Garden at 120, London - Day 44 of 366 film project Fujicolor Superia 200
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Garden at 120 London

4.8
·7k reviews·, United Kingdom

A free, stunning rooftop garden offering breathtaking 360-degree views of London's iconic skyline.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Garden at 120, London - Day 44 of 366 film project Fujicolor Superia 200

Garden at 120 London

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A free, stunning rooftop garden offering breathtaking 360-degree views of London's iconic skyline.

4.8
(7k reviews)

"One of London's most beautiful free rooftops with stunning 360-degree views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots

Beat the crowds and snag the best vantage points by arriving earlier in the day.

📸 Perfect Photo Opportunity

This spot offers incredible photo ops of London landmarks without the usual tourist queues.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Vistas

Panoramic City Vistas

Rooftop

Capture breathtaking 360-degree views of iconic London landmarks like The Gherkin and Tower Bridge.

Tranquil Garden Escape

Tranquil Garden Escape

Rooftop

Enjoy a peaceful stroll through lush greenery, a welcome respite from the bustling city below.

Sunset Spectacle

Sunset Spectacle

Rooftop

Witness a magical London sunset painting the sky with vibrant colors over the cityscape.

Planning Your Visit

Skip the Crowds, Embrace the Views

The Garden at 120 offers stunning 360-degree city views without the Sky Garden crowds or booking hassle. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure the best spots and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Instagram

Free Entry, Priceless Experience

This rooftop gem is completely free to enter, making it a top budget-friendly attraction in London. While there's no need to book in advance, be aware that entry might be restricted if it reaches capacity. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Sparkling city lights
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Garden at 120 is one of the most beautiful free rooftops in London, offering stunning 360-degree views of London landmarks such as the Gherkin, Tower Bridge, the Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, and 20...
@gioacchino.london.uk
115.6K likes • 2.2M views

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots

Beat the crowds and snag the best vantage points by arriving earlier in the day. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Opportunity

This spot offers incredible photo ops of London landmarks without the usual tourist queues. Instagram

London nights + Garden at 120 😍🇬🇧 #london #londonlife #budgettravel #freethingstodo #uk #freethingstodoninlondon #gardenat120
@travelwithnige
110.6K likes • 1.1M views
When ever you’re in London, make sure you add THE GARDEN at 120 to the list of places to get the best view of central London 🇬🇧 #london #touristbehaviour #uk #summer #familytime
karenkashkane
575 likes • 0 views

💰 Budget-Friendly London View

Enjoy spectacular city views for free – a great alternative to paid attractions. TikTok

🧥 Dress for the Weather

It can be windy and cooler on the rooftop, so bring layers even on warmer days. Reddit

Find more about this rooftop spot in London 👇🏻 • The Garden at 120 – one of London’s hidden gems. Free to visit, usually short queues, and a view that rivals the Sky Garden without the crowds. A perfe...
georges.visuals
169 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots

Beat the crowds and snag the best vantage points by arriving earlier in the day. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Opportunity

This spot offers incredible photo ops of London landmarks without the usual tourist queues. Instagram

💰 Budget-Friendly London View

Enjoy spectacular city views for free – a great alternative to paid attractions. TikTok

🧥 Dress for the Weather

It can be windy and cooler on the rooftop, so bring layers even on warmer days. Reddit

☕ Grab a Drink with a View

There's a bar/restaurant on-site for refreshments while you soak in the scenery. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about The Garden at 120 for its spectacular, unobstructed 360-degree views of London landmarks, all offered completely free of charge. Many appreciate it as a less crowded and more accessible alternative to Sky Garden, with the added bonus of an on-site bar. Some note that it can get windy and advise arriving early to secure the best spots.

"One of my absolute favourite spots in London!
I’ve visited more than 5 times, and every single visit has been such an enjoyable experience. ✨

The best part? No booking is required, you can show up anytime and enjoy it!

