the high life: some of london’s best free + cheap views

your cross-city guide for my favourite rooftop and park views that won’t cost a fortune

admit it: summer is here, it’s official. it’s hitting at least 27 degrees most days, and it’s time to go be outside. so it’s time for the obligatory look at good places to see the sky out here! if you love london but hate paying just to catch a glimpse of blue, here’s a little guide to spots where you can drink in the city - literally and figuratively - without breaking the bank (no sushisamba for you). you will probably know about at least some of these already! but you might also have some sights to come even as a london veteran (or even just reinforcement that you are right in your opinions and preferences), so here they are! and you won’t even have to ask your friend with a soho house membership to get you in.

CENTRAL LONDON

tate modern top floor café

tate modern bankside, se1 9tg

the tate does have a viewing platform all of its own if you want to crane your neck (you can also see directly into the living rooms of the circular yellow building. they look super fancy so it is kind of fun to imagine life in there) - but when you’re done with all that and the wind chill is burning your ears, head into the café on the 10th floor for brilliant views over the thames and st paul’s. a coffee will only set you back what it does anywhere else in the city, really.

sky garden

120 fenchurch st, ec3m 5al

you have to book ahead, but it’s completely free, and honestly kind of surreal. sky garden is a lush jungle of weird tropical plants sits on top of a skyscraper, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the entire city like a postcard. it’s very weird to actually be INSIDE the walkie talkie, and it might give you a touch of vertigo because of the way the building veers outwards in directions a building is definitely not supposed to. the vibe can feel a bit airport lounge if it's busy, but there’s something fun about wandering around in a fancy glass dome pretending you’re in a sci-fi movie. sunrise slots are particularly special, and the terrace (open air) gives you a nice breeze. there’s a bar, but you’re not obliged to buy anything. sky garden often also do prebooked music nights, so you can guarantee yourself a seat for some jazz.

one new change rooftop

1 new change, ec4m 9af

free, easy to access, and hiding in plain sight just across from st paul’s. the rooftop terrace gives you a head-on view of the cathedral dome (as christopher wren intended!). you can also definitely glimpse the shard and surrounding skyline. there’s a lift inside the shopping centre (look for the rooftop terrace signs).

once you’re up, you’ll find a clean, open space that’s surprisingly calm given the location. best on a weekday lunch break - there’s no pressure to buy anything, but there’s a madison bar up there if you fancy making it a champagne moment. do not under any circumstances go to the ivy here. it is, ultimately, an ivy.

the garden at 120

120 fenchurch st, ec3m 5al

just a few doors down from sky garden, but without the faff. no booking, you will still have to scan your bags, but once you’re through it’s just a peaceful, well-kept rooftop garden (with a bar on the 14th floor if you need it). you’ll get sweeping views of the gherkin, walkie-talkie and shard, all framed by manicured planters. it’s definitely less dramatic than sky garden but more relaxing by far - and if you’re in it for the view, you’re in it for the view. bring a book or a snack and feel smug that you're somewhere this lovely, for free, on your lunch hour.

the post building

post building, museum st, wc1a 1pb

tucked away just behind oxford street, this one feels like a glitch in the matrix. it’s a proper rooftop garden in the heart of central, with barely anyone up there. the building itself looks like the kind of place you'd need a pass to get into, but nope: it's open to the public, you just walk in like you know what you’re doing (but you’ll need id). head to the lift, hit the roof, and you’ll find a sleek, landscaped terrace with wooden benches, grasses swaying in the breeze, and a quiet little skyline moment above all the chaos. great for clearing your head or feeling fancy on your lunch break.

NORTH LONDON

alexandra palace

alexandra palace way, n22 7ay

most people only seem to remember ally pally exists around new years, which makes the rest of the year a pretty good chance of a chill picnic, because it’s far enough out of central for it. you get a great panoramic view over north london, and usually fewer tourists than you'd expect, which is great for a lazy afternoon.

if you fancy a meal up there, the terrace at the phoenix bar and kitchen has okay pizza (£17) and nicer paninis (£9), so if you forgot to sort yourself any lunch you can grab something there and be fully sanctioned to sit out in the garden all day. it is known to be one of the largest beer gardens in the uk at 1500m square, so you’re in good hands - just don’t get sunstroke.

parliament hill

heath lodge, nw5 1qr

an oldie but a goodie! classic but always underrated, which is only saying that it’s really great, not that it’s at all a secret or not crowded. head up here for a sweeping panorama of the city skyline framed by trees and rolling hills. perfect for sunsets and picnics, and on a saturday afternoon you just might catch that guy with the rainbow macaw flying around (source: he actually has three parrots and apparently takes them for walks every afternoon!)

