London is full of incredible viewpoints from sky-high observations decks and iconic landmarks to jaw-droppingly high activities. Our whole family has enjoyed some of these amazing panoramic views together and in this post I will share the best family-friendly viewpoints in London – some of which are completely free of charge! These places are often interactive and great for taking photos, many serve amazing food! If you’re looking for the best places to see London from above with children then you’re in the right place.
Viewing Platforms
The Shard – Let’s start with the obvious. The Shard is the tallest building in the UK and Western Europe so you don’t need me to tell you the view from here is incredible. The viewing gallery is officially known as ‘The View from the Shard’ and it is situated on floors 68, 69 and 72. These floors are almost twice the height of any other viewing platform in the capital. Views are 360 degrees and parents will love the champagne bar!
Location: Nr London Bridge
Price: From £19
Sky Garden – We love the Sky Garden for it’s spectacular city views which are combined with a beautiful indoor garden. Located at the top of the iconic ‘Walkie Talkie’ building, views of the Thames and Tower Bridge are beneath your feet. Children can enjoy exploring the plants and landmarks and it’s a great option for a cold day as it’s nearly completely indoors. If you want to combine the visit with a meal out, I recommend Darwin’s Brasserie as the most family-friendly option.
Location: 1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
Price: FREE (book in advance)
Horizon 22 – London’s highest free viewing platform is on level 58 at the top of 22 Bishopsgate, the tallest building in the City of London. A high speed lift gets you there in 41 seconds and from there you can take in some of London’s most iconic landmarks.
Location: 22 Bishopsgate
Price: FREE
The Chimney Lift at Battersea Power Station – I highly recommend the Chimney Lift experience at Battersea Power Station, controversially I probably prefer it to the iconic London Eye. I’m actually scared of heights and I find the London Eye quite scary but the Chimney Lift is less scary. The experience starts with a mini museum dedicated to the history of the power station before you take a high speed lift up one of the building’s actual chimneys (109 metres high) for a 360 view of London. It’s ideal with kids as you’re only up there for about 10 minutes so there’s no time to get bored. Note you can’t take buggies.
Location: Battersea Power Station
Price: From £24
Restaurants
Shard – There are multiple restaurants in the Shard, my favourites being Aqua (Level 31) and Hutong (Level 33). The restaurants aren’t as high up at The View from the Shard but personally I don’t think that matters as you get an amazing overall experience and still an exceptional view. The views at both restaurants are spectacular with floor to ceiling windows, there’s even a great view from the toilets!
The menu at Aqua Shard is best of British but I particularly recommend choosing the afternoon tea if you’re visiting with kids as it’s Peter Pan themed!
Hutong serves food from Northern China and has the best the duck and pancakes that I’ve ever had in London. The dim sum is amazing and another must order is the crispy soft-shell crab with Sichuan dried chilli (very spicy and perhaps not one for kids!). There’s plenty of other child-friendly options (though there’s no children’s menu). The Dynasty brunch is great value and there’s also an afternoon tea.
Location: 31 St. Thomas Street Level 33 The Shard London, SE1 9RY
Lucky Cat – This is a high end restaurant that welcomes children of all ages! The menu of Asian plates and robata grills is delicious and the weekend brunch is great value. The restaurant is at high rise, 22 Bishopsgate and is currently the highest restaurant in London.
LocationL 22 Bishopsgate
Sushi Samba – Decor will thrill children and adults alike as the ‘jungle-style’ is really fun with a ‘living ceiling’ of South American and Japanese plants overhead. The Heron Tower branch is a high rise restaurant with an incredible view and boasts the signature 26ft custom orange tree. We love the cuisine which is Japanese, Brazilian, Peruvian fusion with signature sushi rolls, ceviches, tiraditoes and robata grill items. There’s actually no kids menu but plenty on the main menu to please young tastes. Even my fussy eaters love the plaintain chips, poussin and plain rice.
Location: Heron Tower
Duck & Waffle – Duck & Waffle isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a whole experience, starting with the glass lift ride to the 40th Floor of the Heron Tower. Both parents and kids will love the floor to ceiling views of the whole city. One of the best views in town. The menu leans towards brunch (though the restaurant is 24 hours) and comfort food will appeal to all – there’s even a waffle menu. The signature eponymous dish is THE thing to try. The views from here are spectacular especially of London’s iconic Gherkin buidling.
Location: Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
Shanghai-Me – Shanghai-Me on the 28th Floor of the Hilton hotel is perfect if you’re looking for high-end Chinese food. The views of London’s Hyde Park are exquisite, the decor is sensational and the food delicious. There’s no children’s menu but there will be food to please little palates and though it’s pricey, the fixed menu is good value. This is the only high rise restaurant that I know of that has the Hyde Park view and you have an amazing view of Winter Wonderland when it’s on.
Attractions
London Eye – You can’t write a blog post about London views without mentioning the London Eye, one of the capitals most iconic sights. Yes, I do find it a bit scary but of course it has to be done, it’s the world’s largest observation wheel at 135 metres high. It takes about thirty minutes and you can book various other experiences to enjoy including afternoon tea.
Location: London’s South Bank
Price: From £29
IFS Cloud Cable Car – Personally I’m too scared to try this one! But kids may love London’s cable car that flies 90 metres over the River Thames to the Greenwich Peninsula. At the terminal there’s also a interactive activities, including the Selfie Factory and Teddy Workshop.
Tottenham Hotspur Sky Walk – Mr S did this when we did the tour of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Basically you can walk along the top of the stadium, 46.8 metres above the pitch! From this vista you can see breathtaking views of London and the pitch of the innovative stadium. FYI only children above 12 are permitted.
Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Price: From £37
Up at The O2 – Did you know that you could climb the roof of the O2 arena? At 52 metres above ground level you can see landmarks up to 15 miles away. Min age is 8.
Price: £37
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