Sky Garden

What makes it special

Sky Garden is London's highest public garden, at the top of a City office tower. The landscape practice Gillespies designed the gardens, and the beds run right up to the glass, so the planting and the views share one space.

Look at the beds as you walk. The plants are drought-resistant species from the Mediterranean and South Africa, from climates far drier and warmer than London's.

The glass sheets of Rafael Viñoly's 2004 tower grow larger towards the top, and the garden sits behind the largest of them.

From Level 35 you are high enough to see across the City, but not so high that streets and buildings blur. The view runs a full 360 degrees, so every side of the floor faces a different stretch of the skyline.

Visiting

A booked ticket, printed or on your phone, opens the turnstiles once you have cleared airport-style security at the door. Allow a few minutes for the bag check, then take the lift up.

Your hour starts from entry. Walk the observation decks first and go right round the floor, then step out onto the open-air terrace. Public hours run from 10am on weekdays and 11am at weekends, but the terrace closes at 6pm every day, and security can shut it without warning in bad weather.

Finish among the planting. Find a seat between the shrubs and sit awhile before the lift back down.

Tips

Carry photo ID if you are over 18 and look under 25; evening walk-ins need it whatever your age. Children under 16 must come with an adult aged 18 or over.

Travel light: large bags and suitcases are not allowed in the building. The space is naturally ventilated, so dress for the day's weather, hot or cold.

For photographs, hold your lens right against the glass to cut the glare. Without a ticket, ask the doormen at the street entrance whether it is busy.