There are a quite a few viewing spots around London. In this guide, I will tell you all you need to know about visiting Horizon 22, the highest free viewing platform. In fact, the viewing platform itself is higher than The Shard.
Arriving at Horizon 22
A warm welcome awaits you at Horizon 22. There are plenty of staff on hand to make your experience smooth and straightforward. Located at 22 Bishopsgate, you enter at street level and check in with a member of staff holding an iPad. You then make your way via escalator or lift to the security station where you and your bag will be put through an x-ray machine, just like at an airport. You then enter another lift which whisks you speedily up to the 58th floor in mere seconds. Once you leave the lift, you walk out onto the mezzanine level, overlooking the main viewing platform and you get your first glimpse of the view of London. It is truly stunning. It is an all-encompassing view with the Shard taking centre stage. You can see far beyond the Docklands to the east and Kings Cross to the west. It feels like an Art Gallery where there is nothing in the room except for one work of Art. In this case, the view of London.
Viewing Area
The main viewing area is down some steps or there are lifts to drop you down a floor. You have plenty of space to wander around and take it all in. There is a small coffee bar with a couple of tables but be aware there is no other seating. It is quite stark in its simplicity with the view dramatically dominating the space.
What can you see?
Horizon 22 is directly next to The Lookout and behind Skygarden. You get a very good view of the Walkie Talkie building (where Skygarden is located) from the back and you can even see people walking around inside. Just to the left of Skygarden you can see one corner of the Garden at 120, an outdoor garden with a great view! Across the Thames you can see The Shard with the London Eye to your right. Looking to the left, you can spot the Tower of London with Tower Bridge and the Docklands in the background.
What it did lack (and this would be a fantastic addition) is a map telling you what all the buildings are and pointing out all the different areas and landmarks you can see. The staff are on hand to answer any questions and were very knowledgeable about the historic architecture and famous landmarks you can see but you do have to make the effort to ask them.
Website: https://horizon22.co.uk/book/
Getting There:
Horizon 22 is located at 22 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4BQ. Next to The Lookout and behind Leadenhall Market. Within a 5 minute walk, there are three train stations; Liverpool Street, Fenchurch Street and Cannon Street and four tube stations; Monument, Bank, Liverpool Street and Cannon Street. Bus Numbers 8, 25 and 26 all pass the entrance too.
Cost. Free. Book tickets online. Tickets are released daily at 10am. There are a limited number of walk-in tickets available if you want to chance it!
Opening Times: Weekdays 10am – 6pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm
Eating and Drinking: A small coffee bar with three small tables and chairs.
Toilets: On the main level next to the Coffee Bar.
Accessibility: There are lots of stairs to navigate but there are always lifts as an alternative.
Top Tips:
Tickets go quickly so start looking about 2 months before your visit, especially during the summer months.
If you are visiting between Autumn and Spring, then time your ticket for sunset. You will get some spectacular views and watch all the lights start to come on.
Bring a camera but be aware that because of all the glass, the reflections make taking fantastic photos a little tricky.
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