Visiting Crossrail Place Roof Garden with children: everything you need to know

Although Canary Wharf is most known for its skyscrapers, it has some surprising pockets of green amidst all of the steel. One of its best hidden gems of a garden is Crossrail Place Roof Garden, a thoughtfully laid out little oasis. Find out everything you need to know about visiting Crossrail Place Roof Garden with kids in this guide.

Crossrail Place Roof Garden: the essentials

What is Crossrail Place Roof Garden?

Crossrail Place Roof Garden is a hidden gem of a public garden. Situated within a tube-like lattice structure designed by Foster+Partners (who also designed the Gherkin – spot the similarities), the park is largely enclosed but gaps in the roof structure allow the rain in in certain places and also allow trees to grow up through the structure. Much of the structure offers shelter from the elements, so it’s a great place to visit even on a rainy day.

Crossrail Place Roof Garden is also home to a number of art pieces, that sit within the foliage. Dotted through the garden are benches and places for fitting and enjoying the atmosphere.

Where is Crossrail Place Roof Garden?

Crossrail Place Roof Garden is located in the heart of Canary Wharf and perched on top of a building that houses the Crossrail station. The garden’s prime location means you can easily combine a visit with a visit to other family-friendly activities in Canary Wharf.

Crossrail Place Roof Garden is located right on the meridian line that splits the East and West hemispheres. It has been thoughtfully planted with plants that reflect this unique position. One side of the garden is planted with plants that come from the Eastern hemisphere and one side of the garden is planted with plants that come from the Western hemisphere.

How much does it cost to go in Crossrail Place Roof Garden?

Entrance to the Crossrail Place Roof Garden is free.

Do you need tickets for Crossrail Place Roof Garden?

You do not need to book tickets in order to enter the Crossrail Place Roof Garden, just stroll in.

When is Crossrail Place Roof Garden open?

Crossrail Place Roof Garden is open daily from 9am until 9pm (or sunset in summer).

Getting to Crossrail Place Roof Garden

What is the nearest tube to Crossrail Place Roof Garden?

The garden’s location within Canary Wharf makes it easily accessible by various forms of public transport.

The nearest Tube station to Crossrail Place Roof Garden is Canary Wharf (Jubilee Line and Elizabeth Line). The DLR also stops at Canary Wharf.

Several bus routes also stop nearby.

How do you get into Crossrail Place Roof Garden?

There are a few ways to get into Crossrail Place Roof Gardens but the coolest entrance is via a space-age style bridge. Clad inside in a colourful art work, this is a fun and accessible route into Crossrail Place. The entry point for the bridge can be found just off North Colonnade (if you’re struggling to find it, look for Market Halls Cargo Canary Wharf in Google Maps, it’s right nearby).

Once you’ve made your way up the bridge, you can take either the escalators or lifts directly to Level 3 and into Crossrail Place Roof Garden.

Do I have to queue for Crossrail Place Roof Garden?

Unless you arrive before they open, there is no need to queue for the gardens.

At Crossrail Place Roof Garden

What is there to see at Crossrail Place Roof Garden?

As mentioned above, one side of the garden is planted with plants that come from the Eastern hemisphere and one side of the garden is planted with plants that come from the Western hemisphere. Throughout the garden are information boards that tell you more about the plants and also the trading history of Canary Wharf and the Docklands area.

In addition to the natural world, you also get an excellent view through the roof of planes flying overhead on their descent into nearby City Airport – plane spotters will be in seventh heaven.

What facilities are there for children at Crossrail Place Roof Garden?

There aren’t any facilities in the gardens per se. But there are many nearby places where you can get food and toilets can be found within Crossrail Place, Mall Level -3 via lift adjacent to the Notes Coffee Roasters & Bar.

Crossrail Place Roof Garden is fully wheelchair and stroller-friendly, with wide pathways throughout and lift access up to the gardens.

How long can you spend at Crossrail Place Roof Garden?

There’s no limit on how long you can spend there. If you aren’t picnicking there then you’re unlikely to need more than 30 minutes to fully appreciate the garden.

Can you eat in Crossrail Place Roof Garden?

Yes. Do bring a packed lunch or a takeaway from a nearby vendor, this is a great space to pause and have a bite to eat. At the end of the garden is a small area with amphitheatre-style seating where you can spread out a bit.

TOP TIPS for visiting Crossrail Place Roof Garden

• Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. There are spaces in the roof so birds can often be seen there. We have also spotted mice in the undergrowth when there.

For more of a look at Crossrail Place Roof Garden, check out our TikTok.

Is there a question you have about visiting Crossrail Place Roof Garden that we haven’t answered here? Let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to address it.