This week sees a new icon on the London skyline open its doors to the public for the first time. The View from the Shard - the visitor attraction at the tallest building in Western Europe – is, at 244 metres, twice the height of any other viewing platform in the capital and has 360’ views which can extend 40 miles or so on a clear day. You zoom up via two lifts to level 69, with its floor to ceiling windows, and if that's not high enough, there's an open air viewing platform on level 72. Keen photographers should note though that for safety reasons this is surrounded by glass walls and unless you have a tripod (or similar) to raise your camera above them, you will be shooting through the glass, Pre-booked tickets cost £24.95 for adults and £18.95 for children. To book, visit www.theviewfromtheshard.comBut the Shard’s not the only place for a view of London rooftops.
Up at the 02, on the Greenwich Peninsula, combines an outdoor challenge with a unique perspective. Visitors climb over the roof of the 02 (originally the Millennium Dome) via a tensile fabric walkway suspended 53 meters above ground level. An observation platform at the summit gives wide views of the city and its many landmarks, including the Olympic Park, Thames Barrier, The Shard, Greenwich and Canary Wharf. Tickets start at £22 for adults and children. To book, visit www.theo2.co.uk/upattheo2
One of the capital's most popular tourist attractions is the London Eye, the giant Ferris wheel just across the Thames from Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. It's 135 metres tall and has 32 sealed and air-conditioned cabins that revolve continuously, but so slowly you hardly know you’re moving. One ride lasts about half an hour. It’s been in operation since 2000. Online adult tickets start at £17.28. Details at http://www.londoneye.com/
The eyecatching red ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture, a feature of the Olympic Park during the 2012 Games, is 115 metres tall and has two viewing platforms at 76 and 80 metres high. It was created by artist Anish Kapoor who used 560 metres of tubular steel to form the twisted lattice superstructure. During the Olympics tickets were £15 and it was climbed by 130,000 visitors, including the Queen and Prince Philip. It re-opens in 2013 as part of the park’s redevelopment. For more information, visit www.arcelormittalorbit.com
A much cheaper (but still exciting) option is the Emirates Air Line cablecar. This opened in 2012 and runs across the Thames from the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks on the north side. Each of the 34 cabins can hold 10 people, and accommodates wheelchairs and baby buggies. They run continuously, slowing right down at the terminals to allow passengers to board and alight, then swinging up and out over the river to reach a height of almost 100 metres. The operators, Transport for London, say up to 2,500 people an hour can be carried in each direction, though post-Olympics, it’s not running at anything like full capacity. Fares start at £3.20 for a single fare using an Oyster travel card/Freedom pass or £4.30 without. A ride lasts 5 – 10 mins. http://www.emiratesairline.co.uk/
Have fun!
The eyecatching red ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture, a feature of the Olympic Park during the 2012 Games, is 115 metres tall and has two viewing platforms at 76 and 80 metres high. It was created by artist Anish Kapoor who used 560 metres of tubular steel to form the twisted lattice superstructure. During the Olympics tickets were £15 and it was climbed by 130,000 visitors, including the Queen and Prince Philip. It re-opens in 2013 as part of the park’s redevelopment. For more information, visit www.arcelormittalorbit.com
A much cheaper (but still exciting) option is the Emirates Air Line cablecar. This opened in 2012 and runs across the Thames from the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks on the north side. Each of the 34 cabins can hold 10 people, and accommodates wheelchairs and baby buggies. They run continuously, slowing right down at the terminals to allow passengers to board and alight, then swinging up and out over the river to reach a height of almost 100 metres. The operators, Transport for London, say up to 2,500 people an hour can be carried in each direction, though post-Olympics, it’s not running at anything like full capacity. Fares start at £3.20 for a single fare using an Oyster travel card/Freedom pass or £4.30 without. A ride lasts 5 – 10 mins. http://www.emiratesairline.co.uk/
Finally, for a spectacular view of the London skyline which is absolutely free, take the glass lift to the roof terrace of One New Change, the shopping centre to the east of St Paul's Cathedral.
Have fun!
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