Sky Garden London: Tickets, Views, Best Time to Visit & Insider Tips

Sky Garden London is one of the most iconic attractions. It offers a unique blend of nature, architecture and panoramic city views high above the River Thames. Perched above the striking “Walkie Talkie” building at 20 Fenchurch Street, this expansive indoor garden features lush greenery, observation decks and stylish dining spaces, which offer the best views in London. The Walkie Talkie building viewing platform is a free attraction and a must-visit destination for sightseeing, relaxation and memorable experiences in the heart of the city.

What Makes Sky Garden London One of the Best Free Attractions in London

Sky Garden London harmoniously blends botanical elements with breathtaking vistas. This indoor garden is located on the top three floors of the Walkie Talkie building. Since its opening, it has established itself as one of the most visited viewing platforms in London. 

The space spans 45,000 square feet and features exquisitely landscaped terraces designed by award-winning practice Gillespies. Over 2,500 drought-resistant plants from Mediterranean and South African climates, French lavender, red hot pokers, birds of paradise and agapanthus offer a colourful contrast against the modern interior. 

Sky Garden London Views: 360° Panorama of the City 

Sky Garden London viewing platform with panoramic city views from the Walkie Talkie building

The 360° panorama from Sky Garden captures London’s most iconic landmarks across three viewing levels.

East View Highlights

To the east, Tower Bridge spans the Thames with the historic Tower of London standing beside it. The Shard pierces the skyline at 310 meters, and its glass facade reflects changing light throughout the day. 

West View Highlights 

On the west, St. Paul’s Cathedral rises majestically above the evolving cityscape of the Square Mile. On clear days, one can trace the River Thames as it curves through central London.

Sky Garden London Viewing Levels

Level 35: Main Garden & Outdoor Viewing Terrace 

It houses the main garden with planted terraces and indoor viewing areas. This outdoor terrace provides an unobstructed open-air experience, though it closes during breakfast hours and may be restricted due to weather conditions.

Level 36: Darwin Brasserie & Indoor Viewing Windows 

This level features Darwin Brasserie and additional viewing windows.

Outdoor Terrace at Sky Garden: Best Spot for Photography

The outdoor terrace provides unobstructed open-air views without glass reflections—perfect for photography. 

Sky Garden London Tickets, Booking & Entry Options

Entry to Sky Garden is completely free. So, Sky Garden booking must be planned in advance. 

• How to Book Free Sky Garden London Tickets: Sky Garden Tickets are released every Monday at 9:30 AM for the following three weeks. Your ticket is valid only for the specific date and time listed, with a one-hour window from your entry time.
• Sky Garden Walk-In Tickets & Evening Entry Prices: Walk-ins are also accepted during daytime hours on weekdays, but it depends on availability. Evening walk-in tickets can be purchased at the door for approximately Rs. 1,950 (£18.25), which includes access to music nights with a welcome glass of champagne.
• Breakfast Tickets & Restaurant Reservations for Guaranteed Entry: Early access breakfast tickets, ranging from Rs. 1,230 (£11.50) are another option for guaranteed entry. Booking a table at one of the restaurants or bars grants entry without needing a separate ticket.

Restaurants & Bars at Sky Garden London

Sky Garden London houses three distinct restaurants and two bars, each offering different culinary experiences. 

Darwin Brasserie offers all-day British dining, while Fenchurch Restaurant provides fine dining experiences. Larch Restaurant, located on the ground floor, specialises in Italian dishes and operates a cafe serving breakfast. 

The Sky Pod Bar and City Garden Bar serve cocktails, wines and light bites throughout the day and evening. These bars host regular music nights featuring DJs and live bands.

Read more – Things to Do in London

How to Get to Sky Garden London: Location & Transport Guide

Sky Garden London is located at 1 Sky Garden Walk, in the heart of the City of London. 

Nearest Tube Stations to Sky Garden London

Monument station on the District and Circle lines sits just three minutes away on foot, while Bank station, serving the Northern, Central, DLR and Waterloo & City lines, is five minutes away. 

Bus Routes Near 20 Fenchurch Street

Several bus routes stop nearby, including the 40, 15, 25, and 133.

Sky Garden vs Other London Viewing Platforms

London offers several elevated viewing experiences, each with distinct characteristics. 

