Name me biased however I feel London’s skyline is certainly one of my favourites of cities world-wide: from the eye-catching fashionable skyscrapers to historic and iconic structure, you’re additionally spoiled for selection if you wish to get pleasure from these views in London with youngsters.
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Between the pure viewpoints in London, together with a number of the highest hills, to points of interest just like the London Eye, Sky Backyard and View from the Shard, in addition to free views of London, there’s one thing for each price range too.
So whichever facet of the town you’re visiting, and whether or not you’re reserving forward or planning a spontaneous go to, take a look at my 19 prime picks for one of the best views in London with youngsters.
The London Eye
One of many iconic sights of the town, the London Eye might be one of the best identified place to get a fowl’s eye view of the capital (though definitely not the one choice!)
And there’s a superb motive for it… Turning excessive above the South Financial institution and looking throughout the Thames, you may get some spectacular panoramas.
It’s finest for good climate – unsurprisingly – however chilly sunny winter days may give some gorgeously clear views. Or time your ‘flight’ for sundown and watch the lights twinkling on throughout London.
Prebooking is strongly suggested, with reductions for those who purchase your tickets on-line upfront. There are additionally fast-track tickets out there to skip the queues, which is right with youngsters, particularly in peak season.
Hold a watch out for Horizon 22, London’s highest free viewing platform, 254 metres up, which opens on September 27, 2023 at 22 Bishopsgate
Royal Observatory in Greenwich
Greenwich Park stretches for 183 acres so it’s a stunning place to go to at any time, however head up the hill to the place the Royal Observatory is ready and also you’ll discover one of many free finest views in London with youngsters.
Contained in the oldest enclosed royal park, the place it’s also possible to hop throughout the meridian line, you possibly can look out throughout the Royal Naval faculty to the Thames past, and out to the London Docklands.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Greenwich with youngsters, take a look at my prime suggestions
Sky Backyard
London’s highest public backyard, the Sky Backyard is likely one of the metropolis’s most uncommon viewpoints – and among the finest free views in London with youngsters.
Set within the skyscraper referred to as the Walkie Talkie, the terraces are full of Mediterranean and South African crops, so it feels such as you’re removed from the town under – which you may get an excellent 360-degree view of by means of the home windows.
Tickets are free however it’s important to e book upfront (and adults want ID to enter), with tickets promoting out rapidly for weekends and college holidays.
Tickets are launched three weeks upfront: it’s also possible to e book tables on the two eating places instead strategy to go to (though clearly it’s not then free).
For extra concepts on how to save cash on days out in London with youngsters, take a look at my prime suggestions
Backyard at 120 (120 Fenchurch St)
Backyard at 120 is likely one of the latest viewpoints in London and one thing of a rival to the Sky Backyard, with its personal views of close by skyscrapers together with the Gherkin and the Walkie Talkie itself.
Situated on the highest flooring of 120 Fenchurch Avenue, a couple of minutes from Leadenhall Market, the raise takes you as much as the biggest public rooftop house within the Metropolis of London.
The free-to-enter roof backyard has rows of manicured hedges, lovely wildflowers, water options, and a wisteria-covered pergola: excellent for a sunny day within the metropolis.
One New Change
On the massive buying centre of One New Change in the course of the Metropolis of London, bypass the busy outlets and head as much as the advanced’s rooftop for a number of the finest views over the capital.
The trendy rooftop terrace has a view of St Paul’s Cathedral that’s so shut it nearly looks like you possibly can attain out and contact it.
The general public terrace is open seven days per week and is free to go to. You’ll additionally discover Madison’s Restaurant and Bar on the rooftop, however no kids are allowed in on Saturdays and solely till 3pm on different days – for those who do need to go to, you’ll have to e book upfront to get a superb desk.
The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate
One of many latest viewpoints in London, The Lookout is ready on the fiftieth flooring of 8 Bishopsgate for some spectacular views over the Metropolis from the viewing gallery.
It’s additionally free to go to however finest to prebook – particularly so quickly after its opening because it’s unsurprisingly well-liked. Stroll-ins could also be admitted relying on the day’s availability although.
On the plus facet, not like the Sky Backyard, you possibly can e book months upfront. Tickets are legitimate for 45 minutes, with timed entrance slots each quarter-hour.
The Monument
The Monument to the Nice Hearth of London stands 202 toes excessive, and 202 toes from the spot the place the hearth began on Pudding Lane – for those who laid it down, it could attain proper to the positioning of the bakery.
