Visiting Sky Garden, London – Your Complete Guide
Beautiful Botanical Gardens in the Sky
Sky Gardens is an extremely popular botanical garden at the top of the Fenchurch Building, which is nicknamed the Walkie Talkie because of its ever widening shape and facade, which looks like a walkie talkie. The building’s official name is actually 20 Fenchurch Street.
Situated by the River Thames in a top London location in Fenchurch Street in the City of London, Sky Garden sits proudly amongst many of London’s most famous buildings. Clustered around Sky Garden in the Fenchurch Building are: The Shard, The Tower of London, Horizon 22, Tower Bridge, The Gherkin, City Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral and lots more.
As you look up and down the River Thames you’ll see everything from the Tate Modern to Canary Wharf and much more beyond.
Sky Garden is the UK’s highest public garden with jaw dropping 360 degree views across London in every direction from 155m above ground. With historic Greenwich in one direction, the Houses of Parliament in the other, Regent Street to your left and The Shard to your right, this area is a feast of iconic things to see and do.
Sky Garden’s height at the very top of the Fenchurch Building puts its views a close second to those of London’s tallest buildings: The Shard and Horizon 22. With its beautiful botanical surroundings and the options to dine or party as you take it all in, Sky Garden is a sensational way to view the city – day or night – and for free too.
Dazzling Tourist Attraction in the City of London
Free Entry
There’s no cost to get into Sky Garden unless you’re attending one of its many events but you should book your ticket before visiting because Sky Garden is a super popular London attraction so there’s no guarantee you’ll get in if you just turn up.
If you do just happen to be walking by, you can try to get in but you’ll have to queue with no guarantee you’ll get in. Walk in for daytime admission closes at 5pm. Impromptu visits in the evening or early in the morning often have to be paid for because there are events on.
All in all its best to book your Sky Garden tickets in advance.
Sky Garden Tickets
Book In Advance
So book your free tickets for Sky Garden in advance on the Sky Garden website. Don’t try and book your ticket on the day, it will too late, book your ticket for Sky Garden up to 3 weeks before you want to go. Booking is easy, you just select that date, quantity and arrival time you want.
Bring Photo ID
On the day, you need to bring photo id as well as the ticket to confirm you are the ticketholder, this can be your passport, driving licence etc.
Child Adult Ratios
If you’re bringing children, you’re only allowed 3 children per adult – probably for UK health and safety ratios because there is an open terrace etc.
Teenagers to 16 Year Olds
If you’re 16 or under, you need to be with an adult over 18 to get in.
The One Hour Allocation
Unless dining at a restaurant most people spend 1 – 11/2 hours at Sky Garden so you’ll find your ticket has a one hour allocation (this doesn’t apply if dining at a restaurant or in a bar). The one hour allocation is for organisation, – you’re not going to get kicked out after one hour but don’t leave the building as you won’t be able to get back in.
Whilst most people spend an hour to an hour and a half at Sky Garden unless they’re dining in one of Sky Garden’s restaurants or on a night out in its bars, there are endless things to do and see just steps away.
Lifts
Travelling up to Sky Garden’s top floor location is easy because the Fenchurch Building has speedy lifts which will have you at the botanical gardens in an amazing 30 seconds. The lifts are also in operation between Sky Garden’s 3 floors.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome at Sky Garden, just let the venue know in advance when you book your ticket.
Other Things To Do and See Near Sky Garden, London
This area along the River Thames is buzzing with things to do and see. From Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to Borough Market, Covent Garden, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, the National Gallery, restaurants, bars, museums, theatres and more – this area is packed with famous London attractions and most have free entry.
It’s historic, both bustling and relaxing, really interesting and so beautiful as everything is positioned along the river in both directions and you can just walk along beside the river, enjoying it all.
Getting To Sky Gardens
Transport links are plentiful too so Sky Garden is super easy to get to. As well as an abundance of tubes and trains there are tons of buses plus river boat options too.
London Bridge, Cannon Street and Liverpool Street are the nearest train stations but Charing Cross and Waterloo are also close by. A wide range of tube lines stop in the area, nearest tubes to Sky Garden are: Cannon Street, Liverpool Street, Fenchurch Street, Aldgate, Mansion House and Monument.
