Sky Garden is a public garden and observation deck at the top of 20 Fenchurch Street (a skyscraper in the City of London).
It offers panoramic views of the city from a height of about 150 meters (38 floors).
The views include (among many others) panoramic views of Shard…
…and Tower Bridge.
The garden occupies the top three floors of the building and is open to the public free of charge.
To check the opening hours and book a free ticket check the Sky Garden website.
Today, I would like to invite you for a short walking tour around 5 gems located near Sky Garden.
You can visit all of them free of charge & in very short time.
To see the MAP of this walking tour click here.
Distance to cover: 0.8 miles (1.3 km)
Enjoy the read and the walk!
In need of a private tour guide…?
contact@walkmeblog.com
Things To See near SKY GARDEN
1.The Monument to the Great Fire of London
The Monument to the Great Fire of London is a 61 meters (202 feet) tall column that stands near the northern end of London Bridge.
It was built to commemorate the Great Fire of London – the disastrous event that during four days in 1666 devastated two-thirds of the city.
The fire started not far from here in a bakery on Pudding Lane.
Nothing is left of it now.
This impressive Doric column is topped by a golden flames.
Visitors can climb the spiral staircase (311 steps) inside the Monument to reach the observation platform at the top.
The Monument also bears an inscription on its base, which provides a brief historical account of the Great Fire and acknowledges the roles of King Charles II and the City of London in rebuilding the city.
Click here to see precise location
2. 6-meter-long model of the Old London Bridge
The 20-foot-long model of Old London Bridge is permanently on display in the Church of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr, located near the original site of the bridge.
Click here to see precise location
You can check the opening hours of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr on the church’s website.
The model is a remarkable representation of the historical bridge that once spanned the River Thames.
It portrays the numerous arches, defensive gatehouse, and bustling buildings that lined its span.
The archway of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr church (visible today) was the extension of the historic Old London Bridge and it was used for centuries as an entrance to City of London.
In this church, you can also see a 2,000-year-old piece of wood retrieved from the Thames, dating back to Roman times.
3. Garden inside the church (St Dunstan in the East)
St Dunstan in the East Church Garden is London’s beautiful scar from World War II.
St Dunstan in the East Church was one of the many churches in London rebuilt by Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666.
Christopher Wren was the renowned English architect responsible for constructing 53 churches in London after the disastrous fire, including the famous St. Paul’s Cathedral.
In the 20th century, St Dunstan in the East was severely damaged during the Blitz.
The Blitz was a period of intense German bombings of London that lasted for 56 days and nights during World War II.
Only the tower and few walls of the Wren’s church survived the bombings.
Instead of being fully restored, the ruins of St. Dunstan-in-the-East were preserved as a public garden and are open to visitors (free of charge).
The remains of the church, with its crumbling walls and arches intertwined with greenery, create a picturesque atmosphere.
The site is popular among visitors and locals seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
Click here to see precise location
4. Leadenhall Market
Now, I would like to invite you on a quick walk through Leadenhall Market, one of the most beautiful hidden gems near Sky Garden.
Leadenhall Market is a historic covered market that dates back to the 14th century.
Back then it was a meat and poultry market. It stands in the center of what used to be Roman London.
As you enter the market, you’ll be greeted by a beautiful arcade adorned with ornate decorations.
The stunning roof you see today was designed in the 19th century by Sir Horace Jones, who also designed the iconic Tower Bridge.
Walking through the narrow alleys, you’ll find an array of shops selling a variety of goods, including clothing, accessories, souvenirs, food, and more.
It is also a popular spot for bankers and insurance professionals to enjoy an after-work drink.
This beautiful structure is a must-visit spot for Harry Potter fans as it was used as a set in the first Harry Potter movie Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and the Leaky Cauldron shop front can still be found here.
Click here to see precise location
5. The Inside-Out Building (Lloyds of London skyscraper)
Lloyd’s Building is a distinctive architectural landmark of the City of London and a home of the insurance company Lloyd’s of London.
It was designed by (knighted!) Italian-born British architect, Richard Rogers.
Richard Rogers is also responsible for the design of the Millenium Dome in Greenwich and the Pompidou Centre in Paris, which he designed with the Italian architect Renzo Piano.
Lloyd’s Building has an unconventional design: the building’s services (pipes, lifts etc) are installed on the outside.
A style in architecture called Bowellism.
The structure has been completed in 1986, and 25 years later received Grade I listing status for being “one of the key buildings of the modern epoch”.
One of the youngest structures in London to ever obtain this status.
You can love it or hate it, but it is certainly a captivating sight to see.
It is located next to Leadenhall Market.
Click here to see precise location
That’s all locations I wanted to show you in this walking tour.
I hope I have convinced you that it is indeed worth exploring this interesting part of London.
In need of a private tour guide…?
contact@walkmeblog.com