Sky Garden | Everything You Need to Know

Welcome to Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden, where breathtaking 360-degree views meet lush greenery atop the iconic “Walkie Talkie” building. Located on the 43rd floor of 20 Fenchurch Street, this vibrant space offers a unique blend of nature and urban splendor, making it a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.

Whether you’re marveling at landmarks like Tower Bridge, the Shard, and St. Paul’s Cathedral or relaxing in the landscaped gardens, Sky Garden promises an unforgettable experience—all for free with a pre-booked ticket.

Location

Sky Garden is situated at 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF, in the heart of the City of London’s financial district. It’s housed within the distinctive 20 Fenchurch Street skyscraper, nicknamed the “Walkie Talkie” for its unique concave shape. Nearby landmarks include the Gherkin, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London, all within a short walk. For easy navigation, use GPS or map apps like Google Maps to pinpoint the exact location and plan your route.

Opening Hours

Sky Garden is open to the public with the following hours:

• Monday to Friday: 10am–6pm (last entry at 5pm)
• Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holidays: 11am–9pm (last entry at 7:45pm)

These hours apply to free public access, though restaurants and bars may have extended hours. Note that Sky Garden may close for maintenance (e.g., the first Monday of each month until 6:30pm) or private events, such as on May 24th and 25th, 2025. Always check the official website for the latest schedule and any closures.

How to Get There

Sky Garden is easily accessible via public transport, with several convenient options:

• London Underground: The closest station is Monument, served by the Circle and District lines, just a 2-minute walk away. Other nearby stations include Tower Hill (Circle and District), Bank (Central, Northern, DLR), Aldgate (Circle, Metropolitan), and Mansion House (Circle, District), all within a 10-minute walk.
• Rail: Regular services run to London Fenchurch Street, Cannon Street, and London Bridge, all within a short walk. Check National Rail for up-to-date schedules.
• Bus: Routes 40, 15, and 25 stop at Stop T or Stop W, a short walk from Sky Garden. Visit the Transport for London website for bus timetables.
• Parking: Parking in the City of London is limited and expensive. The nearest car park, London Vintry Thames Exchange, is about half a mile away, with pre-booked rates around £15.75 for 6 hours. On-street metered parking is free on Sundays but highly competitive. Public transport is strongly recommended.
• Walking: From Monument station, follow signs to Fenchurch Street for a quick, scenic walk past historic buildings. Use apps like Waze for real-time traffic updates if driving or walking from farther away.

Best Time to Visit

For the best experience, visit Sky Garden on weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds, as weekends, especially Saturday afternoons, can be busy with 10-minute queues reported. Sunset visits are particularly stunning, offering views of London’s skyline bathed in golden light—perfect in summer when days are longer.

Since the open-air terrace is weather-dependent, check the forecast for clear days to maximize visibility. Avoid peak tourist seasons like summer holidays for a quieter experience. Special events, such as sunrise yoga or live music nights, may enhance your visit but require separate bookings via the official website.

Tickets and Costs

Entry to Sky Garden is free, but you must book a timed ticket in advance through the official booking system. Tickets are released every Monday for the next three weeks and are limited, so plan ahead. Each ticket allows a 1-hour visit, though you can stay longer if dining. Walk-ins may be accepted subject to availability, but not after 5pm on weekdays, and are not guaranteed. Evening tickets for music nights cost £15.50–£18.25, including a welcome drink, and require ID for those appearing under 25.

Dining at restaurants like Darwin Brasserie or Fenchurch incurs costs (e.g., £60 per head for a three-course meal at Darwin). No combo tickets with other attractions are available, but the London Pass may offer related benefits.

Ticket Type	Cost	Notes
Public Access	Free	Requires advance booking, 1-hour limit
Evening Music Nights	£15.50–£18.25	Includes welcome drink, ID required
Dining	Varies (e.g., £60/head at Darwin)	Separate reservation needed

What to Expect

Sky Garden spans three stories, offering 360-degree panoramic views of London’s iconic landmarks, including Tower Bridge, the Shard, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The lush gardens, designed by award-winning landscape architects Gillespies, feature drought-resistant Mediterranean and South African plants like African Lily and French Lavender. Visitors can explore observation decks, an open-air terrace (weather permitting), and relax in the vibrant indoor space. The typical visit lasts 1 hour, though dining extends your stay. On-site facilities include:

• Restrooms: Available on-site.
• Dining: Options include Darwin Brasserie (all-day British fare), Fenchurch Restaurant (fine dining), Sky Pod Bar, and City Garden Bar. Free tap water is available at Sky Pod Bar.
• Events: Sunrise yoga, live music, and DJ nights can be booked separately.
  No gift shop is available, but the bars and restaurants offer a chance to enjoy a drink or meal with a view. Expect a lively atmosphere, especially during evening events.