Sky Garden Opening Times
Sky Garden is open all day from 10am - 6pm, Monday – Friday and 11am – 9pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
If you’re coming for Sky Garden’s bars and restaurants, they close much later on in the night and open much earlier for scenic breakfasts and brunches. Sky Garden’s bars close between 12am and 1am and its restaurants between 10pm and 10.30pm.
Things To Do and See in Sky Garden, London: Located In The Fenchurch Building (The Walkie Talkie)
As well as botanical gardens and beautiful views, Sky Garden also has: 3 restaurants, 2 bars, an outdoor terrace and a gift shop (on the ground floor) spread across its 3 floors.
At the bottom of the Fenchurch Building, on the ground floor, there’s also another restaurant called Larch which serves up Italian home comforts, like pizza and pasta. Obviously there’s no sky high views at Larch but the Fenchurch Building is also home to lots of companies who enjoy the views 24/7 so not everyone needs the views as they dine!
Sky Garden’s gift shop is located underneath Larch Restaurant and there’s also a coffee shop.
Sky Garden is both a day attraction and night time destination. In the evening and night, Sky Garden’s bars and restaurants are buzzing with people enjoying delicious food, drinks and music as well as the views.
In the early mornings, Sky Garden’s yoga sessions are exhilarating with views across London as your backdrop. Breakfast and brunch with sensational views across the city are also popular for Sky Garden’s restaurants which open early in the morning.
Breathtaking Views Across the City of London and Beyond
So to those views. Sky Garden has its home at the very top of the Fenchurch Building so you’ll find yourself 155m high on the 35th floor of the Walkie Talkie when you arrive at Sky Gardens.
From this height, you have views that are incredible. You’re not as high as you are at The Shard or Horizon 22 but Sky Garden is a close second and here its done in beautiful botanical surroundings with 360 degree views.
Enjoy Day or Night
Covered in glass on every side and above from its vaulted glass ceiling, Sky Garden offers uninterrupted views across the city and beyond in every direction and you can enjoy them both day and night. Stay inside, head out to the terrace, sip on something special, munch on something delicious or even flex your joints with yoga as you take in the views – that’s the joy Sky Gardens offers. And of course, there are all the beautiful botanicals to enjoy – and you can do it day or night.
Whether you visit Sky Gardens day or night, do bring a cover up because the terrace is open for use. As a covered space, you can enjoy Sky Gardens throughout the year. Wear smart casual clothes because Sky Garden’s bars and restaurants have a smart casual dress code.
Sky Garden's Botanical Gardens
Sky Garden’s botanical gardens are spread across its 3 floors. Designed by Gillespies, award-winning London landscape designers. these lush green gardens are presented as 3 collections: The Shade Tolerant Forest, The Transition Zone and Florals. Using plants from the Mediterranean and Southern Africa, Gillespies drew inspiration from ancient forests to create Sky Garden’s sky high retreat. From fig trees to African Lillies, Bird of Paradise, ferns and Giant Cabuya, there are lots of interesting botanicals to see throughout your visit.
Sky Garden Restaurants
Beautiful Food and Views
Sky Garden’s restaurants are popular with visitors both day and night and a great way to enjoy both stunning views and gorgeous food. There are 3 restaurants to choose from: Fenchurch Restaurant, Darwin Brasserie and Fenchurch Terrace. All 3 are much-loved by visitors, with each offering something different. Sky Garden’s bars also sell bar snacks so there’s plenty to eat both day and night. Do of course, book because these are popular restaurants and bars.
Sky Garden’s 3 restaurants, Darwin Brasserie, Fenchurch Restaurant and Fenchurch Terrace. All 3 restaurants operate a smart casual dress code so no gym trainers, hoodies, football shirts etc.
Darwin Brasserie, London
Darwin Brasserie serves up comforting classics like: steak, burgers and fish and chips at a mid price point. It’s located right by the windows so you have beautiful views as you dine.
Darwin Brasserie is open at 7.30am during the week and 8am on weekends. Closing time is 10pm Sunday to Thursday and 10.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays. With such long opening hours, it’s no surprise the restaurant is shut between 10 – 11.30am and 4.30pm – 5pm on weekdays 9.30am – 11.30am and 3.30 – 5.30pm on weekends.
