LONDONFAMILIES
 

           

Views of London

There are a number of places where you can go up high to get good views of London.  Some require a climb up a number of stairs, such as St Pauls, others a good healthy walk up a hill.  Either way, it is generally worth the effort.

  • City Hall - City Hall, the headquarters of the Greater London Authority, is open to the public on set weekends throughout the year. Visitors have the opportunity to see and walk around some areas that are not normally open to the public during the week. This includes an open space on the top floor with a walkway around the perimeter offering panoramic views; and the spiral ramp/stairs, which winds its way through the building, offering views of the Thames and the Tower of London

  • Greenwich Park - Greenwich Park covers 73 hectares (183 acres) and is the oldest enclosed Royal Park. Greenwich Park is situated on a hilltop with impressive views across the River Thames to Docklands and the City of London, between Blackheath and the River Thames.

  • Hampstead Heath - Parts of Hampstead Heath offer superb views of London.  Click on the link, where you can download a map of the Heath which has on it marked the best spots for 'views'.

  • The London Eye - Originally conceived as an entry for a millennium landmark competition, the project took six years and the expertise of hundreds of people from five European countries to turn it into a reality.  It is in a great spot on the South Bank and requires no effort from you - you ride in a capsule for half an hour.

  • The Monument - The Monument, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Robert Hooke to commemorate the Great Fire of London was built in 1677 and has been welcoming visitors for over 300 years.  Today, visitors climb 311 steps to the top of this historic landmark to take in spectacular views of London

  • St Paul's Cathedral - Designed by Christopher Wren and built between 1675 an 1710 this cathedral is worth a visit in its own right.  To get your 'view' you will need to climb 259 steps up from ground-level to the Whispering Gallery runs around the interior of the Dome.

  • Tate Modern - The art gallery has fabulous views over the River Thames.  In particular, their is a very good restaurant on the seventh floor.  It is probably worth phoning to book a table.

  • Tower Bridge - At the Tower Bridge Exhibition you can enjoy breath-taking views from the high-level Walkways and learn about the history of the Bridge and how it was built. 

  • Wellington Arch - At Hyde Park Corner the arch has three floors of exhibits detailing London’s best known statues and memorials. Or you can simply gaze over the spectacular views of the surrounding Royal Parks and London skyline offered by the viewing platforms under the sculpture.