The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate; Free Viewpoint in London
240-degree views across London’s most iconic landmarks, historical buildings, vast green spaces and beautiful architecture. Read our guide on The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate for everything you need to know to visit one of the top free viewpoints in London.
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There’s no shortage of free viewpoints in London.
The green oasis of Crossrail Place Roof Garden, London’s highest free viewing platform; Horizon 22, the UK’s highest public garden; The Sky Garden and a rooftop terrace overlooking St Paul’s from Madison, are just a few of the spots with the best views in London for absolutely free!
The Lookout London is located on the 50th floor of 8 Bishopsgate and offers 240-degree uninterrupted views across London’s iconic landmarks, historical buildings, imposing skyscrapers and vast green spaces.
In this guide to the Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate, we’ll tell you about what to expect on arrival, the viewing platform, a comparison to Horizon 22 and some of London’s top landmarks to spot.
We’ll then share everything you need to know for your visit including opening hours, how to get there, facilities, booking tickets and the best time to visit The Lookout London.
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About The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate; best free viewpoints in London
The Lookout opened in 2023, making this one of the newer free viewing platforms in London.
On arrival, you’ll have your ticket scanned, which can be shown as a QR code on your phone, or printed if you prefer. You’ll pass through a quick airport-style security check and have your bags scanned before making your way to the lift.
Depending on how many people are booked in your time slot, there may be a bit of queuing but it shouldn’t take long. You soon reach the 50th floor and step out to the viewing gallery with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and vast uninterrupted views across North and West London.
Get your bearings, try to take in just how infinite London looks with views out to the horizon and start to make your way around the viewing gallery from west to east.Â
You’ll see Alexandra Palace far out to your right then coming left, notice the huge new Google Headquarters next to King’s Cross St Pancras, the BT Tower and, if it’s a clear day, spot the white arch of Wembley Stadium on the horizon.
Continuing around, just in front of you is the grand St Paul’s Cathedral and further west, some of London’s iconic landmarks line the River Thames; the London Eye, Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster. You’ll also spot a huge green space which is Hyde Park and next to it is Buckingham Palace.Â
Further west and south of The Thames, you’ll notice the imposing white chimneys of the glamourous and newly refurbished Battersea Power Station with its own magnificent views across London from Lift 109.
Directly south of you is The Shard; the tallest building in the UK. The Shard also has one of the best viewpoints in London, however, comes with a hefty price tag! It’s also not as high as Horizon 22 so we’d recommend skipping this one and saving some money.
In The Thames, shortly after The Shard is HMS Belfast; a historic warship and museum and a little further along is the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.
Our Top Tip: try timing your visit to The Lookout London with the opening times of Tower Bridge.
Between The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate and the Tower of London, is a triangular roof garden. This is The Garden at 120 with more of the best free views in London.
Following the curve of The Thames to the southeast, you’ll see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich and Greenwich Park and opposite is the imposing view of the glitzy skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.
This is as far to the east as you can see.
The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate or Horizon 22?
The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate and Horizon 22 are two of the best free viewing platforms in London and are direct neighbours so a common question is which one to visit.
We wouldn’t recommend both unless you live in London and have all the time in the world.
Horizon 22 is 254 metres high in the UK’s second-tallest building. This is 50 metres higher than The Lookout so the views are more vast. The viewing gallery is also larger with 300-degree views across the city rather than 240.
Horizon 22 has a small cafe (no seating) which The Lookout doesn’t. The Lookout tends to be quieter as it’s less popular and tickets are easier to get.
Although we really enjoyed our visit to The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate, we preferred Horizon 22 so we’d recommend trying to book tickets there first. If unsuccessful, The Lookout is a fantastic and quieter alternative.
What You Need to Know to Visit The Lookout London
Do I need to book tickets for The Lookout London?
Although admission to The Lookout is free, we’d recommend booking tickets online. They’re released bi-weekly on a Monday and are snapped up quickly.
Walk-ins are available on the day, however, only if capacity allows. Don’t rely on this but it’s worth a try if you can’t get tickets.
The ticket gives you access to the viewing platform for 45 minutes, however, we didn’t see anybody checking tickets or asking people to leave. This may happen when it’s busier.
How do I get to The Lookout?
The Lookout is located on level 50 of 8 Bishopsgate. Below are transport options and you can use Citymapper to plan your route.
- Tube: Bank, Liverpool Street, Moorgate and Monument are within a 10-minute walk.
- Bus: The following buses stop near The Lookout: 21, 25, 26, 344, 388, 43 and 47
- Trains: London Fenchurch Street, Cannon Street and Liverpool Street are within a 10-minute walk
The postcode is EC2N 4BQ.
Opening Hours
Opening hours vary by day:
- Monday: 12pm – 9pm
- Tuesday – Thursdsay: 10:30am – 5:30pm
- Friday: 12pm – 9pm
- Saturday: 11am – 6pm
- Sundays & Bank Holidays: 10am – 5pm
The best time to visit The Lookout
The best time to visit is during the week and outside of the school holidays as you have the highest chance of getting tickets and it’ll be quieter.
Facilities and Accessibility
There’s a lift to the viewing gallery, however, it isn’t huge so it may be a tight fit for very large wheelchairs. There’s an accessible toilet on the viewing gallery floor. Assistance dogs are allowed entry.
The Lookout London is available for private evening and event hire with four private rooms that can be booked for the day; ideal for corporate events and special occasions.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate. If you have any questions or want to say hi, please drop us a comment below.
We’ve also linked some of our other London activity guides below so check these out.
