There’s likely to be a good view of the city skyline from somewhere not too far from your student accommodation. London can be seen from free viewpoints on all points of the compass. Here are some that you might consider.

The Sky Garden in the City

The Sky Garden at the top of the building known as the Walkie Talkie is the highest public garden in the capital, and it’s covered by a dome so you can enjoy the landscaped gardens even if it’s raining outside. There are observation decks and an open-air terrace.

Eating and drinking here is expensive but viewing is free. You should book your free tickets in advance on their website.

It’s a site that is very accessible by tube, train and bus. There are several stations within a 10-minute walk of the building, although the closest is Monument on the District Line.

With such a central position, the Sky Garden can be reached easily from most student accommodation. London homestays and flatshares in almost any part of the city will be located near to a transport service that you can use to reach the Walkie Talkie. Those staying in the Chapter Spitalfields Hall of Residence can walk to the garden in less than 15 minutes.

The People’s Palace in the North

Alexandra Palace is the place to go for a true English garden experience and some amazing views of the city. It was built on top of a North London hill surrounded by parkland. The royals have never lived in it so it is known as the People’s Palace (and, affectionately, as Ally Pally by Londoners).

The northern boroughs have a lot of student accommodation. London’s domestic architecture tends to be bigger out here so families are able to host students quite comfortably.

If you’re staying in Tufnell House you can access Alexandra Palace in less than half an hour. There is a train station that serves the site and you can catch the service from Finsbury Park station.

Greenwich Park in the South

If you choose the southern areas for your student accommodation, London’s skyline is best viewed from Greenwich Park.

There are many attractions in the park (the Royal Observatory, the Greenwich Maritime World Heritage site, and the Prime Meridian Line), but if you want a sensational panorama then climb the hill to the statue of General Wolfe. You will not be disappointed!

Those who are staying in the south east in places like Blackheath, Greenwich or Dulwich can reach the park by bus or on foot. If you have a room at Britannia South Bank you can get a riverboat from Embankment or a train from Waterloo to Greenwich.

Cityscapes

The skyline of the city is iconic and there are so many ways to experience it. Each vantage point will give you a different angle so I recommend taking advantage of as many as possible – after all so many of them are free.

If these suggestions give you a taste for heights and views, here is a quick checklist of other places you should try to visit while you are studying here.

  • The rooftop terrace at One New Change, a shopping centre near St Paul’s (just around the corner from Chapter Spitalfields).
  • Primrose Hill in Regent’s Park, one of London’s most famous viewpoints.
  • Parliament Hill in Hampstead (not far from Tufnell House).

The Switch House at Tate Modern (on the doorstep of Britannia South Bank

We have one of the best ranges of student accommodation London can offer. From halls of residence to homestays and flatshares in the north, south, east and west, Britannia Student Services provides a home from home experience. Contact our friendly team for more information.