The Sky Garden was one of those London places I knew of long before I got to visit. In the last 12 months however, I have managed to visit 3 times, so now feel at liberty to share a little bit about this unique place on top of the world.
20 Fenchurch Street, is the building more commonly and affectionately known as the walkie talkie building. It is at the very top of this distinctively shaped tower of concrete and glass, where you will find The Sky Garden, London’s highest garden.
The Garden With a View
I have written before about the link between gardens and mental health. There is no doubt, being surrounded by plants and growing things enhances a sense of wellbeing, and this is absolutely true of Sky Garden. Lush and green and situated over 3 floors, 36 storeys up, this is all rather special. Despite this being a busy place, there is a real sense of calm and quiet. Lush plants are thoughtfully placed all around the garden, trailing up stairs and carefully organised in to small beds. Terraces are filled with mediterranean and South African drought resistant plants that look very much at home here. The plants look and feel very natural and part of the environment. They work incredibly well at bringing the outside in, even at 36 floors up.
Whichever way you look the view is stunning. When the weather is good the view from the terrace on the outside of the building is spectacular. Feeling the wind and the sun and the elements only serve to enhance the whole experience. When the weather is rather more inclement as it was on one of our visits, the outside vista is closed. However views from inside and behind the glass remain spectacular.
See the graceful bends of The Thames, the piercing arrow of the Shard and the. Gaze across at Tower Bridge and look down on endless flat roofed buildings. Imagine the activity below and within the countless offices and for a moment be reminded of how very tiny we are in the huge scheme of things.
There is something about being able to look down on London and just be still. When the metropolis is spread out before you, buildings on top of buildings, trains and people and cars all buzzing around and vying for space there is a sense of wonder, but also a peacefulness that comes, I believe, from being so removed from it and yet part of it all at the same time.
The views from Sky Garden, in my opinion are just as spectacular as those from The Shard or The London Eye and yet tickets are FREE
Eating and Drinking
There is a cafe / bar selling all the usual teas, coffees and other beverages. This is open to everyone. There is lots of seating so even when we went as a group of 9 a week before Christmas we were all able to sit comfortably.
Other options are a brasserie and a restaurant, both of which look very good, and both of which I suspect need booking in advance. You will certainly be guaranteed a dinner with a view.
How to Visit:
Tickets have to be booked in advance, and are limited so it pays to be organised. Thankfully I have a husband who is, hence my 3 visits in one year! Booking is via the Sky Garden website and tickets are released on a weekly basis. They do go quickly though so it is worth planning when you want to go and setting yourself a reminder.
You will be pleased to know access to the Sky Garden is by lift.
When to visit:
I don’t think there can be any wrong time to visit. We have always visited at a weekend and during winter. A visit during a late afternoon in December, and we managed to catch the sun going down which was rather special. At Christmas the twinkly lights and whisper of tiny christmas trees so far below is tantalising. However I imagine the golden light of early summer or autumn is equally spectacular.
And finally…
….whilst you are there you could also pop along to Leadenhall Market. It dates back to the 14th century and is situated in what was the centre of Roman London. It is now a covered market, but you will probably recognise it from those Harry Potter films
…. and if you need further refreshment, then do call into The Ned. It is a magnificent building which was previously Midland Bank and is now a luxury hotel. Today you can eat, have afternoon tea and drink cocktails. Its worth a visit just to see the very luxurious toilets which are situated next to the banks vault!
