London Views
Buildings with Amazing Views of London
City Hall London SE1
City Hall is the headquarters of the Mayor of London and the London Assembly. It was designed by Norman Foster and opened in July 2002. At the top of the ten-story building is an exhibition and meeting space called London's Living Room it has an open viewing deck with views across the capital it is occasionally open to the public.
Admission FREE
Interesting Fact City Hall
The carpet covering the floor at City Hall is The London Photomat it is an aerial view of the whole of Greater London, at a detail precise enough to pinpoint individual houses and buildings.
Hays Gallery Hays Dock London SE1
Hay's Galleria is a major riverside tourist attraction on the Jubilee Walk on the south bank of the River Thames. The Galleria’s River Walkway has great views of the Thames, Tower Bridge the City and more.
Admission FREE
Horniman Museum London SE23
The Horniman Museum also has great views of London. If you visit don’t miss the sundails in the Garden.
Admission FREE
London Sky Bar London SW1
Situated within Westminster's iconic Milbank Tower, The London Sky Bar offers panoramic views of the capital from four floors of London's tallest riverside building on the Thames.
One New Change Roof Terrace London EC4
At One New Change you can take in the spectacular views of St Paul’s and the London skyline from the breathtaking public roof terrace, London's newest must see attraction.
Royal Festival Hall London SE1
Although primarily a hall for major concerts, be sure to take the singing glass lift up to the fifth floor where you'll find a little-known balcony area with impressive views of the Thames.
Admission FREE
Royal Observatory London SE10
The Royal Observatory Greenwich is on a hill and has a spectacular view of London.
Admission FREE
Queen Elizabeth Hall Southbank London SE1
The roof of Queen Elizabeth Hall has been transformed into a beautiful roof garden complete with lawn, wildflowers, vegetable patches, and even a scarecrow. The Roof Garden has fantastic panoramic views to enjoy.
Admission FREE
Tate Modern Café London SE1
Tate Modern Café has excellent views of the river Thames.
Admission FREE
The Mounument London EC3
The Monument was built between 1671 and 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Robert Hooke. It has become a place of historic interest providing visitors with an opportunity to look across London in all directions from a height of about 160 feet from the public gallery.
Admission Child: £1.50 Concessions £2.00 Adults £3.00
Interesting Fact The Monument
The Monument is the tallest freestanding stone column in the world.
Tower Bridge London SE1
The bridge was designed by Sir Horace Jones, and is one of the most impressive bridges in the world. Enjoy stunning views of London from the high level walkways.
Admission Child £2.83 Concessions £4.67 Adults £6.67
Thrifty Tip St Katharine’s Dock
St Katherine’s Dock is a vibrant Marina just next to Tower Bridge it’s a fantastic location. It has shops, bars and restaurants and it a great place to sit and watch boats arriving through the historic dock.
The Dock holds various FREE events see website for details:
Wellington Arch Hyde Park London W1
Wellington Arch was built in 1825-7 Intended as a victory arch proclaiming Wellington's defeat of Napoleon, it is crowned by the largest bronze sculpture in Europe the Angel of Peace. Visitors can enjoy the glorious panoramas over London's Royal Parks and the Houses of Parliament from the balconies below.
Admission only £3
Interesting Fact Wellington Arch The Quadriga Gallery
In addition to a new exhibition about the history of Wellington Arch, the London landmark now houses an additional exhibition space The Quadriga Gallery where a series of exhibitions exploring the past, present and future of England's heritage will be taking place.
Thrifty Tip Wellington Arch
Try to time your visit to Wellington Arch before the Changing of the Guard ceremony as then you can view the Household Cavalry on their way to and from the Changing of the Guard.
Thrifty Tip Wellington Apsley House (Number One London)
Wellington’s family home was Apsley House one of the capital’s finest Georgian buildings. The house is oposite Wellington Arch and can be visited.
Admission Concessions £5.90 Adults £6.50
Interesting Fact Napoleon
Emperor Napoleon was defeated under the command of the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Watterloo. Napoleon’s home in London was 1c King Street SW1, he lived here whilst working in Chancery Lane London as a Lawyer.
Westminster Cathedral Bell Tower London
The Campanile Bell Tower, 273 ft in height, is dedicated to St Edward. The level is accessible by elevator and offers spectacular 360° views across London.
Admission Concessions: £2.50 Adults £5.00.
Other London Views
Thames Cable Car
Emirates Air Line cable cars crossing the Thames to connect Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks in just five minutes. The Emirates Air Line connects Emirates Royal Docks (North Terminal) and Emirates Greenwich Peninsula (South Terminal).
Single Fare £4.40 Child £2.20 £4.40
Parks & Heaths with Amazing Views of London
Amazing panoramic views of London can also be seen from the following Parks & Heaths: Alexandra Palace, Greenwich Park (which has a viewing platform) Parliament Hill and Primrose Hill.
Island Gardens London E14
Noted for its spectacular cross-river view of the classical buildings of the former Greenwich Hospital the National Maritime Museum and the beautiful Greenwich Park.
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club London SW19
Wimbledon has an amazing view of London from the famous Hill (AKA Henman Hill). Day passes can be purchased during the championships for as little as £8.
The Thrifty London Guide Description:
“The Thrifty London Guide” is Full of Free & Thrifty things to do in London, plus hundreds of Intetesting London facts. “The Thrifty London Guide” is written by cancer survivors who know how to get the most from London on a Budget.
