London has an incredible skyline filled with historical and contemporary architecture sitting alongside each other. It’s this contrast of old and new that makes the UK’s capital feel so dynamic and fun to explore.
The capital’s skyline is constantly evolving with new eye-catching buildings cropping up all around the city. From the Shard to the Cheese Grater, and from the Walkie Talkie to the Gherkin, each building, along with their quirky names, have left their own unique footprint on the city’s skyline.
I guess you’re probably wondering where to find the best view of London? Well, there are several places that stand out among the rest, and better still, these views are all free to enjoy.
There’s no to head to a fancy roof-top bar or buy a ticket for the London Eye or the Shard. So without further ado, here are seven spots that offer the best panorama of London without costing a dime.
Greenwich Park
I’m going to kick off this list with my favourite spot to marvel at London’s eclectic skyline, none other than Greenwich Park. My former local park before I moved north of the river to Brick Lane.
I love Greenwich, and admittedly, I do miss living there sometimes. The museums, the markets, the history, the architecture, the parks, and most of all, I miss the view across London.
Venture through the park and up to the viewing point which is located in front of the General James Wolfe statue. From this vantage point you’ll have the stunning architecture of the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House at your feet, and the view of the Thames and beyond looming above.
The juxtaposition of the historic buildings of Greenwich against the towering glass skyscrapers of Canary Wharf is something you won’t see anywhere else in London.
Adding to the view are the wealth of nearby attractions. The world-famous Prime Meridian and home of Greenwich Mean Time is just steps away.
Read more → Greenwich Park: A Guide to Everything You Should See.
Alexandra Palace
Ally Pally – as it’s known by Londoners – offers sweeping city views from North London.
Set on a scenic hilltop in 196 acres of parkland, it’s nicknamed the People’s Palace due to it never been inhabited by royals. However, it was opened on 24 May 1873, Queen Victoria’s birthday and is just as popular now as it was when it opened.
An afternoon spent wandering through this historic setting won’t disappoint – nor will the panoramic vista. It’s also possible to drive up to the top any time of the day, while I recommend walking through the day, at night it’s worth taking the drive up to see London lit up under a dark sky.
There’s always something going on at Alley Pally, from music concerts to food festivals, and plenty more. If you’re planing a trip, check to see what’s going on → www.alexandrapalace.com.
Primrose Hill
Probably the most famous view on this list is Primrose Hill, a grass parkland that lies just to the north of the much bigger Regent’s Park.
During the summer months, this place is full to the brim the friends and families enjoying a picnic, frolicking under the sun, and enjoying the wonderful view that spans across central London.
Something of note is the stone at the summit which is inscribed with a quote by William Blake. It reads: ‘I have conversed with the spiritual sun. I saw him on Primrose Hill’.
This corner of London benefits from an attractive and prosperous neighbourhood that goes by the same name. Here, you’ll find pretty streets and a selection of nice cafes and restaurants for any occasion.
Searching for more parks in the capital? Check out this guide to London’s best parks – featuring not only Central, but North, South, East and West.
Waterloo Bridge
There are several bridges across the Thames that afford brilliant views across London, but Waterloo arguably offers the best and most dramatic ground-level view of London.
To the west are the House of Parliament, Big Ben and Whitehall. To the east stand the towers of the Barbican and the City, and the dome of St Paul’s. To the south the Royal Festival Hall, the National Theatre and London Eye. To the north Somerset house and the Savoy Hotel, and below the river Thames.
Tate Modern
The new Switch House extension at Tate Modern is ten stories high and has a public viewing terrace from where there are excellent 360-degree views right across London.
Also, from the sixth floor the original power station building has a superb view directly across the river to St. Paul’s and the City.
With so many pieces of artworks on display and various places from where to see London’s skyline, you’re spoilt for options from both inside and outside the building.
Sky Garden
Take in the skyline from atop the 35-storey ‘Walkie-Talkie’ building in the historic financial district, just a stone’s throw away from Monument Station.
Designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, the building houses a beautiful rooftop garden that provides uninterrupted views of London. Dining and drinking can get pricey, but thankfully you can sit and take photos for free – just make sure to book a time slot in advance here.
One Tree Hill
Almost certainly not the inspiration for the US teen TV drama, One Tree Hill stands between Forest Hill and Brockley. An unlikely place for somewhere that boasts unexpected and breathtaking view of London to the north.
Climb the steps to the 270 ft summit and the cityscape is idyllically framed by hybrid black poplars and London plane trees (they can be dense in the summer!). This area is a somewhat understated and an undiscovered nature reserve of the city, as well as being located by Europe’s largest underground reservoir.
Tip: If you make the climb to One Tree Hill, take the time to walk south on Honor Oak Road five minutes to Canonbie Road. The crest of that hill affords an excellent view of London too.
3 Responses
Skygarden is a wonderful place, a pleasant environment with glassified rooftop made me so joyfull to go again & again. Tatemodern is a place for selfies to enjoy.
Hi Mark, the Skygarden is gorgeous eh? Haha, selfies + the art at the Tate Modern 😉