Top 10 London Views

1. St.James' Park

It's a cliche, but the views from the bridge in St.James' Park are beautiful. At one end is Buckingham Palace, looking much better than it does from close up in my opinion, and in the other direction is Horseguards' Parade with the roof of the National Liberal Club in the background and the London Eye.

 

2. The London Eye

The view from the London Eye at sunset on a bright December late afternoon. The best of our buildings are illuminated and the boring ones you just can't see in the dark. And a red sun setting behind Big Ben is breathtaking. If you can't afford and haven't got time for the Eye, catch the sunset on the westernmost Jubilee pedestrian bridge between Embankment and the South Bank.

 

3. The Isle of Dogs

The view across to Greenwich from the Isle of Dogs. The symmetry of the buildings is not something you often see in unplanned London.

 

If you watch the orange ball on top of the Royal Observatory at 12.55pm you will see it rise in order to fall at 1pm, in order for sailors to be able to set their timepieces. Just take in the fact, as well, that you are looking at 0 degrees longditude, the meridian from which the rest of the World measures its position.

 

4. Greenwich Park

The view from the top of the hill in Greenwich Park looking towards Chary Wharf, the O2 and Docklands.

 

Link to the 02 areana >

 

5. St.Paul's cathedral

The view from the Golden Gallery or the Stone Gallery of the dome of St.Paul's cathedral. For one thing, you'll be so relieved you've made it up the stairs! (just think how good it is for you!) It's from here that you see London from it's absolute heart.

 

There has been a St.Paul's Cathedral on this site since 604, when London was just the square mile surrounding the church.

 

6. Millenium Bridge

The view from the Millenium Bridge. Beautiful views of St.Paul's at one end and then Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre. The best view, though is of the River Thames itself.

 

7. Kenwood House

The view from just to the east of Kenwood House looking over Hampstead Heath to London.

 

Also Kenwood House itself is beautiful; you'll know it if you've seen the film 'Notting Hill'.

 

8. Regents' Canal

The view from the narrowboat on the Regents' Canal between Camden Town and Little Venice.

 

Travel with the London Waterbus Company and you can get a ticket that includes entry to London Zoo.

 

The London Waterbus Company >

 

9. Richmond Bridge

The view from Richmond Bridge looking east towards Richmond Hill and Richmond Park.

 

The weather and season means that the view always varies but a cold clear winter's morning with the mist on the river is stunning. The view from Richmond Hill looking south is also breathtaking.

 

10. The Number 15 Double Decker Bus

The view from the front seat at the top of a number 15 Double Decker bus, preferably an old Routemaster.

 

London Travel >