primrose hill

primrose hill road, nw3 3na

if this didn’t make the list it wouldn’t be a list of london views, would it? primrose hill is a classic, and for good reason. it’s a gently sloping green just above regent’s park, which isn’t too steep a climb (probably takes about 5-6 minutes to get up to the top). once you’re up there you’ll be rewarded with a cinematic view over central london: the eye-line lands right on the shard, the london eye, and st paul’s, all in one sweep. you’ll also hear the gentle thump thump of people’s bluetooth speakers blasting, because it gets busy literally at the first opportunity - but it still maintains its charm in spite of that.

golders hill park

n end way, nw3 7he

on the quieter side of the heath, golders hill park feels like someone handed a secret garden a municipal budget: manicured but not sterile, peaceful but still not boring. there’s a duck pond and a bandstand to take shelter under in the rain. on warm afternoons, you’ll spot the occasional peacock strutting.

follow the path up past the cafe and the animal enclosures (yes, there are animals: deer, lemurs, a manul cat, some extremely chilled-out birds), and you’ll find a small hill that opens up to a view of the west london skyline. it’s not dramatic like parliament hill, but on clear days, you can see wembley arch stretching out in the distance. my friend kate also says there’s a banging whisky ice cream to be found nearby.

sunny hill park

sunningfields crescent, nw4 4sd

sunny hill is probably the least touristy park with a view in north london. perched on a rise in hendon, you’ll catch big open skies and long views north and west. perfect if you’re local and want a peaceful sunset spot without the crowds (and their better swim is also very nice, so make a day of it).

crouch end hill

crouch end hill, n8 8dt

crouch end hill is really and truly just a road. but dang if it isn’t also kind of a reward for walking up a big hill. teeter towards the broadway and you’ll hit a point where the city suddenly unfolds below you. on a clear sunny day, you’ll see right across to the city and canary wharf. it can sneak up on you in the middle of an errand if you let it - just a perfect vista built into your route (especially if your route involves getting a sandwich at max’s).

terrazza hampstead

240 haverstock hill, nw3 2ae

terrazza is a recent opener, and it’s a new rooftop bar within a stone’s throw of hampstead! i’m vetting it with book club literally this evening so i have really high hopes. they currently don’t charge for table reservations and mains are £11-22, so not horribly unreasonable. you can get a pint of peroni for £6. you tell me if that’s good, i legit don’t know because even when i used to drink, drinking beer was always the patented sip and wince. it is under £12 for a cocktail, which i do know is not bad for this city, especially when you get that view!

SOUTH LONDON

severndroog castle

severndroog castle, castlewood drive, shooters hill, se18 3rt

this one’s not free - but at just £5 for adult entry it’s still firmly affordable. perched on one of london’s highest natural points, this gothic little tower has a 360 degree viewing platform at the top that gives you a stunning sweep across the city. on a clear day, they say you can see as far as windsor (especially with the binoculars they give you)! the building itself dates back to the 18th century and is packed with history and you can easily spend 40 minutes in there - but the real draw is obviously the view. it’s usually open on sunday daytimes, but slots do vary so definitely check the website before you go. there's also a small tearoom downstairs if you fancy a snack after the 86-step climb.

greenwich park (observatory corner)

greenwich park, se10 8xj

yes, everyone flocks to the royal observatory hill for the big view, which is fair enough. but if you curve round behind it, just past the centre, you’ll find a quieter stretch of lawn with the exact same panorama. the city skyline rises like a pop-up book, and there are fewer photo-happy crowds, a bit more space to sit and daydream and eat crisps in peace. ideal for early evening, when the light is soft and the air smells like cut grass.

brockwell park hill

brockwell park, se24 0pa

probably the most beloved south london park, and for good reason. the hill near the lido (the lido is also stunning, as an aside) gives you a broad view of central london - shard, walkie talkie, all the usual suspects. think off-lead dogs, families on picnic blankets, teens with speakers, and someone doing yoga in a questionable location. the energy is always good, and it somehow never feels too full. you’ll see why people come here to fall in love with the city again. bring something fizzy and stay til sunset.

horniman gardens

100 london road, se23 3pq

part museum (please visit the walrus if you haven’t), part botanical garden, part viewing point - and all of it free. climb up past the conservatory and you’ll hit the viewing terrace: a peaceful, leafy platform, big benches and long views across the london basin. on a clear day, you can spot the wembley archway off in the distance.

