New free observation deck on 50th floor of skyscraper (8 Bishopsgate) + more free scenic viewpoints of the London skyline

The Lookout is a new free observation deck on the 50th floor of 8 Bishopsgate, London. You can book tickets for guaranteed entry or you can walk-in. Scroll through the gallery above for more images. This thread is also a modest list of free scenic viewpoints of the London skyline. Have I missed any?

Offer link: 8bishopsgate.com/loo…out

Location: 8 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4BQ

Nearest stations:

• Bank (Central, Northern, DLR, Waterloo & City),
• Liverpool Street (Elizabeth Line, Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan),
• Monument (Circle, District)

Opening hours

12.00pm-9.30pm Monday
10.30am-5.30pm Tuesday to Thursday
12.00pm-9.30pm Friday
11.00am-6.00pm Saturday
10.00am-5.00pm Sunday & Bank Holidays

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MORE FREE SCENIC VIEWPOINTS IN LONDON

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Horizon 22 @ 22 Bishopsgate (credit Chanchi32) - online booking opens on 20th Sep for dates from 27th Sep: hotukdeals.com/dea…041

On the 58th floor. Europe’s highest free public viewing gallery.

Location: 22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4BQ

Nearest stations:

• Bank (Central, Northern, DLR, Waterloo & City),
• Liverpool Street (Elizabeth Line, Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan),
• Monument (Circle, District)

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Sky Garden @ 20 Fenchurch Street (aka The Walkie Talkie): skygarden.london/

On Level 35. Must book in advance. Tickets released every Monday. 10 years ago, the curvature of the building caused reflected light to melt a man’s Jaguar (bbc.co.uk/new…675 )

Location: Sky Garden, 20 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 8AF

Nearest stations:

• Monument (Circle, District),
• Bank (Central, Northern, DLR, Waterloo & City),
• Aldgate (Circle, Metropolitan)

FAQs: skygarden.london/faq…ch/

Mon – Fri: 10am – 6pm
Sat – Sun: 11am – 9pm
Bank Holidays: 11am – 9pm

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Roof terrace @ Post Building: postbuilding.com/fea…den

No booking required, just turn up. You will need to show ID and put your belongings and food in a locker.

Location: Post Building, 29-31 New Oxford St, London WC1A 1BA (goo.gl/map…km9 )

Nearest stations:

• Holborn (Central, Piccadilly),
• Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth Line, Central, Northern)

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Roof terrace @ One New Change: onenewchange.com/roo…nge

Popular for its excellent view of St Paul’s Cathedral. Currently closed due to essential works.

Location: Floor G, One New Change, London EC4M 9AF

Nearest stations:

• St Paul’s (Central),
• Mansion House (Circle, District)

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Roof garden @ 120 Fenchurch Street (credit @whereisdeal ): thegardenat120.com/

No booking required, just turn up. On Level 15. Surrounded on most sides by taller buildings means you only get moderate views of the London skyline. However, there are clean views of the Walkie-Talkie, the Gherkin, Tower Bridge, and a distant view of Canary Wharf. Flowers, greenery, a water feature, and shaded areas make it a pleasant visit. The glass panes lean outwards, so you can peer directly downwards onto the streets below.

Location: The Garden at 120, 120 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 5BA

Nearest stations:

• Aldgate (Circle, Metropolitan),
• Monument (Circle, District),
• Tower Hill (Circle, District),
• Bank (Central, Northern, DLR, Waterloo & City)

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Level 10 @ Tate Modern: tate.org.uk/vis…-10

No booking required, just turn up. A sheltered balcony view so you can see the skyline without getting wet from rain and without any reflections from glass panes. Find it at the top of the Blavatnik Building, accessed by lift only from Levels 0–4. Sep 2023 opening times are 10am - 5pm daily.

Location: Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG

Nearest stations:

• Blackfriars (Circle, District),
• Cannon Street (Circle, District),
• Southwark (Jubilee)

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Not free, but still noteworthy - Golden Gallery on top of the dome @ St Paul’s Cathedral: stpauls.co.uk/boo…ets

Buy an annual pass to St Paul’s Cathedral’s to get unlimited entry to the view from the Stone (376 steps) and Golden (528 steps total) Galleries on top of the dome. The pass will also include entry to the Cathedral Floor, Crypt, and the Whispering Gallery which will reopen Sat 26th Sep, plus tours and any exhibitions and installations taking place. An annual pass costs £20.50 for adults, but there are concessions you might have access to.

Location: St Paul's Cathedral, St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD

Nearest stations:

• St Paul’s (Central),
• Mansion House (Circle, District)

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Information is correct as of 29th August 2023