Budget Views of London
Discover stunning views of London’s skyline from a number of lesser known locations that offer FREE or cheap entry for those on a budget. Follow our money saving ideas for those looking to compliment views found at iconic attractions such as the London Eye or The Shard as well as those looking to discover an alternative perspective.
Follow our Guide To Cheap Tickets for London Eye packed with 2 for 1 vouchers, online promotions & tips to beat the queues!
One New Change; Free Roof Terrace
1. Free Views of London; One New Change
You can pick up fantastic views of St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard & London’s skyline for FREE from the roof terrace of the One New Change Shopping Centre. Take the glass lift up to the top of the viewing terrace & enjoy spectacular views out over St Paul’s Cathedral. You can simply enjoy the sights for FREE from the viewing terrace or partake in a cocktail from the rooftop bar , the choice is yours. We popped along to try out the roof terrace and I have to say the views are impressive but hard to resist a cocktail!
More information available at One New Change Roof Terrace Review.
Sky Garden & Millennium Bridge, (photo; Phil Loach)
2. The Sky Garden; 20 Fenchurch Street
The Sky Garden is located within London’s latest skyscraper and offers stunning views of London for FREE! Set within lush surrounding in the heart of the city, the Sky Garden is free to enter for those that plan in advance and offers some of the best views of London including the Tower of London, the River Thames, Canary Wharf & Tower Bridge. Sitting directly across from The Shard on the north bank of the Thames, this offers you a chance to pick up some of the best views of London for free. We’ve visited the Sky Garden & felt you’d be you’d be hard pressed to find a better view for free.
More information available over at the The Sky Garden; tried & tested.
The Monument
3. Climb the Monument
For a great view of London, why not take the 311 steps to the top of the Monument that was built to commemorate the 1666 Great Fire of London. With fantastic views from top over the River Thames & tickets very reasonable priced, it is well worth the climb. I’m a firm believer in working for your view so here’s a chance to enjoy a workout and be rewarded for your efforts!
Follow our Guide to the Monument – practical information & top tips.
4. Views of London from the Royal Observatory
Enjoy a trip to Greenwich to take in the views from the Royal Observatory that spans across the city of London taking in the River Thames, Canary Wharf & the O2 Arena. The steep walk up to the Royal Observatory is worth the effort as you’ll be rewarded with fantastic free views from this vantage point.
You can also avoid entry charges for Meridian Courtyard by following our tips to Straddle the Meridian Line for Free too!
View from Greenwich Royal Observatory
5. Budget London; Emirates Air Line Cable Cars
The Emirates Air Line, also known as the Thames cable car, runs between Greenwich & the London Docks and offers a bird’s eye view over the River Thames. Reaching a height of 90 metres, tickets for the cable cars are reasonably priced and offer you a view of the Queen Elizabeth Park, the City of London, the O2 Arena & the Cutty Sark.
More information available within our Guide to the Emirates Air Line.
6. Budget London; Parliament Hill
Here’s a FREE way to enjoy fantastic views of the London skyline plus fly a kite at the same time. The top of Parliament Hill stands 98 metres tall and offers excellent views of London that include St Paul’s Cathedral, Canary Wharf & the City of London. Located in the south east corner of Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill is also known as THE place to fly a kite as you can generally count on a good breeze. Bring along your own kite to join the fun or just site back and enjoy the view.
London On A Budget
If you are planning a few days to London but only have a limited budget, then follow our money saving guide. We’ve put together a range ideas to help you enjoy what London has to offer with just a sprinkle magic to keep the costs down. More information is available at Alternative London Attractions.
Parliament Hill
7. Budget London; Climb Big Ben for Free
Not currently available
Take a look behind the iconic clock face that is Big Ben with FREE tours that take place throughout the year, (restrictions apply). Each Big Ben tour will take you up the 334 spiral steps to the Clock Tower where you will hear Big Ben strike the hour. Tickets are extremely limited but for those that can be flexible on when they visit, this free ticket option offers something unusual.
8. Tate Modern Viewing Tower
Temporary closed
Visit the top floor of the NEW Switch House within the Tate Modern and enjoy budget views over London. Set on the bank of the River Thames next to Millennium Bridge, this viewing tower is ideally located to take in views over London with St Paul’s Cathedral & The Shard taking central stage. With 360-degree views over London, this open viewing terrace gives you an opportunity to appreciate London’s skyline before delving into works of art from within. Entry to the Tate Modern & Viewing Tower remains free of charge although there is a small suggested donation to help cover costs.