Rooftops in London offer a magical escape from busy city streets. Whether you’re seeking lush gardens, panoramic views, or quiet relaxation, London’s rooftops have something special. In this guide, we’ll discover seven incredible rooftop gardens you should visit this summer in 2025. Each offers unique experiences, picturesque views, and peaceful spots perfect for unwinding in the heart of the city.
Key Takeaways
- Rooftops in London offer relaxing spaces with beautiful city views and peaceful garden settings.
- All seven rooftop gardens mentioned in the blog are free and easily reached by public transport.
- Popular rooftop gardens include Barbican Conservatory, Tate Modern Viewing Platform, The Garden at 120, One New Change Exchange Roof Terrace, Southbank Centre Roof Garden, The Post Building Roof Garden, and Crossrail Place Roof Garden.
- Most rooftops don’t need reservations, but some, like Barbican Conservatory, require booking ahead of time.
Top 7 Rooftops in London
1. Barbican Conservatory Rooftop Garden
- Location: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS
- Website: Barbican Conservatory
- Height: 3rd floor (about 15 meters high)
The Barbican Conservatory Rooftop Garden is an urban oasis offering a peaceful retreat amidst London’s vibrant energy. At approximately 15 meters above ground, it provides stunning views over the Barbican’s iconic Brutalist architecture. Although not high, this rooftop offers a different view compared to the city’s highrises. Head to the garden’s balcony for the best views of the unique architecture and tropical greenery. Inside, you’ll find lush gardens featuring exotic plants, vibrant flowers, and tranquil water features, making it ideal for relaxation. The Barbican Conservatory is easy to reach from Barbican Tube Station. Entry is free, though visitors must often reserve timed slots to ensure peaceful exploration. Reserve your slot here.
2. The Garden at 120
- Location: 120 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 5BA
- Website: The Garden at 120
- Height: 15th floor (69 meters high)
Located high above London’s bustling streets, The Garden at 120 provides breathtaking views of famous landmarks, including Tower Bridge and the Thames. At 69 meters high, it ranks among London’s tallest public rooftops. Back in 2019, it even received a Skyline trophy by The Worshipful Company of Gardener’s for the garden’s stunning floral design. The terrace now offers an open space filled with carefully landscaped gardens, comfortable seating, and wide pathways for strolling. It is easily accessible from Monument tube station. The best viewpoint is from the terrace edges, ideal for photography or simply enjoying a sunset. Entry is free without a reservation, making it perfect for spontaneous visits. Remember to bring snacks for a rooftop picnic while soaking in the skyline.
3. One New Change Roof Terrace
- Location: One New Change, London EC4M 9AF
- Website: One New Change
- Height: 6th floor (about 40 meters high)
The One New Change Roof Terrace offers unbeatable views of St. Paul’s Cathedral. This rooftop provides a serene escape from city noise and offers visitors a wonderful blend of relaxation and impressive scenery. The terrace is easily accessible via elevators from the shopping center below. Facilities include comfortable seating areas, perfect for unwinding after shopping or sightseeing. No reservation is needed, and St Paul’s tube station is just minutes away. If you are an Instagram enthusiast, don’t forget to capture breathtaking sunsets and spectacular cathedral views from the terrace!
4. Tate Modern Viewing Platform
- Location: Hopton St, London SE1 9TG
- Website: Tate Modern
- Height: 10th floor (about 45 meters high)
The Tate Modern Viewing Platform offers artistic inspiration and sweeping vistas of London’s famous skyline, including the Thames, St. Paul’s, and beyond. The platform offers a vibrant and creative atmosphere. It’s open to the public during museum hours without reservations. Reachable via a short walk from Blackfriars or Southwark tube stations, the rooftop provides comfortable seating and ample viewpoints. When visiting the viewing platform, we recommend combining your visit with exploring famous art exhibitions within the Tate Modern for a culturally rich experience.
5. Southbank Centre Roof Garden (Queen Elizabeth Hall Rooftop)
- Location: Festival Pier, London SE1 8XZ
- Website: Southbank Centre Roof Garden
- Height: Roof of QEH (about 25 meters high)
At Southbank Centre Roof Garden, you’ll find charming green spaces and community driven gardening initiatives. Located beside the River Thames, it offers incredible views of the London Eye and the city’s riverside scenery. Run entirely by volunteers, this garden features flowers that attract bees, herbs, and seasonal plants. It’s easy accessibility from Waterloo Station and the free entry makes it perfect for leisurely afternoons for anyone seeking a relaxing day in the city. Sit back, take a breath, and enjoy London’s bustling atmosphere from this delightful garden.
6. The Post Building Roof Garden
- Location: 29-31 New Oxford St, London WC1A 1BA
- Website: The Post Building Roof Garden
- Height: 9th floor (about 30 meters high)
The Post Building Roof Garden provides a quiet sanctuary amidst central London’s vibrant activity. With panoramic views that include the British Museum, it’s perfect for relaxing breaks. Visitors are greeted with contemporary seating areas and lush green patches. You might have to carefully look for the entrance on New Oxford Street and show them your ID for entrance, but it is free to enter and conveniently located near Holborn Tube Station. Visitors say it is worth a visit as it is free and has the best view of the city.
7. Crossrail Place Roof Garden
- Location: 43 Fishermans Walk, London E14 5HA
- Website: Crossrail Place Roof Garden
- Height: 7th floor (about 30 meters high)
The Crossrail Place Roof Garden brings global flora into London’s bustling financial district. Designed around an East meets West theme, the garden provides insight into plants native to countries along ancient trade routes. Enjoy picturesque pathways, comfortable benches, and excellent viewpoints of Canary Wharf’s towering skyscrapers. It’s easily reachable by the Elizabeth Line, and the covered structure ensures visits can happen in any weather. Whether you’re seeking tranquility or stunning architecture, Crossrail Place Roof Garden offers it all.
Conclusion
Rooftops in London are more than just scenic lookouts; they are peaceful escapes offering natural beauty in a bustling city. Each rooftop garden has its charm, from lush conservatories to panoramic viewpoints. For a remarkable experience exploring these hidden gems, consider joining Amitylux’s Private London Tour. Our experienced guides ensure you enjoy London’s stunning rooftop gardens without hassle, providing unforgettable memories and unique city insights. Looking for a place to sip a drink while looking over London from above? Check out our recent blog that introduces the best rooftop bars in London. Now you’re ready to experience London’s incredible rooftop gardens firsthand. Enjoy the views!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there free rooftops in London?
Yes, all rooftops featured here are free. Some, like the Barbican Conservatory, recommend timed reservations for better experiences.
Where is the best rooftop in London?
While this depends on your taste, the Barbican Conservatory Rooftop Garden is especially notable for its lush indoor garden and unique architecture.
What is the tallest rooftop in London?
The Garden at 120 stands tallest among London’s public rooftop gardens at around 69 meters high, offering expansive city views.
