This is our 4th attempt to visit The Sky Garden, and we succeeded finally.
Once, my friend was discussing the Sky Garden building over the phone, and till then, I had yet to learn about this. Then I searched for it on Google and learned some details. I get very curious. I was at my office, and my friend offered to let me go there after work. I instantly said yes. My office ends at 6 pm So it takes 30 mins to get there. We got parking just in front of the building entrance, which is very rare. Unexpectedly they told us that if we wanted to visit after 6 o’clock, we had to buy tickets, which cost £25 per person. Better luck next time.
Our second attempt was for one of our close younger brothers who came to visit London From Nottingham. When we got there, we found out that we couldn’t go up there that day because a special event was going on and they had booked the entire garden. We struggled a third time with some of my friends to enter there and failed. We found out there was a large number of visitors because it was a summer holiday. So they introduced the practice of booking in advance, and we needed that to visit the garden.
I started looking for a slot that was free to book and got them after a long wait. It took almost a month to enter The Sky Garden finally. I booked tickets for five people. The ticket was free, however. But I still recommend checking their site.
The Sky Garden
Now, let me introduce The Sky Garden to you. This is a significant landmark that offers a unique combination of natural beauty and architectural innovation. It allows visitors to relax and enjoy nature with stunning views, where one can escape from a busy and stressful city life. Located at 1 Sky Garden Walk, and the Postcode is EC3M 8AF. It is situated on the Walkie-Talkie building’s 36th, 37th and 38th levels. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of London city. Here are really some appreciable iconic landmarks such as the Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and lastly, the Tower of London from a bird’s-eye aspect. It’s free to visit, which means anyone can enjoy its breathtaking views and peaceful atmosphere without paying a single penny. This helped to promote the idea that green spaces should be accessible to everyone.
There are various bars and restaurants inside, offering everything from snacks and drinks to fine dining. We didn’t dine at those restaurants, though the food options looked quite appealing, and the bar area was lively. The Sky Garden is a vibrant cultural and social hub; it hosts a diverse array of events, from art exhibitions to music concerts or themed parties to corporate functions. It has become a beloved destination for Londoners and visitors alike, providing a much-needed oasis in the heart of the city.
Our take on it
So, on the fourth attempt, we succeeded in entering The Sky Garden. That day, we left home around noon because our tickets were in the afternoon so that we could enjoy the beautiful views in the afternoon and evening. There were moderate traffic jams on the roads due to roadworks taking place on the streets of London. It is a very familiar form to Londoners. The ticket mentioned reaching the destination at least 15 minutes before, but we arrived right on time. And on arrival, I saw people waiting to enter with a long queue below. After waiting for 10 minutes, we got our tickets checked and allowed inside the building. Our complete security checking was done there. Then we got into the elevator, which took us to the 35th floor so quickly, which was really amazing.
After getting off the elevator, I saw a vast hall-like place where many people were spending their free time, and some were taking pictures. The way they arrange their sitting or resting space is really appreciated. Passing this space came an ample enclosed balcony-like space, from which one could see the beauty of vast London with views of the River Thames and its surroundings. The most prominent building visible from this side is The Shard, which looks bigger than The Sky Garden. On the other hand, the real beauty of this garden can be seen on the other two floors through the hall-like area and the stairs on either side of it. The lush greenery, palm trees, and vibrant flowers created a peaceful atmosphere; it felt more like walking through a park than being in a high-rise building.
The day was unexpectedly warm, with a gentle breeze that felt quite pleasant. As I walked around the wraparound terrace, each angle provided a new and breathtaking perspective of the city. I had a coffee while watching the sunset over London, And the ambiance was absolutely magical.
Tips and Considerations-
- Book In Advance: Though it’s free, it’s essential to book your visit ahead of time, especially if you’re planning to visit during peak tourist season.
- Check for Special Events: As I said, The Sky Garden often hosts events, so check their website for upcoming events.
- Weather: On rainy or foggy days, the views might be less spectacular, so plan your visit on a clear day.
- Food and Drink: Its restaurants and bars offer delicious food and drinks; you can make reservations in advance or enjoy casual dining.
- Accessibility: One of the best parts of The Sky Garden is that you will also get access to a wheelchair if you fall into it. You will find lifts and ramps throughout the venue.
Take your time to appreciate the breathtaking views of London from these terraces. There are various vantage points from which you can collect immersive memories and capture stunning photos of the city skyline. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and soak up the feeling of this city paradise.
Please make sure to be mindful and dispose of your waste responsibly so that we can create a sustainable environment for generations to come.