Top 12 Things to Do Near Sky Garden, London: Ultimate Guide

If you’re planning a visit to Sky Garden, you’re in for a treat! It is located at the top of 20 Fenchurch Street. This stunning London observation deck offers panoramic city views and a lush indoor garden experience, all for free! But why stop there? The area surrounding Sky Garden is packed with historical landmarks, scenic walks, and hidden gems waiting to be explored.

In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do near Sky Garden, all within a 15-minute walking distance. Whether you’re a history lover, foodie, or architecture enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. So, after soaking in those incredible views, get ready to discover more of London’s top attractions just steps away!

Top 12 Things to Do Near Sky Garden

1. Walk Across Tower Bridge

One of the most iconic landmarks of London is the Tower Bridge. It is just a short walk from Sky Garden. This historic bascule bridge was built in the late 19th century. It is famous for its Victorian Gothic architecture and stunning views of the River Thames. As you walk across, take in the breathtaking sights of London’s skyline which includes The Shard, Canary Wharf, and HMS Belfast.

For an even better experience, visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition, where you can walk on the glass-floored walkway. It is suspended high above the river and watches the bridge’s mechanical system in action. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the bridge lifting to let a tall ship pass through!

Visitor Tip: Visit at sunset for some of the most picturesque views of London. If you want to see the bridge lift, check the official Tower Bridge lift schedule online before your visit!

2. Explore the Tower of London

It is just a 10-minute walk from Sky Garden. The Tower of London is one of the most historic landmarks in England. It was built by William the Conqueror in 1066. This medieval fortress has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury over the centuries. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in British history.

Inside, you’ll find the world-famous Crown Jewels, a dazzling collection of royal regalia still used in ceremonial events. Walk through the stone corridors and imagine what life was like when the Tower housed prisoners, monarchs, and even exotic animals!

Visitor Tip: Book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues, and make sure to join a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tour for entertaining stories about the Tower’s dark past. Also, don’t forget to spot the resident ravens—legend says that if they ever leave, the Kingdom will fall!

3. Visit Leadenhall Market

Just a 5-minute walk from Sky Garden, Leadenhall Market is one of the most beautiful historic markets of London. Dating back to the 14th century, this Victorian-style covered market features stunning ornate ceilings, cobbled walkways, and charming storefronts.

Today, it’s home to boutique shops, traditional pubs, and gourmet eateries. This makes it a great spot to grab a bite, shop for unique souvenirs, or simply admire the stunning architecture. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you might recognize parts of the market as Diagon Alley from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone!

Visitor Tip: Visit in the morning for fewer crowds and the best photo opportunities. If you’re hungry, grab a classic British pie at one of the market’s eateries or enjoy a pint at The Lamb Tavern. It is a historic pub inside the market.

4. Stroll Along the Thames Path

It is just a few steps from Sky Garden. The Thames Path offers a beautiful riverside walk with some of London’s most famous landmarks along the way. This peaceful yet iconic route takes you past sights like London Bridge, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. It offers plenty of opportunities for stunning photos.

If you prefer a leisurely stroll or a longer walk along the river, the Thames Path is a great way to soak in the city’s atmosphere. You’ll also pass charming riverside cafés, historic pubs, and hidden viewpoints where you can stop and admire London’s skyline.

Visitor Tip: Walk towards Tower Bridge for incredible sunset views over the river. If you want to see London from a different perspective, hop on a Thames Clipper boat for a scenic ride along the river!

5. Discover St. Dunstan in the East

Located among contemporary high-rise buildings lies the hidden charm of St. Dunstan in the East which stands as one of London’s best-undiscovered gems. A short five-minute stroll from the Sky Garden finds you at this tranquil public garden that occupies ruins of medieval church architecture.

The church, facing multiple destruction in 1100, experienced severe wartime damage during Operation Blitz in World War II. The once-built church transformed into a peaceful garden by letting plants grow on its walls and creating archways and plant-filled areas from the remaining structure. Visitors can find complete relaxation at this location, which provides an escape from urban commotion.

Visitor’s Tip: The best time to enjoy a tranquil visit at this location occurs during weekday mornings. The site stands out as a superb spot for Instagram photos and looks especially magical when spring and summer bring the vibrant greenery.