I definitely recommend a visit to soak in the panoramic views of London. 🏙️

Tip: Visit in the morning to enjoy a calm and refreshing atmosphere."

Things I Tried

"🌟 Amazing hidden gem in the heart of London!
I absolutely loved my visit to The Garden at 120 – it’s peaceful, beautifully designed, and offers stunning 360° views of the City skyline. Unlike other rooftops, it’s free to enter and you don’t even need a booking – just show up!

The greenery, the water feature, and the calm atmosphere make it a perfect spot to relax, take photos, or enjoy a coffee break. The 14 Hills restaurant below is gorgeous and definitely worth visiting if you want a more luxurious experience.

Highly recommend this place for both locals and tourists. I’ll definitely be coming back – especially on sunny days! 🌿🌇"

Krzysztof Baran

"Great (free) place to have a view on London
This place was really nice to visit, is not dog friendly, but is free of charge to get to a platform that allows you to see London from a heighten perspective.
You do have to pass some security but it is really easy and fast. Well worth it considering the no cost.
The staff (the security guards) are also really nice!"

Paul Vivas

What People Like

Stunning panoramic views
Free entry, no booking
Less crowded than Sky Garden

What People Dislike

Can be windy
Capacity limits

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Garden at 120 is located at 120 Fenchurch Street, London. It's easily accessible via public transport. The nearest Tube stations are Monument and Tower Hill. Many visitors find it a convenient stop after visiting the Tower of London. TikTok

Yes, The Garden at 120 is located just a few blocks away from the Sky Garden, offering a comparable, yet often less crowded, free viewing experience. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a great spot to incorporate into a walking tour of the City of London, being close to landmarks like the Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral. TikTok

The Tube is highly recommended. Monument station (Circle and District lines) is the closest. Alternatively, Tower Hill (Circle and District lines) is a short walk away. TikTok

On-street parking in the City of London is very limited and expensive. It's best to rely on public transport to reach The Garden at 120. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, unlike Sky Garden, The Garden at 120 does not require advance booking. Entry is free and on a first-come, first-served basis. Reddit

Admission to The Garden at 120 is completely free, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for enjoying panoramic London views. TikTok

Opening hours can vary seasonally, but it's generally open daily. It's advisable to check the official website or recent visitor posts for the most up-to-date times, as it's not open too close to closing time. Reddit

If the rooftop reaches its capacity, entry may be temporarily restricted. It's best to visit during off-peak hours or be prepared to wait if it's busy. Reddit

While there's a bar and restaurant on-site, specific policies on outside food and drinks might apply. It's generally recommended to consume purchased items from the venue. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

For photography, aim for weekday mornings to avoid crowds and capture clear shots. Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, and evenings provide stunning cityscapes with lights. TikTokInstagram

You'll get fantastic photographic opportunities of The Gherkin, Tower Bridge, The Shard, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the general London skyline. TikTok

Yes, most smartphones can capture excellent photos here. The panoramic views are impressive, and the well-maintained garden adds to the aesthetic. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits. Always be mindful of other visitors. Instagram

The glass walls offer shelter but can sometimes cause reflections. Try shooting at an angle or during times with less direct sunlight for clearer shots. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a bar and restaurant on the rooftop offering refreshments and a place to relax while enjoying the views. Instagram

The offerings typically include drinks, light snacks, and potentially more substantial meals, though specific menus can change. Instagram

Many visitors opt to enjoy the free views and then dine elsewhere in the City of London for more diverse or budget-friendly options. Reddit

Yes, you can typically purchase drinks from the bar without needing to order a full meal. Reddit

Prices are generally in line with London city center establishments. It's a convenient option for a drink, but exploring nearby eateries might offer better value. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Garden at 120 is a fantastic, free activity for families visiting London. Kids will be mesmerized by the expansive views of the city, spotting famous landmarks from above. Instagram It's a great way to introduce them to London's geography in an engaging way. The open space allows them to move around, and the garden elements provide a bit of nature amidst the urban sprawl. Reddit

