Top Viewpoints in London

For all its energy, creativity and culture, London captured through the best vistas is really a sight to behold...

By Simon Brett | Updated Mar 27 2024

A cityscape under a cloudy sky, with numerous buildings, including a few tall skyscrapers, spread across the horizon. The foreground features lush green trees, blending into the urban environment. The overall scene has a moody, overcast ambiance. — Image credit: Brett Jordan

They say it’s only when you look from above where you can experience great things. This couldn’t be more true of our great Capital. For all its energy, creativity and culture, London captured through the best vistas and panoramic spots is really a sight to behold.

Here’s a guide on the best places to view London from above:

Parliament Hill summit

A person wearing a white beanie sits on a bench overlooking a cityscape with numerous tall buildings. The foreground features patches of snow and sparse vegetation, while the background shows a hazy sky above the urban skyline. — Image © Instagram via @seizetheheath

Parliament Hill Hampstead Heath London NW5 1QR

Possibly North London’s finest viewpoint. Nestled between Highgate, Parliament Hill and Hampstead Heath lies the Parliament Hill summit. The history of this spot, though contested, had a favourable story of it being where Guy Fawkes and gang gathered to (attempt to) watch the houses of parliament blow up and though the deed never followed through, the name aptly remained.

On a clear day, you can see London’s finest landmarks including St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard and the London Eye. It’s a truly stunning location and if you walk up on a sunny Sunday afternoon, you’ll be accompanied by dogs of all types, doesn’t get any better than that!

Telegraph Hill

A person with curly hair and a dark hat takes a photo of a sunset over a city skyline. The sky is a gradient of orange and blue as the sun sets on the left. Leafless trees and rooftops fill the foreground, while tall buildings are seen in the distant background. — Image © Instagram via @nat9o

Kitto Rd, London SE14 5TN, United Kingdom

Probably the closest big hill to Central London. Telegraph Hill Park is small in comparison to its North London neighbour but it’s still an aesthetic location to feast your eyes on the grandeur of the city. The park usually brings in a young cultured audience and the views stretch all the way to Wembley Stadium. A South London hidden gem for sure.

Alexandra Palace

A vast cityscape featuring a mix of residential and commercial buildings, with a distant view of a modern skyline. In the foreground, a classic street lamp and traffic lights are visible. The sky is partly cloudy, adding a serene backdrop to the urban landscape. — Image © Instagram via @leunam_zcibab

Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY, UK

‘The People’s Palace’ is a multi-functional cultural venue in Alexandra Park, North London. Situated on top of a hill, it offers the best panoramic views of London. Again, the palace is well worth a visit of a lazy afternoon. With music events, an ice rink and even a pitch and putt course, this place is a great space for families and a unique selling point to living within walking distance.

Sky Garden

View of a city skyline through large curved windows with vertical bars. The foreground features lush green plants in an indoor garden, contrasting with the distant buildings and cloudy sky. The scene is illuminated with soft, natural light during sunset. — Image © Facebook via @SkyGardenLondon

1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF, UK

London's Sky Garden offers a botanical oasis amidst the urban sprawl, providing a lush escape where concrete meets greenery. Picture yourself sipping a cocktail while soaking in 360-degree views of the city's iconic skyline, surrounded by exquisitely landscaped gardens that are as vibrant as the city below. Designed by the renowned landscape architecture firm Gillespies, this verdant haven boasts a medley of Mediterranean and South African flora, ensuring a burst of color and fragrance year-round. From the striking African Lily to the fiery Red Hot Poker, every plant is meticulously chosen to complement the space, creating a harmonious blend of nature and architecture.

One Tree Hill

A cityscape of London featuring the river Thames. The Shard, a tall glass skyscraper, stands prominently on the right. St. Paul's Cathedral, with its distinctive dome, is visible on the left. The foreground includes leafy green branches and trees. — London x London

Lovers Walk, London SE10 1AY

Between Forest Hill and Brockley, One Tree Hill offers a view so breathtaking it might just outshine a certain glossy teen drama. Fun fact: you're perched atop Europe's largest underground reservoir, with remnants of a WWI anti-aircraft gun emplacement nearby, adding a dash of historical intrigue to the panoramic vista. This spot was the preferred haunt of 18th and 19th-century visitors, and it's not hard to see why. As you soak it all in, it feels like stumbling upon a real-life trompe l’oeil, where every skyscraper and landmark is meticulously framed by nature's brushstrokes. From theShard to the majestic St. Paul's Cathedral, One Tree Hill serves up London's skyline with a side of charm, making it a top contender for the city's best viewpoint.