6. Enjoy Borough Market

Visitors can easily reach Borough Market from Sky Garden through a 13-minute pedestrian journey. The longest operating food market in London stands as the city’s most revered due to its thriving collection of artisan stalls along with various global street food offerings and fresh produce.

Borough Market satisfies every culinary craving with its diverse selection of gourmet cheese, along with freshly baked pastries and organic fruits and vegetables, and famous street food options. The sizzling delight scents that fill the market make it impossible for anyone to walk by without tasting something.

Food lovers should stop by these prominent stalls and eateries for their next visit:

Padella: attracts crowds with its handmade pastas yet maintains long lines outside the establishment.

Neal’s Yard Dairy – A haven for cheese lovers

Bread Ahead – Iconic for its pillowy, custard-filled doughnuts

Tacos Padre – Some of the best Mexican street food in London

Visitor’s Tip: The market becomes extremely crowded, especially during weekends. Early arrival ensures shorter waiting lines while long queues outside food stalls signify excellent quality food.

7. Visit Monument to the Great Fire of London

It is just a 5-minute walk from the Sky Garden. The Monument to the Great Fire of London stands 202 feet tall, which marks the spot where the devastating 1666 fire began. This monument was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. This iconic column offers 360-degree views of the city if you’re up for climbing the 311 steps to the top!

Visitor Tip: Buy your tickets online to skip the queue, and don’t forget to grab your certificate of achievement after making it to the top!

8. Explore The Gherkin

Gherkin is just a 7-minute walk from the Sky Garden. The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) is one of the most iconic skyscrapers of London. It is known for its unique curved design and shimmering glass exterior. While public access inside is limited, you can still admire its striking architecture up close.

For the best photo spots, wander around the nearby streets until you find the perfect angle. If you’re looking for something fun to do nearby, Swingers Crazy Golf, located right under The Gherkin, offers a quirky mini-golf experience with great food and drinks.

Visitor Tip: Visit in the evening to see The Gherkin beautifully lit up against the London skyline!

9. Relax at St. Katharine Docks

St. Katharine Docks is one of London’s hidden gems, which is just a 10-minute walk from the Sky Garden. This historic marina, tucked away near Tower Bridge, is home to luxury yachts, waterfront restaurants, and charming cafés. Once a bustling commercial dock, it’s now a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Take a leisurely stroll along the docks, grab a coffee at The Dickens Inn, or enjoy a meal at one of the many riverside eateries. If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of the seasonal markets or events held here.

Visitor Tip: Visit during the golden hour for stunning views of the boats with Tower Bridge in the background!

10. Experience the Sky Pool at The Ned

Located within a 5-minute distance from the Sky Garden, you will discover The Ned which stands as one of London’s most upscale hotels with a rooftop pool that reveals mesmerizing city vistas. This five-star hotel operates from a former Midland Bank building which contains spectacular rooftop facilities including a heated infinity pool along with exclusive bar service and comfortable sunbeds.

Guests who stay at The Ned and members of Ned’s Club can access the Sky Pool yet visitors can explore the Art Deco architecture by enjoying dining at any of its nine restaurants. Each restaurant at the facility serves British classics alongside Asian dishes for everyone’s food preferences.

Visitor’s Tip: You can gain access to The Ned’s rooftop pool facilities through booking spa packages that offer this benefit to non-hotel guest

11. Look for the Bank of England Museum

Situated only 6 minutes from the Sky Garden, visitors can discover the Bank of England Museum which provides an intriguing glimpse into Britain’s central bank history. The museum, situated in a historic Bank of England building, offers gratis access to explore its more than 300-year banking timeline.

Besides gold bars and old banknotes, you can explore how the bank operates and engages in the UK economy activities through interactive displays. Visitors can hold a genuine gold bar weighing approximately 13 kilograms (28 pounds)!

Visitor’s Tip: Tourists should note that this museum provides free admission, although it operates only from Monday to Friday. Additionally, you should check their website to discover special events and exhibits.

12. Take a River Thames Cruise

One of the best ways to experience London is from the water, and a River Thames cruise is a fantastic way to do just that. It is just a short walk from the Sky Garden. You can hop on a boat at Tower Pier and cruise past some of London’s most iconic landmarks. This includes the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, and Shakespeare’s Globe.

You can choose from sightseeing cruises, hop-on-hop-off boats, or even dining cruises that offer afternoon tea or dinner while you enjoy stunning views of the city.

