What is the best viewing platform in London to visit with children?
London’s skyline is a tapestry of historic landmarks and modern marvels, and seeing it from above can be a thrilling experience for visitors of all ages. For families travelling with children, choosing the right viewing platform can make all the difference. The ideal spot should be right for your family. In this post, we’ll explore some of London’s top viewing platforms including the Shard, Horizon 22 and the Sky Garden. We set out the good and bad points of each to help you decide which is the best viewing platform in London to visit with your family.
Once you’ve made your decision, make sure that you’re prepared with our post on how far in advance you need to book tickets to various London attractions, including the viewing platforms in this post.
The Shard
Good for:
- 360 degree views
- Views to the north of the river
- Train and boat spotting
- Guaranteed views or a free ticket for another day with their View Guarantee
- Luxury experience, there are bars on Level 69 and Level 72 offering a wide range of drinks and small selection of snacks
Bad for:
- Your wallet, tickets are not cheap
Towering over London’s skyline at an impressive 1,016 feet (310 meters), the Shard is an iconic modern landmark. Its viewing platform offers one of the most breathtaking viewing experiences in the city. Located on the 68th, 69th and 72nd floor, the View from the Shard provides 360-degree panoramic vistas that stretch for miles, allowing visitors to take in famous sights such as the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the winding River Thames. On a clear day, the views extend as far as 40 miles. The Shard’s viewing galleries feature high-tech telescopes, and guides that enhance the experience. In addition, the open-air observation deck offers an exhilarating al fresco vantage point.
The Sky Garden
Good for:
- Your wallet, entry is free
- 360 degree views
- Space
Bad for:
- Anyone expecting an actual garden, the plants are not the focus here
For those seeking a unique and lush viewing experience, the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street, also known as the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building, is a must-visit. Situated on the 37th and 38th floors, this stunning space offers panoramic vistas of London’s iconic skyline through its floor-to-ceiling glass windows. What sets the Sky Garden apart is its beautifully landscaped terraces, featuring lush greenery, winding walkways, and an impressive array of plant species from around the world. With its unique blend of nature and modern architecture, the Sky Garden provides a serene and tranquil setting to take in the sights of London.
If you want to find out more, make sure to read our post – Visiting the Sky Garden with children: everything you need to know.
Horizon 22
Good for:
- Your wallet, it’s free to enter
- Being high up
Bad for:
- 360 degree views
- Anyone who wants to know more about what they’re looking at
Horizon 22 at 22 Bishopsgate is an excellent viewing platform for families visiting London with children. As the highest free public viewing platform in the city (located on the 58th floor of the building), it offers stunning panoramic views that will captivate kids and adults alike. The floor-to-ceiling gallery windows provide a mesmerising, bird’s-eye view of London’s iconic landmarks. Children can spot famous sites like The Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the River Thames. With around 270 degree views (views to the north being unavailable), Horizon 22 is a serious contender for the title of ‘best public viewing gallery in London’. Although, opened relatively recently, Horizon 22 has quickly become a favourite among tourists, and is becoming a must-do for visitors.
If you want to find out more, make sure to read our post – Visiting Horizon 22 with children: everything you need to know.
The London Eye
Good for:
- Views of Parliament
- Changing views
Bad for:
- Your wallet, it’s not cheap
- Space
- The claustrophobic or afraid of heights (once you’re on, you can’t get off)
The London Eye was the first real tall viewpoint in London. Over the years it has become an icon of London. This giant Ferris wheel offers a gentle, 30-minute rotation that provides breathtaking views of the city’s most famous landmarks, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. The slow ascent and descent gives kids plenty of time to spot their favourite sights from the comfort of a glass pod. The experience is both exciting and educational. Children can learn about London’s history and architecture from the interactive touch screens inside each pod. Additionally, the London Eye is located on the vibrant South Bank, which is packed with family-friendly attractions, making it a perfect starting point for a day of adventure.
The Lookout
Good for:
- The wallet, it’s free
- Those who can’t get tickets to Horizon 22
Bad for:
- 360 degree views, there is no view north and the view out to the East is more limited than at Horizon 22.
Located just next to Horizon 22, The Lookout is a viewing platform located on the 50th floor of 8 Bishopsgate. Being located only a short distance away, the view is slightly similar to that of Horizon 22, albeit from a slightly lower vantage point. The advantage that The Lookout has over Horizon 22 is that it benefits from a very similar view but, being slightly lower and newer, it is less well-known than Horizon 22. As such it could be slightly easier to get tickets, especially at shorter notice.
To find out more, read our post on visiting The Lookout with children: everything you need to know.
The Garden at 120
Good for:
- The disorganised and spontaneous – bookings aren’t taken, so just turn up
- Fresh air
- Space
Bad for:
- Super high views
- Rainy days
The rooftop garden at 120 Fenchurch Street, also known as The Garden at 120, is a fantastic spot for families visiting London with children. This lush, beautifully landscaped garden is not only free to access but also offers a relaxed and safe environment for kids to explore. With its vibrant greenery, winding paths, and water feature, children will be delighted by the chance to roam and play in a unique urban oasis. The garden provides stunning views of London’s skyline. Sights include Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and the Shard, making it a picturesque backdrop for family photos. Additionally, the seating areas offer parents a perfect spot to rest. Whether you’re looking for a serene break from sightseeing or a place for your children to enjoy the views, the rooftop garden at 120 Fenchurch Street is an ideal choice.
See also our post Visiting the Garden at 120 with children: everything you need to know.
Lift 109
Good for:
- A different view
Bad for:
- Your wallet, tickets aren’t cheap
- Leisurely time to take in the view
- Close up views of London’s landmark skyline features
Lift 109, located within the iconic Battersea Power Station, offers a thrilling and unique viewing experience for families visiting London with children. This innovative platform takes visitors on a vertical ascent of 109 meters in a glass elevator, providing an exhilarating journey that kids will find both exciting and memorable. As the lift emerges at the top, passengers are treated to stunning, 360-degree views of London. The combination of the lift ride and the spectacular vistas makes Lift 109 a dynamic and engaging attraction for children, who will love the sensation of ascending above the city. Additionally, Battersea Power Station itself is a hub of family-friendly activities, with numerous shops, restaurants, and open spaces to explore after your sky-high adventure.
How do I find all of these places?
Want easy access on the go to all of these ideas? We’ve created a Google Map with everything marked for you:
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