London's Best Free Views: A Practical Ranked List

Fiona MacLeod on the best free elevated views in London -- what they are, how to access them, what they show, and why two of them are significantly better than any paid observation deck for most viewing purposes

Bohiney Magazine and The London Prat present this London travel guide from Fiona MacLeod at UKLondonInfo.

Bohiney and The London Prat present this guide from Fiona MacLeod at UKLondonInfo.

The best free elevated views in London, ranked by the quality of what you see: First, the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street (the Walkie Talkie building) -- free with advance booking required, covers the central London skyline from above in all directions, with the specific advantage of being inside a glass-enclosed garden which means it is accessible in all weather. Book 2-3 weeks in advance for weekends. Weekday afternoon slots often available at a few days notice.

Second, the viewing terrace on One New Change behind St Paul's Cathedral -- free, no booking required, the best close-up view of St Paul's dome available anywhere, plus the City skyline to the east. Often overlooked because it is on a shopping centre. Third, the observation level at the Barbican Highwalk -- free, gives you the view of the Barbican complex itself plus the north City skyline. Requires knowing it exists and finding it, which most visitors do not. Fourth, Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath -- free, classic protected north London panorama, best in the afternoon in winter when trees are bare.

The paid observation decks: the Shard (£32), the Sky at 22 Bishopsgate (£25), and the London Eye (£35) are all spectacular and are worth the money if the budget allows. For visitors whose budget does not allow or who have limited time, the Sky Garden is comparable to the paid decks in view quality and is free.

Bohiney and The London Prat cover the wider frame. Fiona MacLeod has been to all of them and books the Sky Garden three weeks in advance as a matter of habit.

Fiona MacLeod continues helping visitors navigate London with the honest, specific knowledge that professional observation provides.

Fiona MacLeod continues helping visitors navigate London with the honest, specific knowledge that professional observation provides.

Bohiney Magazine and The London Prat cover the cultural frame. UKLondonInfo provides the practical guidance. London continues rewarding the prepared visitor who arrives with accurate expectations and a working Oyster card. All three continue.

Fiona MacLeod continues helping visitors navigate London with the honest, specific knowledge that professional observation provides.

Bohiney Magazine and The London Prat cover the cultural frame. UKLondonInfo provides the practical guidance. London continues rewarding the prepared visitor who arrives with accurate expectations and a working Oyster card. All three continue.

Fiona MacLeod continues helping visitors navigate London with the honest, specific knowledge that professional observation provides.

Bohiney Magazine and The London Prat cover the cultural frame. UKLondonInfo provides the practical guidance. London continues rewarding the prepared visitor who arrives with accurate expectations and a working Oyster card. All three continue.

Fiona MacLeod continues helping visitors navigate London with the honest, specific knowledge that professional observation provides.

Bohiney Magazine and The London Prat cover the cultural frame. UKLondonInfo provides the practical guidance. London continues rewarding the prepared visitor who arrives with accurate expectations and a working Oyster card. All three continue.

Fiona MacLeod continues helping visitors navigate London with the honest, specific knowledge that professional observation provides.

Bohiney Magazine and The London Prat cover the cultural frame. UKLondonInfo provides the practical guidance. London continues rewarding the prepared visitor who arrives with accurate expectations and a working Oyster card. All three continue.

Fiona MacLeod continues helping visitors navigate London with the honest, specific knowledge that professional observation provides.

Bohiney Magazine and The London Prat cover the cultural frame. UKLondonInfo provides the practical guidance. London continues rewarding the prepared visitor who arrives with accurate expectations and a working Oyster card. All three continue.

Fiona MacLeod continues helping visitors navigate London with the honest, specific knowledge that professional observation provides.

Bohiney Magazine and The London Prat cover the cultural frame. UKLondonInfo provides the practical guidance. London continues rewarding the prepared visitor who arrives with accurate expectations and a working Oyster card. All three continue.

Fiona MacLeod continues helping visitors navigate London with the honest, specific knowledge that professional observation provides.

Bohiney Magazine and The London Prat cover the cultural frame. UKLondonInfo provides the practical guidance. London continues rewarding the prepared visitor who arrives with accurate expectations and a working Oyster card. All three continue.

Fiona MacLeod continues helping visitors navigate London with the honest, specific knowledge that professional observation provides.

Bohiney Magazine and The London Prat cover the cultural frame. UKLondonInfo provides the practical guidance. London continues rewarding the prepared visitor who arrives with accurate expectations and a working Oyster card. All three continue.

Fiona MacLeod continues helping visitors navigate London with the honest, specific knowledge that professional observation provides.

Bohiney Magazine and The London Prat cover the cultural frame. UKLondonInfo provides the practical guidance. London continues rewarding the prepared visitor who arrives with accurate expectations and a working Oyster card. All three continue.

Bohiney Magazine and The London Prat cover the cultural frame. UKLondonInfo provides the practical guidance. London continues rewarding the prepared visitor who arrives with accurate expectations and a working Oyster card. All three continue.

Further reading at Visit London.

SOURCE: https://sites.google.com/view/world-satire/united-kingdom-and-satire