Viewpoint	Height	Entry Cost	Best For	Booking
Sky Garden	155m	Free	Botanical views, budget travellers	Advance booking
The Shard	244m	Rs. 3,000-3,740 (£28-35)	Highest views, special occasions	Advance booking
London Eye	135m	Rs. 3,640-4,850 (£30-40)	River Thames perspective	Advance booking
Horizon 22	252m	Free	300° views	Walk-ins accepted
The Lookout	Lower elevation	Free	Alternative free option	Walk-ins accepted

Best Time to Visit Sky Garden London: Tips & Crowd Avoidance

• Weekday mornings offer the quietest experience at Sky Garden. 
• Booking early access at 8:15 AM allows you to explore before the crowds. 
• The breakfast option provides the added benefit of a relatively peaceful experience plus refreshments.
• Booking a slot 30 to 45 minutes before sunset allows you to witness both daylight and illuminated night views. 
• April through September offer the best weather conditions for terrace access, though winter visits have their own winter charm.
• Strategic booking of a restaurant table guarantees entry.

Sky Garden London Through the Seasons

Each season transforms the Sky Garden experience.

Season	Atmosphere	What to Pack
Spring (March – May)	Fresh blooms, mild temperatures	Light jacket, sunglasses for bright days
Summer (June – August)	Longer daylight hours allow visits that transition from golden sunsets to sparkling night views.	Sunscreen for terrace time, light layers for air-conditioned indoor areas
Autumn (September – November)	Dramatic city shadows, while changing colours across London, add rich seasonal colour.	Warm jacket, scarf for windier terrace conditions
Winter (December – February)	Clear, crisp days.	Warm coat, gloves, multiple layers

Conclusion: Why Sky Garden London Is Worth Visiting?

Sky Garden London delivers an exceptional experience at unbeatable value. The combination of free entry, extraordinary views and botanical gardens creates a unique experience among all the city’s observation decks. Whether you visit at sunrise for breakfast, during golden hour as the city glows or on a crisp winter morning, the 20 Fenchurch Street Sky Garden offers perspectives that redefine how you see London. Book your tickets in advance with Pickyourtrail’s all-customisable London Tour Packages and enhance your experience with our best deals.

FAQs: Sky Garden London

Is Sky Garden London really free to visit?

Yes, Sky Garden entry is completely free, but you must book a timed ticket in advance through their website. Free tickets are released every Monday morning for the following three weeks. Walk-ins are possible during weekdays, but are subject to availability.

How far in advance should you book Sky Garden tickets?

Tickets become available exactly three weeks in advance and are released every Monday morning around 9:30 AM. Popular time slots, especially weekends and sunset times, book within hours. 

Can you visit Sky Garden without a ticket?

Limited walk-ins are accepted during weekday daytime hours based on capacity, but this is not guaranteed. After 5 PM on weekdays, walk-ins require purchasing an evening ticket at approximately Rs. 1,950 (£18.25). Alternatively, booking a restaurant or bar table guarantees entry without a separate access ticket.

What is the best time to visit Sky Garden London?

Sunset is the most popular time, offering both daylight and evening city lights. Early mornings between 8 AM and 10 AM tend to be quieter. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.

How long can you stay at Sky Garden?

Free tickets allow one hour from your entry time. Restaurant and bar bookings do not have strict time limits, though tables may have allocated durations during busy periods.

Are children allowed at Sky Garden?

Children are welcome during daytime hours, but must be accompanied by an adult if under 16. Children under 16 are not permitted after 6 PM on weekdays or 9 PM on weekends. Children over 5 years old require their own ticket.

What should you wear to the Sky Garden?

The space is naturally ventilated, but not climate-controlled. So, dress appropriately for the weather. Layers are recommended as temperatures can vary. Evening visits from 6 PM onward have a smart casual dress code for restaurants and bars.

Can you see fireworks from Sky Garden?

Yes, Sky Garden offers spectacular views of London fireworks during major events like New Year’s Eve and Guy Fawkes Night. Special ticketed events run during these occasions, with New Year’s Eve standing tickets starting around Rs. 24,380 (£227.90), including champagne, entertainment and premium viewing positions.