30 best free views of London

There’s nothing like a great view to make you smile. In a city like London, you’re spoiled for choice. You don’t even need to break the bank for it.

From parks, bridges to rooftops, here are my top picks of the best free views of London. I’ve covered the capital and split it in areas and by the closest stations. This way, you can easily take a peek whenever you’re nearby.

North London

1. Alexandra Palace & Park – Bounds Green, N22 7AY

Alexandra Palace, affectionately known as ‘Ally Pally’, is a beloved landmark in North London. It’s a steep 30-minute walk from Bounds Green tube station or Alexandra Palace overground station. Alternatively, take the W3 bus across the road from Wood Green station to get there in 10 minutes. The venue hosts various events, from shows and exhibitions to even featuring an ice rink. However, the true gem lies in a stroll to the palace’s front, where people gather on clear days to sit, unwind, and take in the scenery.

2. Archway Bridge – Archway, N6 5LQ

Head to Hornsey Lane for Archway Bridge. It offers good views of the city but not necessarily the most panoramic. But it’s still worth checking out if you’re in the neighbourhood.

 

3. Parliament Hill – Belsize Park, NW5 1QR

Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath is a well-known spot for North Londoners to lounge and picnic. From here, you’re treated to stunning skyline views of 20 Fenchurch Street (also known as the Walkie Talkie building), The Shard, The Gherkin, Canary Wharf and more. It’s where you come for one of the best free views of London but stay for the people. The area always has friendly vibes, reflecting the warm nature of the locals.

4. Primrose Hill – Chalk Farm, NW3  

Celebrities flock to Primrose Hill for a reason. In the 90s, the ‘Primrose Hill Set’ featured movers like Kate Moss and Jude Law, who made the area their home. Over the years, it attracted the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin (before their uncoupling), Daniel Craig, Jamie Oliver, and even Harry Styles. Situated above Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill offers one of the capital’s most beautiful and best free views of London. It’s the posher version of Parliament Hill. On a sunny day, you’ll find people bopping to music or simply lying around, mesmerised by the city landscape.

5. Waterlow Park – Archway, N19 5JF

A stroll to Waterlow Park offers another option to soak in London’s scenery. Roam the park’s rose gardens, sit by the lakes and take in those picturesque views. Waterlow is one of London’s first public parks and one you can barbecue in designated areas from April to September. But barbecues need to be put out by 7pm. It’s a great location to grill and chill with friends, with the bonus of an eye-catching backdrop.

 

Central London

6. 20 Fenchurch Street – Monument or Fenchurch Street station, EC3M 8AF

Dubbed ‘The Walkie-Talkie’ building due to its unique structure, the real buzz centres on its rooftop, Sky Garden. Entry is free, but you must book online in advance. The public garden ticketed hours are Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 9pm. Get your tickets early, as they book out months in advance. You’ll need to queue for a bit but once there, you’ll be treated to some spectacular skyline views.

7. 120 Fenchurch Street – Monument or Fenchurch Street station, EC3M 5BA

If you can’t score a ticket at Sky Garden, don’t worry. Pop a few doors down to The Garden at 120 Fenchurch Street – no need to pre-book here. Queue up for the lift to reach its rooftop garden. Enjoy a close-up of The Gherkin and admire other landmarks, including The Shard, Tower Bridge and The Tower of London. Spanning 3,000 square feet, The Garden at 120 Fenchurch Street, with water features and immaculate hedges, is open Monday to Friday, from 10am to 6.30pm, and weekends from 10am to 5pm.

8. Millennium Bridge – Blackfriars, SE1 9JE

A walk across Millennium Bridge can leave you dumbstruck by the views. The steel suspension footbridge offers a variety of sights – just take your pick. As you approach St Paul’s, the Cathedral will capture your attention. Gaze ahead to spot Tate Modern, while on your left stands the Walkie-Talkie building, The Shard and Tower Bridge. Not to be outdone, the other side showcases skyscrapers like One Blackfriars building (also known as The Vase). The setting provides all the right elements for a picture-perfect moment.

9. One New Change shopping centre rooftop – St Paul’s, EC4M 9AF

Ride up the glass elevator to the 6th Floor. You’ll observe landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, The London Eye, Oxo Tower, and The Shard from there. The rooftop is usually open to all and completely free to enter. But it’s currently closed for construction and due to re-open in 2024. Check their website for latest details.

10. Oxo Tower – Blackfriars, SE1 9PH

Gone are the days when you had to pretend to look at the menu at Oxo Tower for a peek at their highly-sought after waterfront views. You can now enjoy their views guilt-free by going to their complimentary public viewing platform on the 8th Floor. It’s on the same floor as their restaurant. Just ask to be directed there and savour the scenery without any pretence.

