London’s skyline offers one of the world’s best cityscapes that genuinely impresses at every age. We’ve explored it countless times as a family from ground level along the South Bank to hundreds of metres in the air and it never looks the same twice.
What makes London especially brilliant with kids is the sheer variety. You’ve got iconic paid experiences like the London Eye and The Shard to completely free sky-high platforms in the City, historic domes that you can climb step-by-step, and even hilltop parks with views of the skyline.
Here are the best views in London with and without kids.
Horizon 22 (22 Bishopsgate)
Currently the highest free public viewing platform in London, Horizon 22 sits 254 metres above street level.
Opened in 2023, it delivers dramatic, uninterrupted skyline views similar to Sky Garden but this is much higher. . It feels more minimal and less immersive than Sky Garden as you don’t get that planted garden atmosphere, but the views are much better in comparison from Horizon 22.
Tickets are released 14 days in advance every Monday at 10am and disappear quickly. If you’re nearby between 10am and midday, you can try for same-day entry via a QR code system.
The London Eye
If you’re visiting London with children for the first time, the iconic London Eye is hard to beat.
Located on the South Bank, the slow rotation of the capsules that you ride in gives you time to properly take in Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and beyond. It’s smooth, enclosed and surprisingly calm, even for children who aren’t keen on heights.
Clear winter days often offer the sharpest visibility, and sunset flights are particularly memorable as the city lights flicker on.
Pre-booking is essential, especially during school holidays. If you’re visiting at peak times, fast-track tickets are worth considering with children to avoid long queues.
Sky Garden
This is one of our favourite free views in London with kids, but it’s also one of the busiest.
Set at the top of the “Walkie Talkie” building, the Sky Garden feels completely different from other platforms because of its Mediterranean-style planting. It doesn’t feel like a viewing gallery, it feels like a garden that just happens to sit high above the City.
The views stretch across the Thames, The Shard, St Paul’s and Canary Wharf. We’ve found it works particularly well with children because there’s space to move around rather than standing at a single window.
Tickets are free but must be booked in advance (released three weeks ahead on Monday mornings). They go quickly for weekends and school holidays. Adults will need ID on arrival. Alternatively, you can book a restaurant table, but that obviously removes the “free” element.
Royal Observatory, Greenwich
One of my personal favourite viewpoints in London sits at the top of Greenwich Park.
The climb to the Royal Observatory rewards you with sweeping views across the Old Royal Naval College, the Thames and Canary Wharf. It’s one of the most iconic city panoramas — and completely free if you stay within the park.
Greenwich Park itself covers 183 acres, so there’s plenty of space for children to run before or after climbing the hill. You can also straddle the Prime Meridian Line while you’re there.
Garden at 120 (120 Fenchurch Street)
A few minutes from Leadenhall Market, Garden at 120 offers the largest free rooftop garden in the City of London.
The lift carries you to a landscaped rooftop filled with manicured hedges, wildflowers, water features and a wisteria-covered pergola. From here, you’re right among the skyscrapers — the Gherkin and the Walkie Talkie feel incredibly close.
Entry is free and operates on a first-come basis, though queues can build on sunny days.
One New Change
Right in the heart of the City, One New Change shopping centre hides one of London’s best close-up views of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Take the lift to the public rooftop terrace and you’ll find yourself almost level with the cathedral’s dome — close enough that it feels touchable.
We’ve done this on busy shopping days — and it’s always surprisingly peaceful once you’re upstairs and is a bit of a hidden gem.
The terrace is free and open daily. Madison restaurant sits alongside it, although children are restricted at certain times (no under-18s on Saturdays, and only until 3pm on other days).
The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate
Another newer addition to London’s skyline experiences, The Lookout sits on the 50th floor and offers panoramic views across the City.
Like Horizon 22, it’s free but ticketed, with timed 45-minute slots released biweekly on Mondays. Walk-ins are sometimes possible depending on availability.
If you secure tickets, it’s one of the easiest ways to see London from serious height without paying Shard-level prices.
