How to Visit Sky Garden London for Free and What to Expect
Published April 17, 2026
Sitting high above the city, the Sky Garden offers one of the best free experiences in London. With complimentary admission available through advance reservations (and a limited number of same-day Sky Garden tickets for those feeling lucky), this indoor garden provides visitors with panoramic views of iconic landmarks like The Shard and Tower Bridge. Inside, you will find a relaxed atmosphere complete with a coffee bar, comfortable seating, and greenery all around, making it the perfect spot to unwind. You can step out onto the outdoor terrace for even more breathtaking views or simply settle in with a drink and snack and enjoy meaningful conversations while taking in the beauty of the area. This was a fun and relaxing spot for us to visit on our London trip, and I recommend you add this to your places to visit in London list.
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Sky Garden London Hours
The Public Garden area is open:
Monday – Friday: 10am – 6pm
Saturday – Sunday & Bank Holidays: 11am – 9pm
Sky Garden bar is open:
Sunday to Thursday: 8am – 12am
Friday & Saturday: 8am-1am
Sky Garden Address
Sky Garden, 1 Sky Garden Walk, London
Check out this perfect London itinerary The Perfect Budget Friendly 5-Day Self-Guided Tour of London, England
Need to Know about Visiting Sky Garden
All reservations are for one hour although no one was there checking our tickets and I think we stayed longer than an hour
Children under 16 cannot enter Sky Garden after 6pm weekdays and 9pm weekends
The City Garden and Sky Pod Bar are naturally ventilated, so the temperature is similar to the outside temps. Restaurants are temperature controlled.
No pets are allowed except service dogs
Early morning walk-ins are accepted for a minimal fee. Nightly walk-ins are available with proper ID.
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What is Inside the Sky Garden London
Inside the Sky Garden you will find two restaurants, two bars, a ground level restaurant, gift shop and cafe. Grab a ticket online to access the Sky Garden for a cozy meal or coffee, or why not both, and then sit a while and enjoy the view of the surrounding area.
You can also enjoy the open-aired outdoor terrace where you can get panoramic views of the city. The outdoor terrace does not open until 10am to 6pm on weekdays and 11am to 6pm on weekends.
I really enjoyed sitting at Sky Garden with my daughter as I enjoy the quiet moments, we have together as we quietly chat about our travels or our lives. What makes it even better is that this is one of the free things you can do in London.
How to get Free Tickets to Sky Garden London
To get access to Sky Garden you need to purchase free Sky Garden tickets online 3 weeks in advance. Click here to purchase Sky Garden Tickets. Without tickets, you cannot access the Sky Garden unless you try to walk-in during certain times. Upon entrance you will walk through airport style security.
If by chance you did not purchase free Sky Garden tickets in time, you still have two options at the time of this writing to enter the Sky Garden. You can wait outside the doors and if they have openings, they will do an all-call for anyone waiting without a ticket. This is random and you have a low chance of this happening. The second choice, which is what we did, is to get there 30 minutes before they open and walk-in, but this option is not free. They will charge you £11.50 per person which includes a free hot coffee or tea.
Best Time to Visit Sky Garden
Later in the day to catch sunset views
Early mornings for less crowds
Weekends tend to be busier especially during the summer months
Sky Garden Gift Shop and Cafe
Right inside the entrance you will find the Sky Garden Gift Shop and Cafe. Here you can find gardening items and Sky Garden souvenirs. Grab a drink or pastry at the cafe before heading up to the Sky Garden.
Sky Garden Gift Shop and Cafe Hours
Monday to Friday: 7:30am - 6pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11am - 6pm
Photo courtesy of Skygarden.london
Sky Garden Bars
The Sky Garden Bar is located on the same level as the outdoor terrace. Here you will find a selection of coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, cocktails, wine and more. You can place your order and then find a seat located throughout the area. There is plenty of seating with both tables and couches to sit and stay a while.
Sky Garden Views of London
Step out onto the open-air outdoor terrace at Sky Garden where you will view London’s city below. Through the glass you will see The Shard which rises above the skyline, Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral where you can take some stunning photos of those iconic London attractions. Stay here a while soaking in the views, taking pictures, and just enjoying a quiet moment high above this historic city.
Where to Eat at Sky Garden
Not only do you get to experience the views from Sky Garden, but you also get to taste some popular restaurants located within Sky Garden. Booking a table at the restaurants gives you free access to Sky Garden and a separate reservation is not needed. Children are allowed at the restaurants but are not able to visit the gardens or bar after 6pm weekdays or 9pm weekends.
Fenchurch - here you will find British ingredients with flavors of the Caribbean that you can enjoy while drinking from their large wine or cocktail menu.
Larch - here you will find classic Italian dishes with delicious flavors.
Darwin Brasserie - a rooftop Brasserie on level 36 that overlooks the Thames River offers breakfast through dinner options.
Check out this detailed list of Best Places to eat in London Eat Like a Local: Best Places to Eat in London for Every Budget
Fun Facts about Sky Garden
Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden
Locals call it the walkie Talkie building due to its unique curved shape
Sky Garden is free to visit as long as you reserve tickets in advance
A beautiful location for sunsets
The garden features Mediterranean and South African plants because they can thrive in the buildings climate-controlled environment
Weekly Events at Sky Garden
Sky Garden hosts several events weekly. Check out their website for more details and times. You can book each of these events online in their What’s-on Sky Garden section.
Yoga - bring your own mat, this event is Saturday and Sunday at 8am
Whispering Angel Terrace Experience - share a menu and the season’s rosé on the rooftop terrace. Event is £55 per person.
Sunrise at Sky Garden - grab a coffee and a friend and watch the sunrise over Thames River for a small fee.
Music Nights at Sky Garden - enjoy live music nights where you can eat, drink, and dance the night away. This event is free on Monday and Tuesdays if you arrive between the hours of 18:30 – 21:45. Outside of those hours will require a minimal fee.
Is Visiting the Sky Garden Worth It?
Yes, I would say the Sky Garden is worth visiting especially if you can get free tickets. This is one of the iconic stops in London and the views from the outdoor terrace are worth seeing. Sitting high above the Thames River makes the time spent here magical. Although the thick glass makes the photos limited, the views are what would keep me coming back. (I believe no selfie-sticks were allowed on the sun terrace) Sit and sip your hot tea or coffee, grab a light snack or stop at one of the restaurants, and stay a while enjoying the quiet or spend time visiting with family and friends. This spot deserves to be on your itinerary when visiting London
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Sitting high above London, Sky Garden offers a unique and budget-friendly view of the city. Find lush gardens to open-air terrace overlooking the River Thames with panoramic sights of iconic landmarks like The Shard ad Tower Bridge.