11. Senate House Library – Goodge Street, WC1E 7HU

In Bloomsbury, The University of London’s dramatic library backdrop has earned it a spot in many films. The list includes blockbusters like Wonder Woman 1984, Fast and Furious 6, Batman Begins, and The Dark Knight Rises. On arrival, ask for a day pass and head to the top of the library. You’ll be greeted by views of iconic monuments, including the London Eye. The library is open from Monday to Sunday, but check their website for opening hours during term times and holidays.

 

12. Southbank Centre rooftop – Waterloo, SE1 8XX

London’s bustling art and cultural centre provides impressive views above the River Thames. Take the outdoor stairs to the top of the Royal Festival Hall or Queen Elizabeth Hall to look over Waterloo Bridge, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.

13. The Blue Bridge – St James’s Park, SW1A 2L

As you enter St. James’s Park, keep an eye out for the low-arched Blue Bridge. This peaceful spot offers views of The London Eye, the Horse Guards Parade and Buckingham Palace. As you wander through the park, you’ll notice pelicans and swans, adding to the site’s special and serene setting.

14. The Post Building – Holborn, WC1A 1PB

Formerly a Royal Mail sorting office, the site’s rooftop is now a popular sightseeing destination. Look for the ‘public roof terrace’ sign on New Oxford Street. Scurry up to see views stretching over Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia, including the green dome of the British Museum, the City, Canary Wharf, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament. Access to the rooftop is free and available Monday to Sunday, from 10am to 7pm. You just need to sign in and show some ID.

 

15. The Scoop at More London Riverside – London Bridge, SE1 2AA

The Scoop at More London is an outdoor sunken amphitheatre along the southern bank of the River Thames. From June to September, it hosts free events as part of the London Bridge Summer Festival. Events include sports screenings, films, music and theatre performances with pop-up food and drink stalls along the riverside. Get entertained with the city’s skyline watching over you. Along the river stretch are diverse tourist attractions and landmarks such as The HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the distinctive former London City Hall building referred to as the ‘armadillo’ or ‘crash hamlet’. The Shard – the UK’s tallest building – is also within walking distance, a bit further inland.

16. Tower Bridge – SE1 2UP

Just beyond The Scoop lies London’s most iconic bridge, Tower Bridge. Often mistaken by tourists, though, for London Bridge. The towering structure offers breathtaking views. On one side, take in landmarks such as The Shard and the former London City Hall building. On the opposite side, gawk at the Walkie Talkie building and The Gherkin. The river wonderfully divides both sides, creating a scene that perfectly belongs on a postcard.

17. Waterloo Bridge – Waterloo, SE1 8XT

Walking along the Southbank is always a pleasure, but if you want to immerse yourself in even more stunning views, get onto Waterloo Bridge. There’s a reason it keeps getting written about as the bridge with the best free views of London. From here, you’ll overlook the London Eye and Houses of Parliament, all while being treated to the lively interplay of people, buses and boats along the waterfront.

South London

18. Brockwell Park – Brixton, SE24 0NG

Never underestimate Brixton – it’s an area that continually surprises. Among its offerings is a hidden treasure of impressive views. From the top of Brockwell Park, behind the tennis courts, are notable skyscrapers including The Shard and The Vase, all clustered together in the distance. This unique vantage point captures Brixton’s approach to always doing things differently with a quirky edge.

19. Downham Fields – Grove Park, BR1 5EP

If you pass through their car park, unexpected sights lie behind Downham Health & Leisure Centre. A large green park on a steep hillside offers views that feel like you’ve stepped into a living landscape painting. If you squint, you’ll catch glimpses of the Crystal Palace Ridge, TV masts, and Beckenham Place House.

20. Horniman Museum & Gardens – Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ

The grounds outside the museum are as captivating as what’s inside. Duck into the gardens to absorb the city’s skyline views. Equally remarkable backdrops can be found on the side streets at the back of the museum at the top of Horniman Drive and Westwood Park.

21. Lambeth Bridge – Vauxhall, SE1 7SG

Lambeth Bridge grabs your attention with its striking backdrop of views that include The London Eye, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.

 

22. Mountsfield Park – Hither Green, SE6 1AN

The 32-acre Mountsfield Park overlooks views of the city towards Crystal Palace, Forest Hill, The Shard and the City of London. As you keep walking through the park, you’ll get hit with remarkable sights and landscapes.

23. One Tree Hill – Honor Oak Park, SE23 3QZ

One Tree Hill is a public park, a local nature reserve and one of the defining features of Honor Oak Park. Panoramic city views add to its leafy landscape.