Visitor Tip: If you have an Oyster card or contactless payment, you can get discounts on Thames Clippers, which operate like a river bus and are a great budget-friendly option!

Essential Visitor Information

How to Get to Sky Garden

The Sky Garden, located at 20 Fenchurch Street, is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest Tube stations are Monument Station (a 2-minute walk) on the District and Circle lines, Bank Station (a 5-minute walk) on the Central, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines, and Tower Hill Station (a 10-minute walk).

If you’re arriving by train, Fenchurch Street Station is just a short 5-minute walk, while London Bridge Station is about 12 minutes away. Several bus routes, which include 35, 47, 149, and 388, also stop nearby. If you’re walking to the Sky Garden, keep in mind that the entrance is on Philpot Lane, not directly on Fenchurch Street, so look for signs guiding you to the correct entrance.

Best Time to Visit (Avoiding Crowds)

The Sky Garden attracts many visitors because admission is free, yet it becomes extremely crowded on both weekend days and during evening hours. Visitors should plan to arrive at the Sky Garden as soon after opening time, which is weekdays at 10:00 AM and weekends at 11:00 AM to avoid crowded conditions.

You can enjoy the views at Sky Garden while avoiding crowds by going before sunset during late afternoons or right after the early morning opening hours. At night, the Sky Garden provides stunning views of the city skyline, but its bars and eating venues make it the most crowded time for visitors.

The Sky Garden site enables you to schedule your free entrance in advance, which guarantees admission but does not promise access when crowds are high.

Nearby Restaurants & Cafés

The surrounding area of Sky Garden provides various dining choices to cater to all tastes from coffee breaks to formal dining and everything in between.

From City Social restaurant (7-minute walk) guests can gaze at skyline views while enjoying modern British dishes as presented by Michelin’s evaluators. You can enjoy high-quality steak and classic side dishes at Hawksmoor Guildhall, which is an 8-minute walk from Sky Garden.

A short walk from the property leads to two food options: Blacklock City, which serves succulent chops alongside Sunday roasts, and the affordable sourdough pizza restaurant Franco Manca. You can satisfy your taste for Asian cuisine at Yauatcha City (10-minute walk), which serves dim sum or Koya City (7-minute walk), specializing in authentic Japanese udon noodles.

For coffee or snack services choose between The Watch House on Tower Street (5-minute walk) and Duddell’s London (8-minute walk) for their specialty coffee and pastries and Chinese teas with dim sum selection.

Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or something quick and tasty, there’s no shortage of great places to eat near the Sky Garden!

Hotels Near Sky Garden (For an Extended Stay)

If you’re planning to stay near Sky Garden, there are plenty of excellent hotels nearby, which range from luxury accommodations to budget-friendly options.

For a luxurious stay, The Ned (10-minute walk) is a stunning 5-star hotel housed in a historic former bank. This features elegant rooms, a rooftop pool, and multiple restaurants. Another top choice is Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square (7-minute walk). This offers world-class service, a lavish spa, and breathtaking views of the Tower of London.

If you’re looking for mid-range options, Apex City of London Hotel (6-minute walk) is a stylish and comfortable choice with modern amenities. Club Quarters Hotel, Gracechurch (4-minute walk) is another great option. It offers business-friendly stays at reasonable prices.

For budget-conscious travelers, Hub by Premier Inn London Tower Bridge (10-minute walk) provides compact yet comfortable rooms at an affordable rate. While Travelodge London Central Tower Bridge (12-minute walk) is ideal for those seeking a no-frills stay close to the city’s major attractions.

No matter your budget, staying near Sky Garden means you’ll be within walking distance of London’s top landmarks, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife!

Final Thoughts

Visiting the Sky Garden is an unforgettable experience which offers breathtaking views of London’s skyline in a lush, serene setting—all for free! But the adventure doesn’t have to stop there. With so many incredible attractions, historic landmarks, and hidden gems just a short walk away, you can easily turn your visit into a full-day exploration of London’s best sights.

Whether you’re strolling across Tower Bridge, indulging in delicious treats at Borough Market, or stepping back in time at the Tower of London, there’s something for every traveler near the Sky Garden. And if you’re planning to stay in the area, you’ll find fantastic hotels, from luxurious five-star stays to budget-friendly options.

So, plan your visit wisely, arrive early to beat the crowds, and make the most of your time in this incredible part of London. Happy exploring!

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