This quiet and tranquil rooftop garden is situated on the 15th floor of 120 Fenchurch Street. It is free to enter and you do not even need to book a ticket. You will need to queue to get in but it doesn’t take too long. 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. 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. 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.
Website: https://www.thegardenat120.com/#content/page/roof_garden
Getting there:
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.
Cost: Free. You can’t book a ticket beforehand so you will have to queue to visit.
Opening Times: Summer Months (1st April to 30th September) Monday – Friday, 10am – 9pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm. Closed on Bank Holidays.
Winter Months (1st October – 31st 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.
Toilets: There are toilets situated on the 14th 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:
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.
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