Views from Shard Visit Guide and Tips 2021
A relatively new addition to the London skyline, The Shard is nevertheless one among the foremost popular buildings in London. Opened in 2012, it stands at 309 metres tall, boasts 95 storeys, and is that the tallest structure in both the united kingdom and Western Europe. Easily the most important draw is that the View from The Views from Shard, the viewing platform and sky-high bar which has been welcoming visitors since 2013.
Your trip starts with the obligatory diversion through security, then to interactive screens telling the history of London and therefore the Shard, before you reach the lifts. A high-speed journey to the 68th floor includes graphics to form it seem as if you’re ascending through the roofs of London landmarks, including St Paul’s and therefore the British Museum. Once up within the sky, you'll inspect the merch at The Sky Boutique (London’s highest shop), or ascend to Level 69, where you’ll find the most observation deck, including the sole 360-degree view in London. Up here, you'll admire the views, learn more by using one among the interactive telescopes, or just prop the in-house bar with a cocktail in hand.
For the very best possible views, head to Level 72. the very best spot of The Shard that’s hospitable the general public , this observation deck partially outdoors (and thus a tad windy), but quieter than the more commercialised lower levels. From your perch above the town , sights including Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Wembley Stadium can all be glimpsed. you'll even watch the town from the bathrooms, supplying you with panoramic vistas from the porcelain throne – luckily, there are automatic blinds you'll shut if you fancy some privacy.
Things to ascertain at the View from The Shard
In a word, everything. The name gives it away; you’re here for the views, and on clear days, you'll see up to 40 miles away. Handily, there’s an honest weather guarantee – if you can’t spot a minimum of three of the London Eye, St Paul’s, the Walkie Talkie, Tower Bridge, and One Canada Square (that pointy Canary Wharf building) on your visit, they’ll allow you to return for free of charge within three months. Isn’t that nice of them?
Look north, and you’ll have the Tower of London, the Walkie Talkie, and therefore the Gherkin in your eyeline. Eastwards, sights to identify include Canary Wharf, the O2, and Tower Bridge. To the south, the landmarks are a touch more scarce, but you’ll catch sight of Battersea power plant and therefore the Oval cricket ground here. Over within the west, you’ve got the heavy hitters: the London Eye, Big Ben, the homes of Parliament, Hyde Park, and Buckingham Palace .
Much like a visit to the Eiffel Tower or New York Building, another thing you tend to ascertain at the View from The Shard are proposals. Maybe it’s the gorgeous views, maybe it’s the shortage of oxygen, but there’s no shortage of men and gals popping the question over here . brooding about proposing to your SO? The View from The Shard offers secluded 30-minute hires of the space exclusively for proposals, which is many time to figure up the courage, splutter out a speech, find the ring, cry some happy tears, and obtain during a few pictures and phone calls. Sorted.
When to go to the View from The Shard
There’s no bad time to go to the View from The Shard, really. If you go during the day, you’ll have the simplest chance of seeing all the London landmarks, and it tends to be a tad quieter than the sunset sessions. Having said that, watching the sun go down from the 72nd floor may be a sight you don’t get fairly often , so if it takes your fancy, then choose it. Meanwhile, a nighttime visit offers the chance to ascertain the twinkling lights of London spread before you. At Christmastime, the highest twenty storeys are illuminated during a festive display, so December is additionally a well-liked month for an excursion.
f you’re looking to show your visit into even more of a special day , why not attend one among their regular Moët & Chandon Champagne Parties? You’re invited to don your glad rags, ascend to the heavens, and obtain increasing merry on a gentle supply of champagne. It starts with a glass of Moët Brut Impérial Rose, then goes… wherever you’d love it to travel , I guess! contribute a DJ spinning out house, dance and old school party tunes, and your View from The Shard visit just got even more memorable.
View from The Shard visitor information
If we’ve convinced you to go to , here’s all the visitor details you’ll need for the View from The Shard. 👇
COVID-19 safety information: the View from The Shard has earned a “We’re Good To Go” badge from Visit England, showing that they’re following all necessary precautions to welcome visitors. Face coverings are mandatory in the least times, except when at the bar, or on the Skydeck on Level 72. Reduced capacity and social distancing measures also are in situ , as are enhanced cleaning regimes and hand sanitiser points, cash payments are forbidden, and you’ll have a 15-minute window during which to arrive for your wander. Advance booking is now essential.
Location: the View from The Shard entrance is on Joiner Street, London Bridge, SE1 9QU. See it on Google Maps.
Nearest station: London Bridge – get there via the Northern and Jubilee lines, or by National Rail.
Price: tickets start from £19.95 for youngsters , and £24.95 for adults, and you'll book them here. You’re advised to book beforehand , and entry is timed in 30 minute blocks. Concessions are available for those with disabilities and their carers, and you'll also buy discounted group tickets and various experience packages from their website. There’s also a Shard View Annual Pass, offering unlimited visits across the year for £39.50 (and thus very fashionable with the Instagram crowd), but it’s offered very rarely – usually through their newsletter early within the year.
Opening times: 10am-8pm (Sunday to Wednesday), 10am-10pm (Thursday to Saturday). Opening times may very counting on any special events which will be happening .