Some of our US family visited the UK a while ago. We all met up in Central London for breakfast before going on an epic wander. (Two days of steps in a day!) It was a lovely time full of good things and laughter I'm happy to be able share with you. I'm thankful that our flights to see them later this year are booked and that the miles don't really matter.
These photos were taken at the Sky Garden on Fenchurch Street, at the top of the Walkie Talkie, right in the heart of the City. It's London's highest green space, made up of landscaped South African and Mediterranean plants, observation decks, an open-air terrace, two restaurants and a bar. (As it's 35 floors up, let's pray the lifts don't ever break).
Entry is free, but visitors must book their 1 hour time-slot in advance on the website. And turn up on time as tickets are only valid for the date and time stated on them.
[ETA: The website is a bit confusing, but they appear to release a block of tickets each week a month in advance. Daily walk-ins are available for selected times. Having seen the queues outside, I wouldn't chance it during the tourist season]
Well worth a visit for the stunning views if you're in the area.
Perched at the top of the City, looking down on the people and buildings below. Spotting places to visit when we've a little more time. (Our US family have never seen the Tower. We am officially failures as Londoners).
The Barbican Conservatory, with exotic fish and over 2,000 species of plants, is similar to the Sky Garden. I haven't been there for years, but may try and get there this Summer. As it's only open on Sunday's and Bank Holidays, this could be a challenge.
If you're coming to London in the summer holidays - now closer than we all probably think - Upgraded Points has The Ultimate Guide to London. While this may be over-stating things slightly, it does stray out of the city and away from the obvious into Sarf London. Which is a very good thing.
As mentioned previously, we went to the DC Dawn of the Superheroes Exhibition at the O2 over half-term and there's a review - including photos - over at Mother Geek. Thank you Tina for the hospitality.
More photos and commentary coming here next month. Because summer is coming and there are days to fill ...
Sharing with all these great Linkys
[This is a collaborative post in association with Ultimate Points].
More photos and commentary coming here next month. Because summer is coming and there are days to fill ...
Sharing with all these great Linkys
[This is a collaborative post in association with Ultimate Points].
Go to the right places and London has some amazing views to be seen. These are pretty epic! #CoolMumClub
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing - and free! Just need to be organised and book :)
DeleteWhat an incredible view all around! Definitely putting this on the bucket list! #StayClassyMama
ReplyDeleteIt's stunning isn't it?! And free. All you have to be is organised and book ...
DeleteWow what an amazing experience and them views are incredible X #stsyclassymama
ReplyDeleteThey are! I was amazed :) Glad you liked them
DeleteLooks wonderful and somewhere i would love to visit thnaks for sharing #stayclassymama
ReplyDeleteIt's a great place to go if you're in the area :)
DeleteOh wow I'd love to see that garden!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up to #coolmumclub
It's pretty stunning :)
DeleteI loved Sky Garden - you forget to mention that while it's free, you need to book in advance, and you can book 3 weeks before only (so OS travellers need to book while travelling if doing big trip). I thought it was excellent. Weirdly a lot of Londoners don't know about it. My cabbie that dropped us there had no idea....
ReplyDeleteThanks for pointing that out. I'd mentioned the advance booking, but the ticket release and time slots have changed since I wrote the post so I've updated it and added a link to the booking section as it's bound to change again!
DeleteMost people don't come into the City unless they have too for work. When you come up at weekends, it's pretty quiet.
And if you're US Family are interested, there's a fab Gatsby interactive theatre thing on in London at the moment - I'm insanely disappointed that I'm too far away to go!!! It looks fabulous (I think it's the Alice Underground people but I could be wrong)#Stayclassymama
ReplyDeleteHaving Googled, it does look fun. (http://www.theimmersiveensemble.com/the-great-gatsby/ for any passing Gatsby fans)
DeleteThe view is spectacular! I'd love to see that garden.
ReplyDelete#FabFridayPost
Isn't it just?! There was a bit of, "You can see my office from here ..." when we went :)
DeleteGreat photos and lovely views. There's so many great things to do in London, will have to fit in another trip soon! #FabFridayPost
ReplyDeleteThank you. We were amazed to find it as we didn't know about it until our US family suggested it
DeleteThose views are amazing! I love lush gardens like that too. #FabFridayPost
ReplyDeleteThey are! Really stunning. Made me wish I had a better camera
DeleteGorgeous photos - that view is stunning! #KCACOLS
ReplyDeleteIt is :) Going there again in a few weeks so will get some more photos to share. I have a better camera on my phone now as well :)
DeleteI keep meaning to take my kids soon - you have reminded me to book a slot! Thank you. Sarah #fabFridayPost
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous time and share lots of photos :)
DeleteWhat a great view. I didn't even know the Sky Garden existed! #KCACOLS
ReplyDeleteI love the sky garden, I booked a table at the Darwin restaurant for breakfast and got to explore the gardens before and after. It was really quiet early in the morning but quickly got busy.
ReplyDeleteOh, lucky you! Early morning is probably the best time to go. We went in at about 10:30am and it was busy-ish, but you could still see things. I'd imagine lunch time would be a lot busier but I won't find out until next week
DeleteI visited the top of the shard and my friend had to carry me down again because I got freaked out by the height!! Haha Thanks for linking up to a #blogginggoodtime
ReplyDeleteHope you're fully recovered. We haven't visited the Shard. It's a bit pricey ...
DeleteSó gorgeous. I love it there and have very lovely mementoes there. Thank you for sharing with #stayClassymama
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting each week :)
DeleteThere is so much to see and do in London and it is great to share with family. Love those gorgeous scenes and views you have captured. Thanks for linking up with #stayclassymama
ReplyDeleteYou're right, there is so much to do. We've only really scratched the surface and we've lived around here for years
DeleteI've never been to London before but really want to go. It looks absolutely stunning #KCACOLS
ReplyDeleteIt is stunning. I hope you make it here one day and have the best time.
DeleteWow, what a great place and amazing views, I didn't know this existed so will look up next time we go down. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's free! Although the eats inside are a little pricey ...
DeleteWow! Lucky you! I also still need to visit. I agree with you about their website being confusing. I think that's what put my off. Good to know that we need to plan well in advance if we want to go. Look like you had such a lovely day up there! :) xx
ReplyDeleteIt's totally worth the trip. The views are fabulous
DeleteI could look at a view like that forever, my eye just wanders again and again. Sounds a lovely place! #kcacols
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely place and well worth a visit if you're in the area :)
DeleteWow! Amazing photos. What an incredible view. Can't believe I've never heard of it before! #KCACOLS
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised too. It really is lovely place and free!
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