5 Top London Roof Gardens

Summer is nearly upon us and London has lots to offer as the mercury rises.  If you are visiting between May and September why not check out some of London’s secret roof gardens to grab some refreshment with a side of amazing views? Sadly, after 37 years, the most famous of London’s sky-high venues, Kensington Roof Gardens, has closed its potting shed for the last time. However, there are lots more desirable rooftop open spaces to explore.

Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre

You may head to the buzzing South Bank to visit The Tate Modern, The Millennium (wobbly) Bridge, Royal Festival Halls or to ride the Coca-Cola London Eye - but whatever your reason you must visit this vibrant part of London alongside the Thames.

Amongst this hub-bub there is a hidden haven that is the Roof Garden sitting at the top of Queen Elizabeth Hall in the Southbank Centre. An oasis in central London, it’s free to visit and relax among wildflowers, fruit trees and allotments with beautiful views of the Thames and London’s iconic skyline.

There is a cafe and bar serving beers, wines, soft drinks, tea and coffee, a range of sandwiches and other snacks.

The Roof Garden was created in 2011 to celebrate the Festival of Britain's 60th anniversary, and this peaceful space is now a much-loved feature of Southbank Centre. It is an ideal location to enjoy the summer sun and a glass of Pimms from the bar.  It is still a secret from many Londoners who have yet to discover its delights.

Originally conceived in partnership with the Eden Project, the Queen Elizabeth Roof Garden was built and continues to be maintained by Grounded EcoTherapy. The volunteers working with Grounded EcoTherapy have each experienced homelessness, addiction and/or mental health problems. Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden has helped these individuals turn their lives around, by refocusing them, and helping to rebuild their confidence and wellbeing.

Opening times (weather dependent)

4 April – 20 June: from 12 noon
21 June – 1 September: from 10am
2 September – 27 October: from 12 noon

Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX

Nearest Tube: Waterloo, Embankment (across bridge)

Admission free

The Garden at 120

London’s newest roof garden, is still the most secret.  Only opened in February 2019, the Garden at 120 is in the heart of the City of London on the 15th Floor of Fen Court.  Sandwiched between the iconic Walkie Talkie and Gherkin buildings, the garden offers views of the Shard, Tower of London and Canary Wharf, to name but a few of the sights.  Between the carefully manicured hedges, you will find a wildflower garden and a soothing water feature, providing calm and tranquillity above the busy City. 

Bring a picnic, however, as sadly there is currently no restaurant, although one is planned for the future.

Opening times: (closed bank holidays and weekends)

1 April – 30 September (Monday to Friday 10:00hrs – 21:00hrs)

1 October – 31 March (Monday to Friday 10:00hrs – 18:30hrs)

Address:  120 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 5BA

Nearest Tube: Aldgate, Monument

Admission free 

Sky garden

Enjoy spectacular views across the capital from London’s highest public garden. Situated in the glass dome of 20 Fenchurch Street (more commonly known as the Walkie Talkie building), the area consists of three storeys of exquisitely landscaped public gardens and some of London’s most exclusive restaurants, bars, observation decks and an open air terrace.  Offering 360 degree uninterrupted views across the City of London, it really is a must see.

Award-winning landscape architecture practice Gillespies, opted for a series of richly planted terraces for Sky Garden with planting dominated by drought resistant Mediterranean and South African species, including year-round interest and wonderful scented plants.

There are two restaurants and three bars, and whilst you are not obliged to eat or drink, it would be a shame not to.  Choose between the Fenchurch Restaurant on 37th Floor for fine dining,  or the Darwin Brasserie on the 36th Floor for food theatre serving classic British cuisine. 

If you just want to drink in the views (and a few cocktails) then you can choose between The Sky Pod on 35th Floor, the City Garden bar on 36, or the Fenchurch Terrace on the 37th. Booking is advised for restaurants and bars as they are extremely popular as you can imagine. Tickets are required for the garden although a few are reserved for walk-ups. Access to the garden is included if you are restaurant or bar guests.

SKY GARDEN BAR & RESTAURANTS OPENING TIMES

Open 7 days a week, from early till late.
Monday to Tuesday 7am - 12am
Wednesday to Friday 7am - 1am
Saturday 8am - 1am
Sunday 8am - 12am

PUBLIC TICKETED HOURS

Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm

Weekends & Bank Holidays 11am - 9pm

Free-visitor walk-in spaces between 10.00am- 11.30am and 14.00pm-16.30pm Monday-Friday (exc. weekends and bank holidays)

Address: 20 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 8AF

Nearest Tube: Aldgate and Monument

Roof Fest London

New for the summer of 2019, this exciting pop up roof garden is in the heart of the West End of London. If you intend to visit London for some retail therapy, no doubt you will end up in Oxford Street and that is exactly where this little beauty can be found.

It is, in fact, on the roof of the most British of retail stores, John Lewis and offers food, music, entertainment and much more. Filipino-inspired bbq street food is provided by Bong Bongs, whilst there are bars mixing up your favourite cocktails.

From April to September 2019 the rooftop of the John Lewis Department Store becomes - well, a garden festival; with live performances from musicians and DJs. A wide selection of genres are catered for - Indie, House, Funk, Garage, Afrobeats, Jazz, Reggae, Disco, Swing, Soul , Afro Bashment, Folk, R&B , Pop , World (perhaps if you are a classical music fan, you may be unlucky). There will be live performances from Comedians, Poets, Drag Acts, Magicians, Dancers, Contortionists, and open mike.

You can unwind with Fitness sessions, Mixology, Massage and Meditation or learn to create Nail Art, Body Art  and Festival make-up.

You will need to book (except on Wednesdays) - either a table or a den (a hideaway seating between 4-10 people).

In the winter, this area is transformed into a Scandinavian-inspired retreat so if you are planning a winter visit you can still enjoy the roof but perhaps not so much entertainment.

Summer Opening Times: 19 APRIL - 29 SEPTEMBER 2019

Monday - Saturday: 12 - 10pm (Last entry 9pm)

Sunday: 12 - 9pm (Last entry 8pm) 

Address: John Lewis & Partners Oxford Street, W1C 1DX

Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus, Bond Street

The ROOF TOP

The aptly named Rooftop Bar is situated on the pinnacle of The Trafalgar Hotel in Trafalgar Square. Whilst small and not very high, this bar provides a sunset with the views of the London’s iconic Trafalgar Square.

The drinks are quite expensive here, being as it is in the centre of the tourist hub plus being a hotel, but it is definitely worth it for the unparalleled views of Nelson and his Lions. Don’t worry if our summer weather is a little inclement - the bar is canopied and provides heaters and blankets for the less hardy visitors.

There are two areas, the Gallery or the Deck, to choose from.  The Gallery has the better views, but the Deck is a nice conservatory area should you want to be undercover. As well as delicious cocktails, you can get some small plates with table service throughout.

Opening times: Monday - Sunday from midday to midnight  (over 21s only from 7pm)

Address: 2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square, SW1A 2TS

Nearest Tube: Charing Cross, Embankment, Leicester

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