Safety and Accessibility

Sky Garden prioritizes visitor safety with security checks, including bag searches, and a Challenge 25 policy requiring photographic ID (passport, driving license, or PASS card) for those appearing under 25, especially for evening events. CCTV is used for safety, and the terrace may close during inclement weather. The venue is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and lifts available; contact the customer service team via the official website to arrange wheelchair use or other accommodations. Sky Garden is family-friendly, with no age restrictions for public access, though parents should supervise children on the terrace. Stroller access is available, but no specific children’s activities are noted.

History and Background

Opened in 2015, Sky Garden was designed by architect Rafael Viñoly as a key feature of 20 Fenchurch Street, securing planning approval for the skyscraper. The garden, spanning three stories at 155 meters, is London’s highest public garden, featuring drought-resistant plants chosen for year-round vibrancy. The Francis Golding Terrace, named after a renowned architectural advisor who contributed to the project from 2005, adds historical significance. For more details, visit the official website or explore on-site information boards.

Fun Facts:

• The garden’s plants, like Red Hot Poker and Bird of Paradise, were selected for their resilience to London’s climate.
• The “Walkie Talkie” nickname comes from the building’s distinctive concave shape, a landmark in the City of London.

Nearby Attractions

Sky Garden’s location in the City of London makes it easy to combine with other attractions:

• Tower of London (10–15-minute walk): A historic fortress housing the Crown Jewels. Book tickets at Tower of London.
• St. Paul’s Cathedral (10-minute walk): Christopher Wren’s masterpiece with stunning architecture. Visit St. Paul’s.
• The Monument (5-minute walk): A column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering views from its top. Check The Monument.
• The Gherkin (5-minute walk): An iconic skyscraper, viewable from the ground or nearby cafes.

For a full day out, start at Sky Garden, walk to The Monument, then visit the Tower of London or St. Paul’s, all within a 1–2 km radius. These sites offer a mix of historical and architectural experiences.

Practical Tips

• What to Bring: Photographic ID, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing (e.g., a jacket for the open-air terrace). A camera is a must for capturing the views.
• Rules: No large bags, suitcases, tripods, or outside food/drinks (except for medical or infant needs). Free tap water is available at Sky Pod Bar.
• Dress Code: Casual for daytime visits; smart casual for evening dining at Darwin Brasserie or Sky Garden bars; Fenchurch Restaurant prohibits sportswear and trainers.
• Tips: Book tickets three weeks in advance, arrive early for your slot, and check the weather forecast. Cancel tickets if plans change to free up slots for others. Visit the official website for updates and event bookings.

FAQs

What are the opening hours of Sky Garden?

Sky Garden is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm and Saturday, Sunday, and bank holidays from 11am to 9pm. Last entry is at 5pm weekdays and 7:45pm weekends. Check the official website for updates.

How much does it cost to visit Sky Garden?

Entry is free with a pre-booked ticket. Evening event tickets cost £15.50–£18.25, including a drink. Dining costs vary (e.g., £60 per head at Darwin Brasserie).

Is Sky Garden suitable for children?

Yes, Sky Garden is family-friendly with no age restrictions for public access. Supervise children on the terrace for safety.

Are there any discounts available for Sky Garden?

Since entry is free, no discounts apply. Dining or event promotions may be available via the official website.

How long does it take to visit Sky Garden?

The typical visit lasts 1 hour, per the ticket time limit, though dining extends your stay.

Is photography allowed at Sky Garden?

Photography is permitted for personal use, but tripods and professional equipment may be restricted. Check the FAQ page.

Are there guided tours available at Sky Garden?

No guided tours are offered; visitors explore independently, enjoying the gardens and views.

What’s the best way to get to Sky Garden from the city center?

Take the Tube to Monument station (Circle or District lines), a 2-minute walk away. Alternatively, use buses (Route 40) or walk from nearby stations like Bank.

Is Sky Garden wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Sky Garden is wheelchair accessible with ramps and lifts. Contact the customer service team via the official website for assistance.

Are there dining options near Sky Garden?

Sky Garden offers Darwin Brasserie, Fenchurch Restaurant, Sky Pod Bar, and City Garden Bar. Nearby, the City of London has numerous cafes and restaurants, such as those near Leadenhall Market.