Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Has anyone been to the Sky Garden

38 replies

CrinklyCraggy · 13/02/2022 16:24

It's something I've been meaning to do since well before lockdown.

Is it worth the trip? Is there a "garden" worth seeing in February? Would I stand out like sore thumb among all the couples if I go on my own.

I'm meeting a friend in London to see a show on Thursday eve. They'll be working during the day, I'm on holiday. I was thinking I could go up a bit early and have a visit. Maybe treat myself to a cocktail, if that's the sort of thing that happens there?

OP posts:
SherlocksDeerstalker · 13/02/2022 16:27

I’ve been. It’s nice, but it’s not Kew! I’d go in amongst a day full of other things, but definitely wouldn’t make a special trip just for that. To be honest I was a bit underwhelmed. As someone who loves visiting various gardens, I thought it would be a bit… more.

sqirrelfriends · 13/02/2022 16:29

It was ok, I wouldn't have visited if I wasn't going to the restaurant anyway.

Quornflakegirl · 13/02/2022 16:30

It’s not much of a garden, worth more of a visit for the views of London. But it’s free and worth a visit if you’re nearby.

RockaLock · 13/02/2022 16:31

Although there are plants, I would say most people go to the Sky Garden to look out at the views!!

If you like views, and you're going to be in London anyway, then why not. It's free entry, and although we didn't stop for drinks, it seemed really busy and I doubt that anyone would really notice whether you were on your own or not. (Disclaimer: we were there mid afternoon, not evening).

camperqueen54 · 13/02/2022 16:32

Somewhere nice for a coffee and great views more than the garden. Cheaper than the Shard.

littlebilliie · 13/02/2022 16:32

It's lovely we met friends there had nibbles and wine while the sun went down it was a great place

Bobbybobbins · 13/02/2022 16:45

Just booked this - never heard of it so thanks for the idea!! Meeting a friend in London for the day and it sounds great for a quick drink xx

marqueses · 13/02/2022 16:48

It's not full of couples unless it's totally changed since the start of the pandemic, no one will notice who you are or aren't with.

Like others say I wouldn't expect a garden but the views on a clear day are fabulous.

titchy · 13/02/2022 16:51

Nice views, restaurant decent. Garden isn't really much more than a few office plants. This is basically it.

Has anyone been to the Sky Garden
LovelyLupins · 13/02/2022 16:52

Lovely at sunset and you won’t stand out as a solo visitor with a cocktail in hand.

Mumdiva99 · 13/02/2022 16:54

I've been about 4 times. I love it. I have taken the kids and eaten a picnic (not really allowed), had coffee and also had cocktails as the sun has gone down. The views are amazing. Wrap up warm as it's not warm even though it's inside.

sashagabadon · 13/02/2022 16:54

It’s an hour visit max I think, wander round up and down, look at all the different views, have a coffee. You used to have to show your passport but I’ve not been for a couple of years now so not sure if still the case

Haus1234 · 13/02/2022 16:57

It’s basically a cocktail bar with good views and some plants, it’s not really a garden as such. It’s very cold so dress appropriately!

firstimemamma · 13/02/2022 16:58

Went once in 2015 for a romantic evening dinner and again in 2017 with children during the day just to explore. Both times were amazing! Would really recommend it.

Kitkat151 · 13/02/2022 17:24

I’ve been up 4 times.... not for the plants but for the view....I love a good view😆....last time was July 21....which was a bit of a ball ache as you needed COVID vaccine proof as well as showing your sky garden ticket and ID ...then going through the airport scanner thing.....worth it though...I’ve been up day and night ( well 5.30pm in winter so dark) ....very cold on the outside balcony bit....I’ve been up with my partner, my mum and my little grandaughters....it’s a real mix ...I don’t think anybody would look at you

EwwSprouts · 13/02/2022 17:29

The view of the Tower of London is amazing. The garden is not so amazing. We went late afternoon as a group of three and it wasn't remotely a romantic destination so I would feel comfortable going as a single.

NuffSaidSam · 13/02/2022 17:32

I think it's definitely somewhere people go for Shard-like views, but for free. It's not really about the garden.

Radiatorvalves · 05/09/2022 20:50

I’m thinking of taking my son to the Sky Garden for his 18th on a Saturday evening in September. However it’s completely confusing as to how I book. I don’t want an “experience” probably a glass of fizz and then eat elsewhere.

Any thoughts or would people recommend somewhere else?

thanks!

WimpoleHat · 05/09/2022 20:56

It’s quite fun for a wander for 20 minutes and you certainly won’t look out of place on your own. There’s a bar and a coffee bar as well as the restaurants, so fine just to have a coffee and a pastry or a glass of wine or whatever. You do need to book a (free) ticket and go through airport style security though.

Kezzie200 · 05/09/2022 21:02

Forget the garden. It's a free view of London. That's why people go and it's fab.

dragonDan · 05/09/2022 21:03

My son works in that building on a different floor. He says Sky garden is a bit rubbish but the view is great.

abovedecknotbelow · 05/09/2022 21:10

They called it a garden because it was part of the planning conditions to have public realm that was freely accessible. It's not about the garden really it's about the views. Nice for a cocktail at sunset.

Chatterboxy · 05/09/2022 21:48

It was okay, a bit underwhelmed. Better for the view more than anything. Wouldn’t make a special effort to do it again. Meh….

YesitsBess · 05/09/2022 21:54

Maybe make it part of a ‘gardens in the sky’ tour? Kensington roof gardens are fab and they have FLAMINGOS!

I'm now trying to think of more up gardens you can go to.

Radiatorvalves · 05/09/2022 22:13

Thanks. Does anyone have a link to where I can book the free ticket? Good to understand it’s a good view but not fantastic. I think that fits with our potential plans. We’re not too far away so just good to try somewhere different.