Sitting on the junction of Monument Avenue and Fish Avenue Hill, it was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1677, with new gold leaf added to the flaming orb on the prime throughout restorations in 2009.
Nevertheless it’s not only a good spot to go to with youngsters studying in regards to the Nice Hearth, it’s also possible to climb the 311 steps to the gallery on the prime to look out throughout the town, with 360 diploma views.
There’s a free certificates for individuals who make it to the highest too. Tickets price £6 for adults, half-price for teenagers.
For extra areas linked to the Nice Hearth of London, and a scavenger hunt for teenagers to comply with, take a look at my Nice Hearth of London stroll
Viewing Degree Tate Trendy
Climb to the highest of the Tate Trendy’s Blavatnik Constructing for extra spectacular 360-degree views of London with youngsters.
The free open viewing terrace sits proper within the coronary heart of the town, so presents shut up views of well-known landmarks together with St Paul’s Cathedral, situated simply throughout the river, the Shard, and the towering skyscrapers of the Metropolis of London.
When you’re completed on the terrace, have a look round at a number of the gallery’s unbelievable paintings or the Tate Trendy restaurant has its personal breathtaking views. You can even stroll alongside the South Financial institution and evaluate it with the Queen Elizabeth Corridor Roof Backyard round quarter-hour away – scroll down for particulars.
Queen Elizabeth Corridor Roof Backyard at Southbank Centre
The Queen Elizabeth Corridor Roof Backyard on the Southbank Centre may not be one of many highest viewpoints in London, however this hidden gem does have its personal particular views over the town.
The distinctive rooftop backyard oasis has a lush garden so that you can sit on and is full of vibrant fruit timber and wildflowers.
There’s additionally a restaurant the place you possibly can seize drinks and home made pastries to get pleasure from whereas taking within the views over the River Thames and the bustling metropolis past. The backyard is open Thursday to Sunday and is totally free to go to.
Parliament Hill
As the very best level within the capital (at 98 metres excessive), Parliament Hill is dwelling to a number of the finest free views of London, wanting throughout to St Paul’s Cathedral, the Gherkin and the Homes of Parliament.
A part of the general public parkland within the nook of Hampstead Heath in northwest London, it’s a preferred spot for locals to carry a picnic and watch the sundown over the town skyline.
Or for those who’re visiting in the course of the day, you’ll additionally discover Parliament Hill Fields Lido and an journey playground close by to entertain the little ones.
There are many bus routes stopping close to Parliament Hill, in addition to parking close to the Heath. In any other case Hampstead and Tufnell Park tube stations are closest, in addition to Gospel Oak station.
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is one other great spot to seek out superb free views of London, and whereas it’s a bit decrease than Parliament Hill, it’s nonetheless nearly 63 metres above sea stage and nearer to central London.
One of many six protected viewpoints in London, the place the timber are stored low in order to not obscure the view, the hilltop park sits to the north of Regent’s Park and is near the upmarket London neighbourhood of Primrose Hill, identified for its grand Victorian townhouses.
From the summit, you possibly can absorb some unbelievable 360 diploma views over the town; to the south is a transparent view of the enduring landmarks of central London, whereas to the north you possibly can see over the neighbourhoods of Hampstead and Belsize Park.
It’s a brief stroll from London Zoo, or round 20 minutes from Camden City tube station.
For extra issues to do in Camden with youngsters, take a look at my prime picks
Kew Gardens: treetop cover stroll
You may not anticipate to have nice views from Kew Gardens, however head as much as its treetop cover stroll and on a transparent day, you possibly can see so far as the Docklands.
The treetop stroll is ready 18m above the bottom, so there are additionally some pretty views of the Royal Botanic Gardens themselves, however head to the facet furthest from the steps and peer by means of the timber to identify the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.
Greatest when there aren’t too many leaves on the timber although. The treetop stroll is included in tickets to Kew Gardens, and the excessive sides imply it’s secure sufficient for toddlers too.
At current, the raise is being changed, so the one entry is by way of the stairway.
For extra tips about visiting Kew Gardens with youngsters, take a look at my prime recommendation
IFS Cloud Cable automotive
If standing and taking a look at views doesn’t sound entertaining, households can get pleasure from London from the sky with a trip on the IFS Cloud cable automotive.
The cable automotive travels between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, with distinctive aerial views over the Thames and the London Skyline.
Through the day, the journey takes round 10 minutes every method, plus there are additionally prolonged night time flights after 7pm the place you possibly can watch the town come alive after darkish.
You should utilize your contactless card or Oyster Card to board the cable automotive, or purchase a ticket on the ticket workplace if you arrive. It’s a little method from London’s different household points of interest, so finest mixed with visits to the O2 or Greenwich.
