When the Walkie-Talkie building went up, it was an OMG moment of 'not another one'. So many were beginning to spring up in the square mile, and over 30 new skyscrapers were given the green light at the turn of 2000. Everywhere you look, construction work is happening in and around the City.
The Walkie-Talkie, officially known as 20 Fenchurch Street, was just one of those newcomers. You can't miss the walkie-talkie; it's so distinctive with its curvaceous face.
Once construction started, I heard they put a garden high above the sky. Seriously, garden up in the sky? Indeed, plants on that scale didn't belong up in the sky, did they?
It was a clever idea to add the garden at the top of the building. The designers chose a variety of drought-resistant Mediterranean and South African species. Individual plants were selected to work in harmony with the space – flourishing all year round in full colour.
The Sky Garden
Opened in January 2015, this beautifully landscaped garden offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city skyline from one of London's highest points. Covering an area of 45,000 square feet, the Sky Garden features a stylish restaurant, brasserie, and cocktail bar, in addition to the lush, landscaped gardens designed to create an open and vibrant place of leisure.
Visitors can wander through the exquisitely maintained plant life that includes a variety of ferns, shrubs, and flowering plants, creating a rich, biodiverse environment for guests to explore.
One of the highlights of the Sky Garden is its panoramic viewing platforms that offer visitors unobstructed views of London's most famous landmarks, including the River Thames, Tower Bridge, the Shard, and the Tower of London. Its open-air terrace provides a unique city perspective and is a favourite spot for photography enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Greenification Up In The Air?
Friends who visited said good things about it, so it was natural to book my ticket finally. Booking online was easy, and I went during the week/off-peak, which proved a good idea.
Weekends, on the other hand, are usually booked weeks in advance. Your trip is only meant to be for 1.5 hours, and I'm not sure how they will police this, but there must be a way of shooing people out at some stage. If you're there for hours on end, they'll know. In all honesty, 2 hours max, and you want to leave.
The Sky Garden is a 'public garden', which means members of the public are entitled to visit. You must book a ticket in advance and can't just turn up as you would elsewhere. Understandably, you do have to go through airport-style security, so be prepared to wait patiently, especially if you choose to visit on a busy day.
Is it worth the hype? Yes, it was strange to see trees and plants planted along a slope, but it worked beautifully, plus it broke up the harshness of the building. The extra oxygen from the numerous plants was a bonus, which helps at a higher altitude, oh ok, 35 floors 😆.
Great Views
The first thing you see is the Shard, right in front, and as you walk around, you notice all the sights, including the famous ones. Tower Bridge, Tower of London, HMS Belfast, Monument, All the bridges and even Wembley Stadium.
It is a one-way in and one-way out policy to manage the numbers and allow the new visitors to enjoy the view. Walk to the other side and see more of the old City. Would I go again? Oh yeah. I've been twice already.
Tips
❇️Get there early so you can see the views without too many people.
❇️After you finish your visit, walk around the area. Hundreds of years worth of history is still visible in the hood.
❇️Be patient as you go through security. The staff are doing their best to keep everyone safe.
❇️Don't miss the old worldly Fenchchurch Street
Parting Thoughts
Who'd have thought a garden high up in the sky could attract thousands of visitors daily? Regardless of the day and time you go, I've been busy a few times. I recommend going early in the morning because it has a different vibe.
I've also tried booking free tickets again but was informed that nothing is available. If you do manage to book tickets, wear comfortable shoes as you make your way around the garden. For more information click on https://skygarden.london
Thank you for your attention
Tabby
About the Creator
Tabby London
The London I've been discovering is usually off the well-beaten track.I love the nooks and crannies and walking along the streets steeped in centuries worth of history. I'm fond of Zone 1 because that's where it all began centuries ago.
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