Fenchurch Restaurant, London
Operating at a higher price point, Fenchurch Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant, offering delicious takes on classic ingredients like sea bass, lobster and salmon. Fenchurch Restaurant is positioned in the centre of the room so you can see in all directions, though obviously from a distance.
Fenchurch Restaurant opens daily from 11.45am – 10.15pm. However between 2.45pm and 5.45pm the restaurant is closed, on weekends closure is from 3.30pm – 5.30pm.
Fenchurch Terrace, London
For relaxed light bites and intimate gatherings, Fenchurch Terrace is a relaxed bar and light dining space that’s only open in the evenings. Positioned on the top floor, Fenchurch Terrace is great for chilled gatherings, offering much-loved snacks like gyoza, sliders and chicken satay. Its from 6pm – 10.15pm on weekdays and 9pm – 10.15pm on Saturdays.
Sky Garden Afternoon Tea
Sky Garden's restaurants don't do afternoon tea. For afternoon tea with a view, head to Horizon 22, 10 minutes walk round the corner at Undershaft, Bishopsgate where the restaurants are more exclusive and have afternoon tea at one of its Gordon Ramsay Restaurants. Alternatively, head down to Monument, cross over London Bridge and have afternoon tea at The Shard where there are multiple options with more traditional flavours.
This is because British afternoon tea is a set sequence of exquisite sandwiches, cakes, teas and Champagne which in London, is generally served at luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants. Outside of the city, particularly up north and in Cornwall and Devon, you will also find afternoon tea served in tea rooms.
Sky Garden Bars – Sky Pod Bar & City Garden Bar: Indoor and Outdoor Rooftop Bars
Sky Garden’s two bars, Sky Pod Bar and City Garden Bar are popular for both day and night. They offer the change to enjoy the beautiful views across city whilst you party with friends at night or enjoy a glass of something nice with friends during the day.
At night there’s live music and djs and the rooftop terrace means you can gave fun both indoors and out. Both bars sell drinks of every kind as well as bar food.
Dress codes for both bars are smart casual so no gym trainers, hoodies, football shirts etc. Bring a cover up because the terrace will be open for use.
Book your tickets for entry because these are popular bars with a busy programme of live djs and performers.
Sky Pod Bar, London
Positioned by the windows, Sky Pod Bar is the main hub at night with live music and a range of light bar snacks, like gyozas, tacos, charcuterie and smoked tuna. Sky Pod Bar is open from 7am on weekdays and 8am on weekends. From Wednesday to Saturday Sky Pod Bar closes at 1am. From Sunday to Tuesday Sky Pod Bar closes a little earlier at 12am.
City Garden Bar, London
Located on the top floor, City Garden Bar is a more intimate space, with sharing platters, like charcuterie boards, tacos and sliders, to accompany your drinks. City Garden Bar is open from 11am – 12am every day except Sundays when it closes at 6pm.
About The Fenchurch Building (The Walkie Talkie)
Built in 2014, the Fenchurch Building takes its nickname from unusual proportions which sees it get wider as it gets higher. From its facade to its curved roof and increasingly wider proportions, the Fenchurch Building really does look like a walkie talkie.
It’s a unique design that’s no surprise because the Fenchurch Building was designed by the innovative architect, Rafael Vinoly. As demonstrated in the Walkie Talkie’s unique design, Rafael’s signature style is for striking, sleek, functional modernist buildings with soothing curved lines and advanced engineering.
The Fenchurch building is 160m high and officially called 20 Fenchurch Street. Its current owners, Lee Kum Kee Groups purchased the Walkie Talkie for £1.28 billion pounds in 2017, making it London’s second most expensive office space, surpassed only by 100 Bishopsgate valued at 1.5 billion. The building’s 38 floors are home to lots of companies with Sky Garden on the top 3 floors and two floors underground. You can also have your wedding or event here. Learn more
The huge, light-filled double height reception is a beautiful welcome to this exciting building.
And London’s style offerings don’t stop there, check out our gorgeous gifts, clothing, bags, greeting cards, wedding invitations and on the day stationery for all your celebrations and treats. Go
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