Horizon 22 London; Everything You Need to Know For Your Visit
300-degree views from the UK’s second-tallest building, being whisked 254 metres high in under a minute, incredible views over iconic sights and historical landmarks; here’s our guide to Horizon 22 London. Continue reading for everything you need to know for your visit.
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Located on the 58th floor of 22 Bishopsgate, the second-tallest building in the UK and London after The Shard, is Horizon 22; London’s highest free viewing platform.
Arguably one of the best free viewpoints in London, Horizon 22 offers incredible 300-degree views over the city at 254 metres high where you can spot some of London’s most iconic sights and historical landmarks.
In this guide to Horizon 22 London, we’ll tell you about what to expect on arrival, the viewing platform and some of the iconic landmarks to look out for. We’ll then share everything you need to know for your visit including how to get there, facilities, how to book tickets and the best time to visit Horizon 22.
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About Horizon 22; one of the best viewpoints in London
Horizon 22 was opened on 27th September 2023 making it one of the newest viewpoints in London.
On arrival, you’ll need to go through a quick security check which involves putting your bag through a scanner and walking through a metal detector. The check itself is quick, however, depending on how busy your arrival slot is, there may be a bit of a queue.
You’ll then be shown to the elevator and whisked up 254 metres in under a minute. You may experience a bit of ear popping due to the change in air pressure but nothing to worry about.
On stepping out of the elevator, you’ll immediately be greeted by floor-to-ceiling glass windows revealing magnificent views over the city and north, over Finsbury Circus, one of London’s oldest green spaces and out to Alexandra Palace!
As you make your way around the Horizon 22 viewing platform, you may be amazed at just how huge London is – the city seems to go on and on and extends as far as the eye can see!
As 22 Bishopsgate is the tallest building around, your views across London will be completely uninterrupted.
Making your way left from Alexandra Palace, in the distance you’ll see the new Google Headquarters next door to King’s Cross St Pancras, the BT Tower which was once the tallest building in London and the white arch of Wembley Stadium (on a clear day).
Closer to you is the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral and heading west you’ll notice some of London’s most iconic landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, The London Eye, Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster.
Further south of The Thames, you’ll see the gleaming white chimneys of the newly refurbished Battersea Power Station which has its own great viewing experience from Lift 109.
Continuing round straight ahead of you and just south of The Thames is The Shard; the UK’s tallest building also with a viewing platform, however, that one isn’t free, and the Sky Garden in the Walkie Talkie Building; another of the best free viewpoints in London.
A short distance from The Shard and in The Thames is the HMS Belfast; a historic warship and museum and a little further along you’ll spot the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.
In between Horizon 22 and the Tower of London, you’ll see a rooftop garden, this is The Garden at 120; another of the top free viewpoints in London.
Follow the curve of the Thames and you’ll see the prominent view of Canary Wharf; one of our favourite areas in London and opposite is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich and Greenwich Park.
Continue round and directly underneath you is The Gherkin.Â
You could spend hours making your way around the Horizon 22 Viewing Platform, continually noticing new landmarks you didn’t the first time around.
Everything You Need to Know When You Visit Horizon 22 London
How to get to Horizon 22 London
Horizon 22 is located on level 58 of 22 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 Horizon 22: 21, 25, 26, 344, 388, 43 and 47
- Trains: London Fenchurch Street, Cannon Street and Liverpool Street are within a 10-minute walk
Opening Hours
Horizon 22 is open from 10am – 6pm Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm on Saturdays and 10am – 4pm on Sundays.
The last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
The best time to visit Horizon 22
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.
Booking tickets
Although Horizon 22 London is free to visit, you need to book tickets as it’s very popular. Book tickets here in advance and try to book as far in advance as possible as tickets sell out quickly once released. The lead guest may be asked for ID on arrival.
The ticket shows the time you need to arrive, however, there’s no time constraint on your visit so you can stay and enjoy the views for as long as you wish.
Walk-ins are accepted, however, they’re subject to capacity limitations and cannot be guaranteed.
Facilities at Horizon 22 London
- There are toilets in the lobby and on the viewing gallery floor
- There’s a tiny cafe with hot drinks and a few snacks
- There are no locker facilities and only bags smaller than L 58cm x W 45cm x D 25cm are allowed inside
- Horizon 22 London is fully accessible and certified guide dogs are allowed access. There are also designated accessible toilet facilities in the lobby and viewing galleryÂ
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to Horizon 22; one of the best viewpoints in London. If you have any questions or want to say hi, please leave a comment below.
To check out other free things to do in London, head to the post below and we’ve also linked some of our other London guides so you can really make the most of your trip.