Since booking isn't required, it offers flexibility for families who might have unpredictable schedules. However, arriving earlier is recommended to avoid potential queues and ensure everyone gets a good view. Pack snacks and drinks, or consider a quick stop at the on-site cafe for refreshments. Instagram It's a memorable experience that won't break the bank, making it a top choice for budget-conscious families. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget travelers, The Garden at 120 is an absolute must-visit. It offers world-class panoramic views of London for free, a rare gem in a city known for its expensive attractions. TikTok This makes it a perfect alternative to paid viewpoints like The Shard or even the Sky Garden if you miss out on booking. Reddit

Combine your visit with a packed lunch to enjoy amidst the cityscape, or grab an affordable bite from nearby eateries after soaking in the views. Reddit Its central location also means you can easily walk to other free attractions in the City of London, maximizing your budget-friendly exploration. TikTok

couples

The Garden at 120 offers a romantic and picturesque setting for couples. Enjoying the stunning sunset over London's skyline together, perhaps with a drink from the rooftop bar, creates a truly special moment. TikTokInstagram It's a more intimate and less crowded alternative to some of London's busier viewpoints, allowing for quiet conversation and shared appreciation of the city's beauty. Instagram

Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' for breathtaking photos together, or in the evening to witness the city lights twinkle below. Instagram It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed date with incredible views that won't cost a thing. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Garden at 120 vs. Sky Garden: A Rooftop Rivalry

The Garden at 120 has emerged as a popular alternative to the well-known Sky Garden, offering a similar breathtaking panoramic experience of London's skyline. A key advantage is its free entry without the need for advance booking, a stark contrast to Sky Garden's reservation system which often requires booking weeks ahead. Reddit This makes The Garden at 120 a more spontaneous and accessible option for many visitors. While Sky Garden might be slightly higher and offer more extensive indoor planting, The Garden at 120 provides equally stunning views of iconic landmarks like The Gherkin, Tower Bridge, and The Shard. TikTokReddit

Many visitors find The Garden at 120 to be a more relaxed and less crowded experience, especially during peak times. The open-air design, combined with sheltered areas, allows for a pleasant visit in various weather conditions. Reddit It's a fantastic spot for photographers looking for unobstructed views and a chance to capture the city's grandeur without the hustle of larger crowds. Instagram For those seeking a high-altitude perspective of London without the planning stress, The Garden at 120 is a highly recommended choice. Instagram

When planning your visit, remember that while booking isn't required, capacity limits do apply. Arriving earlier in the day, particularly on weekdays, is the best strategy to ensure entry and enjoy the views at your own pace. Reddit The proximity to other City of London attractions makes it an easy addition to any itinerary, offering a memorable and budget-friendly London experience. TikTok

Capturing London's Skyline: Photography Tips

The Garden at 120 is a photographer's dream, offering unparalleled views of London's iconic skyline. To get the best shots, timing is crucial. Weekday mornings are ideal for fewer crowds and softer light, perfect for capturing landmarks like The Gherkin and Tower Bridge with clarity. TikTokInstagram As the day progresses, the late afternoon 'golden hour' bathes the city in a warm glow, creating dramatic and memorable images. Instagram

When shooting, be mindful of the glass enclosure. While it provides shelter, it can cause reflections. Experiment with shooting at slight angles or during times when the sun isn't directly hitting the glass. Reddit For evening photography, the city lights create a magical spectacle. Consider using a tripod if you have one to ensure sharp images in lower light conditions. TikTok

Don't forget to capture the garden elements themselves, which add a unique aesthetic to your photos. The contrast between the urban landscape and the greenery can be striking. Reddit Most modern smartphones are capable of taking excellent photos here, so you don't need professional gear to get stunning results. Instagram Remember to be considerate of other visitors and avoid blocking prime viewing spots for extended periods. Instagram

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