Discover London From Above

May 7, 2019
May 7, 2019 Hilary

Discover London From Above

Panorama view from the Tate Modern Viewing Platform

There are many great ways to explore a city, guided tour, public transportation and wandering through neighborhoods are some, but another, and maybe my favorite is the view from above. Whether you’re visiting a city for the first time, or the 10th, there’s nothing quite like seeing it spread out before you.

Airplane Birds Eye View London England United Kingdom #london

Birds Eye View London

London has a number of view opportunities, at varying heights, and while we haven’t checked them all off our list, over the years we’ve visited quite a few.

The Monument

The Monument, located in The City of London, was built in 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London. Unfortunately many modern buildings have been built up around it, but there are still lovely views to be had from the top. You’ll receive a certificate upon completing the 311 step climb. The entrance fee is cash only.

View from The Monument London England United Kingdom #themonument

The Monument

The Tate Modern

The Tate Modern is not only a fabulous museum with ever changing exhibits, but it’s also free, which means there’s no excuse not to pop in for a quick look around. The Turbine Hall exhibitions are always a big hit with our group, and we were delighted to discover the 10th floor viewing platform in the new wing, which provides sweeping views of the river and city. Entrance to the platform is free.

Tate Modern London England United Kingdom

Tate Modern 2015

#tatemodern Tate Modern Viewing Deck London England United Kingdom

View from the Tate Modern

#tatemodern

Panorama view from the Tate Modern Viewing Platform


You might also be interested in: 25 Things to do in London

St. Paul’s Cathedral

In my generation St. Paul’s Cathedral is probably most famous for having been the location where Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer, but there has been a cathedral dedicated to St. Paul in its current spot for 1,400 years. There are many things to see and discover inside St. Paul’s, however, if you’re up for it, I recommend climbing the 528 steps to the Golden Gallery where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views. Sightseers are permitted between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm.

St. Pau'ls Cathedral London England United Kingdom

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul's Golden Gallery London England United Kingdom

The Golden Gallery St. Paul’s Cathedral


You might also be interested in: London St. Paul’s Cathedral & Westminster Abbey

The Tower Bridge

A visit to Tower Bridge will give you stunning views of the city from a unique perspective. You’ll be snapping your photos from the bridge’s picture windows and through the glass floor high above the River Thames. Beyond the views, you’ll learn all about the architecture and inner workings of the world famous bridge.

#towerbridge Tower Bridge London England United Kingdom

Tower Bridge

The Tower of London

The Tower of London is my must not miss pick for all of London. It has something for everyone and is very family friendly. Although it’s now been dwarfed by other much taller buildings the city views from atop The Tower are really quite something.

#toweroflondon Tower of London London England United Kingdom

Tower of London

London Skyline Tower View-4802

London 2016-4788


You might also be interested in: London’s  Historic Palaces & Royal Residences

The London Eye

The London Eye, located on the South Bank of the River Thames, is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom. Your ride in the 20 person heated capsule will take you 443 feet above the Thames and offers a fabulous birds eye view of not only the river, but The Houses of Parliament as well.

The London Eye-4744

Our first visit was in 2006, before we learned to book tickets ahead, thereby avoiding the ridiculously long queues, and apparently before I had a proper camera. Planning ahead will ensure that the experience and view are worthwhile, and while we did go back for another spin in 2012, we’ve since satisfied ourselves with seeing the London Eye from the ground.

Birds Eye View

If you run out of time before getting the chance to visit any of the above attractions  you’ll still have one more chance… the bird’s eye view. I’m referring to your airplane window of course.

Airplane Birds Eye View London England United Kingdom

Birds Eye View London

#london Airplane Birds Eye View London England United Kingdom

Birds Eye View London

As I mentioned above we still have a few London view spots to visit, The Shard and The Sky Garden are two. Have you seen London from above? Visited any of these spots? Have I missed some? Let me know in the comments below.


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Discover London From Above

Hilary

I love to travel & explore the world both near and far! I do my best to make the most out of life each and everyday! I have two boys and they are, at the ages of 13 and 18, world travelers and all around go along guys. There isnt anywhere I cant take them. It is my hope this blog will be a way to share the fun things Ive learned while on our many adventures together!

Comments (2)

  1. Totally agree! My favourites ‘from above’ views are up the Shard and the Sky Garden, the latter of which is free! But I think my all time favourite is from the Duck and Waffle which is a 24/7 restaurant in the City and, like I did last summer, you can watch the sun rise over the capital. Mind-blowingly beautiful! 😊

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