King Henry's Mound

A panoramic view of a vast, tree-covered landscape. In the foreground, there is a large grassy field surrounded by dense woods. Suburban houses and buildings are scattered among the trees, extending towards the horizon under a clear, lightly clouded sky. — Historic England

Queen's Rd, Richmond TW10 5HX

King Henry's Mound, a relic with more history than your average Tudor drama. Originally a Bronze Age burial chamber, this spot has seen its fair share of action, serving as a lookout for hunting and falconry enthusiasts, with even King Henry VII himself allegedly striking a pose here. Today, it's not just deer that roam these grounds but also panoramic views that stretch from the tranquil Thames Valley to the majestic silhouette of St. Paul's Cathedral in the east. Legend has it that Henry VIII anxiously scanned the horizon from this very spot, awaiting news of Anne Boleyn's fate, though the historical accuracy might be as dubious as Tudor court politics.

The London Eye

Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB

An obvious choice, but nonetheless, spectacular. The London Eye is the OG when it comes to views of the city. Perched at a vertigo-inducing 135 meters, this colossal cantilevered observation wheel offers a panorama that's worth every penny of its popularity. Pro-tip: stake your claim near a window pronto to avoid jostling for views with fellow pod-dwellers. Designed by the ingenious minds at Marks Barfield Architects and launched into the London skyline in 2000, the Eye has racked up more awards than a seasoned actor, cementing its status as the UK's ultimate paid-for visitor magnet. As it celebrated its 20th birthday in 2020, the Eye remains as eye-conic as ever, inviting you to delve into its captivating story at the Ticket Hall exhibit for a peek behind the scenes.

Tower Bridge

A long, enclosed walkway with a glass floor allowing views of the street below. The walkway is framed with metal and glass structures on both sides, and wooden flooring surrounds the glass panels. Visitors in the walkway can observe cars and pedestrians below. — Tower Bridge Official Website

Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, UK

Sure, you may have admired this majestic structure from the riverside, but have you truly conquered it from the top? Step into the shoes of the unsung heroes who've kept this iconic landmark ticking, as you uncover their tales amidst the Victorian splendor of the Engine Rooms, a hidden gem tucked away within the bridge's bowels. Whether you choose to splurge a few quid or sweet-talk your MP for a freebie, the experience of standing atop Tower Bridge is worth every penny, especially when you factor in the chance to delve into London's rich heritage at the Tower exhibition. Tickets start from £12.30 with children under 5 entering for free.

IFS Cloud Cable Car

Two purple cable car gondolas suspended on a cable against a clear blue sky. The left gondola, labeled with the number 15, displays Take two in the cloud, and the right gondola, labeled with the number 20, displays Innovate in the cloud. — tfl.gov.uk

27 Western Gateway, London E16 1FA

Float above the Thames in style aboard the IFS Cloud Cable Car (formerly Emirates Air Line Cable Car), offering a sky-high adventure from Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks. It's not just a mode of transport; it's a ticket to unparalleled views of London's iconic skyline. Sure, it'll cost you a few quid, but with prices as cheap as chips for Oyster cardholders, it's practically a steal compared to other wallet-busting attractions. So, swipe your Oyster card, settle into your seat, and enjoy a leisurely 20-minute journey through the clouds. Ofr more information, click here.

Up At The O2

A group of people, equipped with safety harnesses, are climbing a sloped structure outdoors. They are attached to a safety line and appear to be enjoying the activity. The background shows the structure's cables and some architectural elements. — aegeurope.com

Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX

Strap on your climbing gear, channel your inner explorer, and ascend to dizzying heights over the world-famous roof of The O2. With your trusty climb guide by your side, prepare to soak in jaw-dropping panoramic views of historic Greenwich, the sprawling Olympic Park, and the glitzy skyline of Canary Wharf. Whether you're a thrill-seeker seeking an outdoor challenge or simply looking to marvel at London from a whole new perspective, Up At The O2 promises an experience that's as exhilarating as it is unforgettable. And hey, if you're feeling particularly adventurous, why not join in on one of the special events, from yoga sessions to guest talks, adding an extra layer of excitement to your sky-high escapade.