The Monument
The Monument to the Great Fire of London is both a history lesson and a workout. Standing 202 feet high and exactly 202 feet from the fire’s origin on Pudding Lane, it was completed in 1677 and designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
We’ve climbed The Monument with the children, and it’s more of an achievement than a passive viewing experience.
There are 311 narrow steps to reach the top, and it does get tight on the spiral staircase — but the sense of accomplishment (and the certificate handed on completion) makes it memorable.
From the gallery, you get 360-degree views across this part of the City. Tickets cost £6 for adults and half price for children, purchased on the day.
St Paul’s Cathedral
You can make the climb up the Stone Gallery (378 steps) and the Golden Gallery (528 steps) at the top of the dome.
It’s a serious climb — but the panoramic views across central London are worth every step. Both galleries are included with cathedral admission.
It’s one of the most iconic ways to look back over London.
The View from the Shard
This is undeniably one of the most expensive viewpoints in London — but it’s also one of the most dramatic and impressive and is one of our personal favourites.
At 310 metres high, it’s the tallest building in the UK, and from floors 68–72 you genuinely feel above the entire city. On clear days, visibility stretches up to 40 miles.
There’s even an open-air Skydeck at the top. If you’re choosing one premium skyline experience in London, this is hard to beat.
Viewing Level at Tate Modern
The Tate Modern’s Blavatnik Building is one of the easiest free viewpoints to slot into a South Bank day.
We’ve paired it with time exploring the galleries below, which makes it feel like more than just a viewing stop. From the 10th-floor terrace, you get fantastic close-up views of St Paul’s across the river, plus The Shard and the City skyline.
It’s free, informal and doesn’t require booking — ideal with kids.
Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden (Southbank Centre)
This is one of the few on our list we haven’t yet visited, but it’s firmly on our radar.
Unlike the sky-high City platforms, this is more intimate — a rooftop garden with lawn seating, fruit trees and wildflowers overlooking the Thames. It’s lower than many other viewpoints but offers a relaxed space to sit with a drink and take in the river views.
It’s free to visit, open Thursday to Sunday.
IFS Cloud Cable Car
For moving views rather than static platforms, I really recommend the IFS Cloud Cable Car that crosses the Thames between Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks.
The 10-minute crossing gives you aerial views of the Thames and Canary Wharf. It’s particularly atmospheric after 7pm when extended night flights run.
You can use contactless or Oyster to board. It works best combined with visits to the O2 or Greenwich.
Tower Bridge
Many people photograph Tower Bridge without realising you can go inside.
We’ve walked across the high-level glass-floored walkways — which is always a hit with children brave enough to look down at the traffic below. It’s more interactive than simply admiring the bridge from the outside.
Advance booking is recommended, particularly in school holidays.
Up at The O2
For something more adventurous, Up at The O2 lets you climb 52 metres above ground level across the roof of the arena.
With harnesses and guides, you walk over the roof of the O2 Arena before reaching the summit platform. From there, you can see across Greenwich, the Olympic Park and Canary Wharf.
It’s suitable for children aged 8+ and needs to be booked in advance.
Summit Rooftop Adventure, Alexandra Palace
The Summit at Alexandra Palace is currently the UK’s highest roof walk experience.
Sitting 130 metres above sea level, it offers views stretching up to 25 miles on clear days. The hour-long guided walk includes access to the Angel of Plenty statue and panoramic skyline views.
Suitable for ages 8+. Daytime, sunset and night climbs are available. Even if you don’t do the climb, Alexandra Palace itself sits within 196 acres of parkland with plenty of family-friendly activities.
Overall
London offers more choice than almost any other city when it comes to skyline views with children.
You can climb historic domes, ride glass elevators, wander free rooftop gardens or spread out a picnic blanket on a hilltop. Some require planning and prebooking. Others simply require comfortable shoes.
But whichever you choose, seeing London from above adds a completely different perspective — and often becomes one of the most memorable moments of a family trip