Tower Bridge
Some of the iconic photographs of London, individuals flock to take pictures of Tower Bridge – however not everybody is aware of that it has its personal nice views for those who head inside.
Head into the Tower Bridge Exhibition and you may cross its high-level walkways and expertise views down over the bridge and River Thames by means of its glass flooring. One for the courageous!
To ensure entry, you’ll need to purchase tickets upfront. There are sometimes household actions and it’s nice to discover in order for you extra than simply nice views of London with youngsters.
Up on the O2
One other of one of the best views in London with youngsters who get pleasure from one thing a bit of extra adventurous is from the rooftop of the O2 Space in Greenwich.
Up on the O2 is a singular London expertise that allows you to climb over one of many metropolis’s most iconic buildings.
With the assistance {of professional} guides and tools, you’ll enterprise 52 metres above floor on a structured walkway to succeed in the roof summit. From right here, you’ll be greeted with views over the Greenwich Peninsula, the Olympic Park, and Canary Wharf.
The expertise is appropriate for teenagers aged 8+, and you could e book tickets and a time slot upfront.
St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s is a distinguished characteristic within the London skyline from so many viewpoints, nevertheless it’s additionally an excellent spot from which to look again over central London.
On a go to to the cathedral, you possibly can climb up 378 steps to the Stone Gallery or 528 stairs to the Golden Gallery, sitting on the prime of the dome.
From each spots, you’ll be handled to unbelievable panoramic views throughout London, and every gallery is included with the common admission ticket to the cathedral.
View from the Shard
The View from the Shard is likely one of the costlier London viewpoints, nevertheless it’s additionally deservedly probably the most memorable.
The big viewing platform sits on flooring 68 and 69 of London’s tallest constructing, a whopping 310m above the bottom, making it London’s highest viewpoint.
The 360 diploma view over the capital allows you to see for as much as 40 miles on a transparent day, and The View from the Shard is the one place the place you possibly can actually see the entire metropolis without delay.
There’s additionally an Open-Air Skydeck on flooring 72 so you possibly can really feel nearly as for those who’re floating within the air above London. Click on right here to e book tickets.
Elevate 109 at Battersea Energy Station
One of many latest viewpoints in London, you’ll get a barely totally different probability to look out throughout the river from the south financial institution at Battersea Energy Station.
Elevate 109 whisks you 109 metres from the Artwork Deco turbine corridor to the highest of the north-west chimney – one of many 4 well-known white chimneys on the enduring construction, which as soon as generated one fifth of the town’s energy.
The glass elevator results in a transparent enclosed construction, so there are 360-degree views out over the Thames and the London skyline. Permit round 45 minutes for the expertise, together with the interactive exhibition at first: tickets are for 10-minute timed slots
Grownup tickets price from £15.90 together with the reserving price, kids aged 3-15 from £11.50. Infants and toddlers beneath three are free, though buggies/pushchairs should be left on the base of the raise.
Alexandra Palace
Somewhat additional out than different viewpoints on this checklist, Alexandra Palace is a grand Victorian leisure venue set in 196 acres of parkland in north London – and amongst its many household points of interest are some beautiful views of the town skyline within the distance.
The park additionally has pitch and putt, pedalos and rowing boats on the boating lake, tree-top adventures at Go Ape, ice skating, and occasional festivals all year long, making it an excellent day trip for all of the household.
King Henry’s Mound in Richmond Park
In Richmond Park, London’s largest royal park, there’s one other of the town’s protected viewpoints, with nothing allowed to be constructed within the sightline.
Climb King Henry’s Mound and you may look throughout in direction of St Paul’s Cathedral greater than 10 miles away, with a telescope to assist take advantage of the expertise.
Legend has it that King Henry VIII waited right here for the sign that Anne Boleyn had been executed and that he was free to marry once more – nearly definitely not true, although it’s a superb story.
The hill itself is definitely a prehistoric burial chamber from the Bronze Age and later used as a viewpoint for looking. The much-married king did typically hunt within the parkland although and will effectively have loved the views himself.
For extra viewpoints with royal hyperlinks, head to south east London and One Tree Hill in Honor Oak – Elizabeth I is claimed to have rested and picnicked beneath the Oak of Honour right here (a historic boundary marker). She wouldn’t recognise the skyline however the views are nonetheless spectacular: it’s simple to mix with a go to to the Horniman Museum too
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Pictures: Greenwich/Kew/St Pauls copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy of Depositphotos
