April 2015

Leaving Camden, our next point of visit is the 34 storeys Sky Garden at Frenchurch street, London. You do need to book a free visit beforehand. This can be done here.  

The Sky Garden has three floors and offers uninterrupted views across the City of London. Two express lifts will take visitors to a beautiful garden with a viewing area, terrace, café, bar and restaurant. It is designed to create an open and vibrant place of leisure and offering visitors to experience London’s skyline.

Sky garden floor plan. Credit : 20fenchurchstreet.co.uk

I consider Sky Garden as a great photo spot. However the open air terrace has glass barrier that produces reflection that is difficult to avoid. The best view in my opinion is facing river Thames but arriving at 4:15 p.m. the sun will be right against you as oppose to you being at The Shard, the sun will be behind you.

Comparing the Sky Garden to The Shard, you will feel more comfortable due to the much larger area as well as the ‘garden’ within. There are ample space for you to take photographs and no need to jolts around. Having not heard much hype about Sky Garden, I consider it as one of London’s secret. However, after some period of time, you do feel like you are in an airport.

The Sky Garden as seen from The Shard. That white building in the center.

Sky Garden as you exit the lift.

The garden with real vegetation.	The back portion facing The Gherkin.
Strolling with the kids.	View from the garden.

View of London Bridge.

Southwark bridge, Millennium bridge and London Eye in the background.

The Shard, HMS Belfast & City Hall.

HMS Belfast, City Hall, Tower bridge & Tower of London.

Tower bridge, Tower of London and Canary Wharf in the background.

Err ….  not sure where this is. Canary Wharf on far upper right.

The Gherkin from the back portion of Sky Garden.

St Paul’s cathedral & BT Tower.