 

24. Point Hill – Blackheath, SE10 8QW

You can reach the top of Point Hill in Blackheath from a small park known as The Point. It captures views of south London, such as Dulwich, Brockley and New Cross. To the west, you’ll see Westminster and famous landmarks, including The Shard, London Eye, The Gherkin and the Walkie Talkie building. And if you turn east, you’ll notice Canary Wharf and the Greenwich clock tower.

25. Westow Hill – Crystal Palace, SE19 1RX

Get your daily steps in by going to the top of Gipsy Hill in Crystal Palace. From there, veer onto Westow Hill and into Woodland Road. This side street offers prime city views. While locals might be used to these sights, watching the shock of unsuspecting passersby seeing these views for the first time is entertaining.

26. Telegraph Hill – Nunhead, SE14 5TW

Telegraph Hill is a residential park offering wonderful views of London. Before you even get to the park, the bottom of Drakefell and Kitto road also has an incredible city backdrop.

 

27. The Royal Observatory – Greenwich, SE10 9NG (or SE10 8XJ if drive up) 

Get to the Royal Observatory at the top of Greenwich Park for an amazing viewpoint. It’s best to walk through the park to engross yourself in the different angled views. Still, you can also drive directly to the Royal Observatory. You’ll overlook the National Maritime Museum, the city skyline and the Millennium Dome. It’s one of the best free views of London.

28. Stave Hill – Canada Water, SE16 6AX

Stave Hill Ecological Park is next to Russia Dock Woodlands, with both areas known as the ‘Woodlands’. The wildlife area looks over Canary Wharf, the City of London, and much of central and south London. Head to the top of the stairs for the best viewpoint.

 

West London

29. Hammersmith Bridge – Hammersmith, W6 9DF

Representing west London, the distinctive Hammersmith Bridge that’s a bright seaweed green, oversees Hammersmith, Barnes, Chiswick, Fulham and Putney. On a sunny day, you’ll feel like you’re by the seaside. Watching the locals seated outside the waterside pubs adds to the coastal ambience. In 2020 the bridge closed for refurbishment, and in 2021, it re-welcomed cyclists and pedestrians. However, the bridge won’t reopen for cars and buses until 2026, so take full advantage of soaking in the car-free views until then.

30. Sawyer’s Hill & King Henry’s Mound, Richmond Park – Richmond, TW10 5HX

Richmond Park is the largest of London’s Royal Parks and the second largest in the city (after Lee Valley Park). Home to deer and various wildlife, the park has striking views from both King Henry’s Mound and Sawyer’s Hill. King Henry’s Mound has an unobstructed view of St Paul’s Cathedral. The view is protected by law forbidding any construction that could block it. Meanwhile, from Sawyer’s Hill, you’ll see a broader view of the city skyline.

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Where is the highest viewing point in London?

It used to be The Shard. It’s the tallest building in the UK at 95 storeys and at 309.6 metres (1,016 feet) high. The Shard offers 360-degree views for up to 40 miles, but that viewing privilege comes with a price tag of £32. However, The Shard was recently overtaken by Horizon 22 which now has London’s highest viewing platform.

 

Where is the highest free viewing point in London?

It used to be Sky Garden, with 38 storeys and at 160 metres (525 feet) high. But on 27 September 2023, Horizon 22 opened offering London’s newest and now highest free viewing platform. Located at 22 Bishopsgate, near Liverpool Street, it offers a free viewing platform at 254m above ground level (10m more than the Shard which although is a taller building, and you have to pay to see its views, has a lower viewing platform). To go, you need to book a free ticket in advance. Opening hours are Mondays to Fridays, 10am-6pm, Saturdays, 10am-5pm and Sundays, 10am-4pm.

 

How best to travel?

It’s always best to check Transport for London for the latest travel updates (or strikes) to plan your journey. Citymapper is a great app to download with step by step instructions of how to get to your destination by foot, cycle or bus with real-time updates. Most of the viewpoints featured are about a 10-20 minute uphill walk from their closest station. Use local buses if you’re not up for a steep walk. If travelling by car, be mindful of London congestion and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges as well as parking fees.

 

What park has a good view of London?

All the parks we listed offer great views; Alexandra Park, Brockwell Park, Greenwich Park, Mountsfield Park, One Tree Hill, Richmond Park, St James’s Park, Telegraph Hill, Parliament Hill, Primrose Hill, The Point, Stave Hill and Waterlow Park.

The ones that offer the best panoramic views would be Primrose Hill, Parliament Hill, Alexandra Palace Park and Greenwich Park.

But no matter where you are in London, you’re never too far from stunning sights and city landscapes. There’s something for everyone to explore with these best free views of London.