The Best Places to View the London skyline

Many of London’s most iconic buildings have a real wow factor when viewed close up. But it’s also great view from afar and from up high.

London, UK is not a city of sky scrapers. It’s mostly quite low rise. The majority of the city was built long before tall buildings were conceived. A few monstrously tall structures have risen up in the main financial district (known to locals as The City) and in the recently developed business sites at Canary Wharf in east London.

But these are hard to get into if you’re a tourist. Here are our top five places to view the London skyline from altitude:

1. From the air

If you’re coming in to land at Heathrow airport (London’s largest and busiest airport and indeed one of the busiest airports in the world) you’ll fly over the south of the city from east to west. When checking in at your departure airport remember to ask for a window seat on the right hand side of the plane – that way you’ll get a fantastic view over the centre of the city and the River Thames as you approach.

If you’re landing during the daytime, the sun bounces of the river and the golden dome of the Hindu temple at Neasden. If you’re arriving at night, the river is lit up spectacularly. Look out for Big Ben and the London Eye on your way in.

(If you’re landing at City Airport, either side of the aircraft is fine as most planes cruise over the Thames just before landing. Planes heading to London Stanstead or London Gatwick don’t generally fly over the city.)

2. From the London Eye

Standing proud on the south bank of the River Thames in the centre of London is the British Airways London Eye, the largest Ferris wheel in Europe. Visitors enter ‘pods’ and embark on a 30-minute journey, affording spectacular views of the whole of London.

Standard flights are £15.50 for adults, with concessions for kids. You can pay extra to jump the queue or take a romantic trip with your loved one and a bottle of champagne. Flights operate from 10.00am to 8.00pm or 9.00pm, depending on seasons.

My top tip is to take a look at what time the sun sets, and book a slot for about half an hour before that. London will light up in front of you eyes as the setting sun bounces off the rooftops and the river.

Address: The London Eye, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB

Underground: Waterloo or Westminster

3. From the top of a hill

To the north of the centre of the city, just beyond Regent’s Park lies Primrose Hill, a beautiful part of London famous for its film stars and celebrities. It’s gentle climb to the top of the hill is quite easy, only 256 feet (78 metres) high, but the views are worth it. Save yourself the entrance price to London Zoo by climbing this hill and peering over the fence to see the animals for free!

Underground: Chalk Farm or Belsize Park

Further north, Hampstead Heath is the largest open park space in London, including woodlands, hills, ponds, and even a stately home – Kenwood House. Toward the south side of the park lies Parliament Hill, which is one of the highest natural points in London and affords great views over the entire city of London

Underground: Hampstead or Tufnell Park

4. From the National Portrait Gallery restaurant

Founded in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) is the national collection of portraits. The oldest portrait, of King Henry 7th, dates from 1505, but this isn’t a musty old museum – it’s a beautiful space with clean modern lines and open, airy galleries.

Take a trip to the top floor (level 5 in the elevator) and visit their beautiful restaurant. One side of the space is glass and has views over Trafalgar Square with Nelson’s Column, the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

The NPG restaurant is open 10-10 daily, offering morning coffees, lunches, great afternoon teas and an acclaimed formal dining menu in the evening. It’s a great place to meet people; I can never tire of sipping cocktails or champagne while looking out over London’s skyline.

Address: St Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE

Underground: Charing Cross or Leicester Square

Photo of London skyline originally posted by Ed.ward

Topic:  Tips and Ideas | 2 Comments
Tags:  London

About the author

Steve Slack is a writer and researcher based in London. He’s most often to be found either in a museum or in the bar. Or even museums which have bars. He writes about the wonderful world of south London for www.dulwichonview.org.uk.