blythe hill fields

blythe hill lane, se23 1dp

blythe hill is such an underdog. it’s smaller than brockwell and much quieter than greenwich - especially if you time it right. get up to the top ridge just before sunset and you’ll find yourself staring down the whole skyline, from the london eye to canary wharf. it gets breezy up there (bring a coat, even in summer), but it’s honestly worth it just for the peace. it’s a really wide and open view, so foliage doesn’t really block the way like it does at one tree hill. speaking of which…

one tree hill

honor oak park, se23 3ra

don’t be fooled by the name. there’s definitely more than one tree. tucked between brockley and forest hill, this wooded little hilltop feels very ‘secret forest’ to me. climb the winding path up through the trees and you’ll hit a viewpoint with a near-perfect shot of the london skyline, framed by leaves and branches. you’re more likely to hear birds than traffic - feels like a proper nature walk. a great place to eat a big sandwich.

nunhead reservoir

grenville road, se15 3jn

technically a thames water site, so it’s not officially a viewpoint, but locals have been doing laps of the outer path for years. from the right spot on the perimeter, the city unfurls below you: a low horizon line with the shard poking up like an exclamation mark. it’s quiet, but perfect if you want a moment alone with the skyline. ideal for a slow solo walk.

bussey building rooftop

133 rye lane, se15 4st

still the south’s reigning rooftop, and for good reason. perched above the old industrial warehouse that now hosts everything from yoga to club nights, the bussey rooftop is all about atmosphere. they’ve got string lights, painted furniture, djs on rotation, and an unbeatable view over the south london sprawl with the city skyline glittering in the distance. it’s casual but buzzing, with cold beers, decent cocktails, and pizza or snacks for under £15.

EAST LONDON

queen of hoxton

1 curtain road, ec2a 3jx

a longtime staple of the east london rooftop scene, and still going strong. the queen of hoxton rooftop changes theme seasonally (they have tents in winter!) and always draws a crowd. drinks are still pretty reasonable if you’re smart with the menu, and there’s usually a decent happy hour if you catch it early (5pm for £5 drinks).

vibey and creative; on non-thurs/fri weeknights the crowd’s a little chiller. weekends are very full-on, but that can be part of the fun (just kidding, that’s a fucking nightmare).

crossrail place roof garden

crossrail place, e14 5ar

tucked between the towers of canary wharf is a half rainforest, half spaceship rooftop garden. it’s totally free to visit and sits atop the crossrail place development, just above the elizabeth line station, and it’s open daily until late (good luck finding it though - you’re best trying to find the big easy and going from there).

lush planting, wooden walkways, and a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere make it ideal for a breather, but also kind of a weird city worker vibe. it really comes into its own during pop-up events, where they have film screenings, open-air gigs, bar takeovers and more.

netil360

1 westgate st, e8 3rl

a rooftop bar near london fields with astroturf, fairy lights, and panoramic views across east london. just rock up, grab a spot, and soak it in. the menu’s solid too: they do stone-baked neapolitan pizzas (under £15!) with that soft, blistered crust (the truffle mushroom is a winner). drinks hover around £5–12 depending on your poison, which is a little bit eek, but you’re paying for ambience.

WEST LONDON

richmond park

roehampton gate, sw15 5jr

come into richmond park via roehampton gate and as you follow the path into the park, there’s a moment just before you hit the open grasslands where the trees part. the sky opens up, and suddenly it feels like you’ve wandered into the countryside by accident. deer graze in the distance, the air smells like moss and bark, and it’s genuinely hard to believe you’re still in zone 4. if you venture further into the park, you’ll eventually hit king henry’s mound, home to one of london’s officially protected strategic views. you’ll spot st paul’s cathedral perfectly framed on the horizon, thanks to a clearing and a specially designed set of gates called the way.

serpentine bar & kitchen terrace

serpentine bar & kitchen, hyde park, w2 2uh

but a lovely lakeside terrace with one of the best relaxed views in central london - it overlooks the serpentine lake and offers wide outdoor seating. think brunch, iced drinks, ice cream in summer, and maybe a swan cruising past your table.

it’s open daily from early morning till early evening; the terrace remains open through summer and lunch hours. no magical high-altitude skyline, but it's perfect for a chill break. stroll in for a coffee or glass of something, and soak in the greenery and calm water views without the hustle. get a swan pedalo after for good measure.

gladstone park hill

gilbert gardens / gladstone park, nw10 9uu

gladstone park is a huge rolling park with a sneaky ridgeline that opens up views you’d never expect this deep in zone 3. head up toward the old footbridge to get sightlines across to wembley, the gherkin, and on a good day even the shard, framed by birch trees and long grass. perfect for a windy autumn afternoon wandering with a flask and some headphones.

so there you have it - whether you’re hunting sunsets or craving the skyline, london’s full of tucked-away viewpoints (i’m sure people have literally a million more up their sleeves, feel free to share!). go forth, get up high, and make the most of the good weather while it lasts.

if you happen to be reading this because you’re thinking of cute places to propose in the city (original much?) you might be interested in this article about getting married in the city!