accepted on the day but are not guaranteed, I have never been successful! Although there is a timed entry, you can stay as long as you like until closing time.
Photographic ID is requested but in my experience never asked for. I would bring one just in case though. There are x-ray machines for belongings and coats before you enter, just like security at an airport.
You do not need to book a ticket if you have a reservation at either The Darwin Brasserie or The Fenchurch Restaurant.
Top Tip: If you cannot get tickets at your preferred time, then try Horizon 22 or The Lookout as they are just around the corner. You don’t need to book at The Garden at 120 so just turn up and queue!
Sunrise tickets
Available from 8am , these tickets can be purchased in advance for £11.50 which includes a hot drink and pastry. Please note that the open air terrace is not open until 10am.
Evening Tickets
In the evening, you can purchase tickets in advance or you could try on the door. (16+ only, accompanied by an adult) which includes an alcoholic drink and some form of entertainment normally a DJ. If it is a specific music night, then it is 18+ only. Annoyingly, the website is not clear at all on how to buy tickets for a ‘normal’ evening!
Opening Hours
Weekdays from 10am-6pm for free access tickets; Weekends from 11am-9pm
Sunrise paid tickets are from 8-10am
Evening paid tickets are from 6.30pm to midnight Sunday to Thursday, and 1am Friday and Saturday.
Don’t get caught out on the first Monday of a month as Sky Garden is closed until 6pm for mostly maintenance.
Eating and Drinking
Officially, you cannot bring your own food and drink but I have always had a water bottle and snacks with me. As long as you don’t sit down with a picnic, you would be fine. I would recommend having a hot drink and cake from the Sky Pod Bar in the main seating area. There is no time limit so you can relax and enjoy the view!
Sky Pod Bar – café and bar situated on the main floor.
City Garden Bar – bar seating on the top floor.
Darwin Brasserie A relaxed restaurant above the seating area.
Fenchurch Restaurant. A more formal restaurant right at the top!
The Larch cafe is situated outside the building just opposite the entrance.
Toilets
There are two toilet block options either side of the café on the main floor. They are all unisex cubicles with a sink in each.
Accessibility
Sky Garden is very accessible to both pushchairs and wheelchairs as the entrance is on one level with a large lift to take you all the way to the top. When you enter the open space, it is all one level, including going out onto the terrace. There is another lift to take you up further to the restaurants. Guide or assistance dogs are allowed to accompany you.
Getting To Sky Garden
Public transport is close by:
Monument tube station is a 5 minute walk away.
The nearest bus stop is Monument H and J on Bus route 15, a 2 minute walk away.
Fenchurch Street train station is a 5 minute walk.
London Bridge train and tube station is a 15 minute walk across the River Thames.
Top Tips for visiting Sky Garden
Sky Garden is not heated so can get very cold. The restaurants are of course heated, but you will need to dress for the outdoor weather.
The sofas are comfortable to lounge on to make the most of the view. However, there is seating available up the sides by the steps with fabulous views overlooking the entire space and skyline outside. You can take a drink from the bar with you.
If you struggle to reserve a ticket to enter, it may be worth booking a table at either restaurant as you get free entry to the entire garden. There is no minimum spend and both are a great choice for a meal. The Darwin Brasserie has a particularly lovely breakfast/brunch menu.
The best time to visit is on a weekday between 10am and 12pm. If you like it quieter, then midweek is definitely the best time to book.
