Sky Garden: Heaven on the 35th Floor?
Sky Garden spans the top three floors of 20 Fenchurch Street; the City of London’s awkward-looking building nicknamed the “Walkie-Talkie”. The building’s top-heavy design by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly boasts larger floor areas at the top than at street level.
London skyline with the “Walkie Talkie” to the right.
The unusual design together with its glass walls and ceiling give the top floors loads of light and largely unobstructed, 360-degree views of London. There you’ll find Sky Garden, an outdoor viewing area, and several bars and restaurants.
Looking south to Sky Garden’s outdoor viewing area, the Francis Golding Terrace.
To reach Sky Garden, visitors pass through airport-worthy security at ground level. Two express lifts whisk ticketholders up 35 floors to heaven – or at least to a beautiful indoor garden with heavenly views.
The River Thames, the Shard, and Borough Market from the Francis Golding Terrace.
Views of Tower Bridge and London City Hall.
The Leadenhall Building (aka the “Cheesegrater”) and The Gherkin (aka 30 St. Mary Axe) from Sky Garden’s north-facing 37th floor.
Sky Garden is best described as a three-storey high indoor “hill” from the 35th floor to the 37th floor. Stairs on the eastward and westward facing sides of the building give visitors access to the garden. The stairs are easy to climb thanks to their low-rise steps. There is also an elevator from the 35th to 37th floor for those who are unable to manage the stairs.
The west-facing stairs to the 37th floor.
There are numerous clever terraces with benches built into the south-facing hillside to allow visitors to rest, get a closer look at the plants, and take in the amazing views of the London skyline.
The London-based landscape architectural firm Gillespies designed Sky Garden, which is billed as London’s highest public garden. It features largely drought tolerant plants from the Mediterranean and South Africa. For example, highlight plants include Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise), Agapanthus (African Lily), Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker), and Agave attenuata (Lion’s Tail).
Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise).
Agave attenuata (Lion’s Tail) interspersed with Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise).
Some argue that Sky Garden is not the most creative garden design. However, let’s be fair. Sky Garden is located in the centre of The City of London, inside a building, 35 floors above Fenchurch Street. Under those constraints, I believe it’s a successful garden design worthy of a visit. On a dreary, damp January day in London, I’m delighted to be in a warm and dry garden space like Sky Garden.
Why not book a visit? Then you can decide for yourself. Is Sky Garden a heavenly garden or just a beautiful indoor garden with a heavenly view?
PLAN A VISIT
Sky Garden
20 Fenchurch Street
London EC3M 8AF
Sky Garden Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 10am – 6pm
Weekends: 11am – 9pm
Consult the garden’s website for the opening hours of the bars and restaurants.
Tickets:
Just like the biblical heaven, entrance to Sky Garden is heavily regulated, which has been one of the common criticisms of the garden – and heaven. Although tickets to Sky Garden are free of charge, you must book them online in advance of your visit. Every Monday, tickets for the succeeding week are released to the public
During non-peak hours on Monday through Friday (excluding bank holidays), a limited number of walk-in tickets are also available. Consult the garden’s website for additional information.
Getting There:
The Tube is the easiest way to get to the Sky Garden. Monument is the closest tube station, just a few minutes’ walk away. Aldgate, Bank, Mansion House, Tower Gate, and Tower Hill stations are all less than a 10-minute walk.
Interested in Global Garden Lab’s other inspiration gardens? Check out our Map of Inspiration Gardens.
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