Tag: Loving London

  • 5 Top Tips for Flying From Stansted Airport

    5 Top Tips for Flying From Stansted Airport

    In the past, flying from Stansted Airport could be such a drag, but a necessity for the budget travellers of London. However, significant changes over the last 10 years have improved things considerably every time we travel, we learn a little something new and decided to share them with you. Using our our top tips, should help make flying from Stansted a little easier and a little more enjoyable.

    This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.

    1.) Top Tips for Getting to London Stansted Airport

    We don’t have a car and so we can only talk about public transport:

    The Stansted Express

    Taking the Stansted Express from Liverpool Street Station is easiest way to reach the Aitport. The platform is announced a few minutes before departure, giving you time to wander along and find a seat. In winter, these warm few minutes are a god send. You can also travel from Tottenham Hale on the Victoria Line but this is outside.

    Book your tickets early to save a bundle. Buying your tickets online up to three months in advance can save you 50%. Whatever you do, don’t use contactless to board the trains! The machines at Liverpool Street and Tottenham Hale will allow you to tap through with an oyster/phone/contactless card. However, when you reach Stansted you will be fined for not having a ticket.

    Once the train reaches Stansted, everyone will pile towards the escalators. There are slow ticket checks here and it can feel a little like a rugby scrum. For an easier time, make your way to the lifts. There will be very few people waiting for the lifts and the whole thing is a lot more civilised.

    The Coach

    Catching the coach is cheaper when your travel date is close, and vital if you are stuck with train strikes. National Express offers routes from across London and runs 24 hours a day so this is the most flexible option. They have plugs and free wifi…which is nice. You can pay £5 to make your ticket flexible, allowing you to catch any coach if your flight is delayed.

    Airport Bus Express is even cheaper but only goes to Stratford and Liverpool Street. You will also find that they don’t keep an eye on the seats sold. You are not guaranteed a seat on the coach you book, which could be a problem if you are due to catch a flight.

    Checking In

    When you make it to the departure hall, bear in mind that the alphabetised system is the wrong way round. A is furthest from security, to your right as you look at the desks. There are a fair few budget airlines that operate from Stansted which you might think means nobody is checking in bags but don’t underestimate the queues to drop bags. We recommend getting to check in two and a half hours before you flight is due to leave. This gives you some contingency time to play with.

    2.) Top Tips for Stansted Security

    Getting into Security – Go Right

    As you look at the security entrance, take note of the special assistance and fast track lines on the floor, veering off to the right. if you follow these, you will find a few security machines that are actually for general use in between these two faster lanes. Scan through these and you will be at the end of security with fewer people.

    Preparing for Security – Electricals

    London Stansted Airport has very strict hand luggage rules. Not only do you need to prepare your liquids properly, more on that in a bit but they want to see all of your electricals. This means that any travel hairdryers straighteners, curlers etc need to come out as well as the standard laptops, e-readers & tablets. Make sure that anything like this is packed towards the top of your hand luggage to make your life a little easier.

    Preparing for Security – Liquids

    Then, of course, we have the liquids issue. The way Stansted airport test its liquids means you must have them all in a proper plastic Ziploc bag. A thick clear bag with a normal zip does not cut it. They do have small plastic bags available at the entrance of security but it is just easier to make sure you have a compliant bag in the first place. You wouldn’t want to get to security only to realise that your bag was slightly bigger and your bits will not fit in theirs. a Ziploc sandwich bag, no bigger than 20 cm x 20 cm is perfect.

    Preparing for Security – Clothing

    Remember to wear shoes you can slip on and off quickly. Don’t wear clothes with lot of zips and metal catches and you will have to take your jumpers and jacket off so don’t wear just a bra or little crop top if you are self-conscious…learned that the hard way. If your bra has alot of underwire (M&S are bad for this) then prepare to beep. Maybe a wireless bra or bralette is the way to go.

    Getting into Security – Go Left

    Alternatively, go all the way to the left. Stansted is trialling two new machines which mean you can leave everything in your bag (liquids and electricals). It is very novel! Sadly, we haven’t had a chance to try this out ourselves as they were shut on most recent journey.

    3.) Top Tips for Stansted Seating

    The majority of the seating in Stansted departure lounge is crammed in the middle and hard wooden seating. It is noisy and crowded. However, there are three spots to sit that are vastly more pleasant.

    The Windmill

    Wetherspoons is usually crowded and can be noisy but, if you head upstairs with a bit of luck, you can find a table with a wonderful runway view. On most mornings, this will be a little grey, but seeing the planes move and take off always helps with that holiday excitement. Plus, you can get a refillable hot drink for £3.40! Thats cheaper than a coffee anywhere else in the airport. It is worth noting that the prices here are now as bad as anywhere else other than this great deal, so don’t expect Wetherpoons’ high street pricing.

    The Escape Lounge

    There is one airport lounge at Stansted, which is used both by airline business class passengers, and most airport lounge schemes. You can buy a reservation online through their website or use something like a Priority Pass, as we do. You will find comfortable seating, airport screens, and included in the price are both food and drinks. This includes alcoholic beverages, so a small meal and a couple of drinks it’s probably worth it. Plus, it is so much quieter than the main terminal.

    Additional Seating

    For a completely free, quiet area, make your way through all of the Terminal until you reach the transit train. On the right hand side, you will see a sign, pointing downstairs for additional seating. Follow this, and then head around the escalator to Stansted’s best kept secret. There are rarely many people down here. It’s hardly aesthetically pleasing, but if you just need some headspace then this is a nice option.

    4.) More Top Tips for Stansted Airport Airside

    Stansted Food Tips
    • Meal Deals – This is the cheapest way to eat at the airport. Boots does the best value meal deal at less than £5 for a snack, main and drink. Choose a nice big packet of crisps like Walkers Max, a triple sandwich and a fun fizzy drink for the best value.
    • Grab – This app allows you to preorder food at several outlets. You can then pick it up and go. This is great if you are short on time, you can order in the security queue and then pick up your food once you’re through.
    • Drinks – Don’t forget you can bring an empty water bottle through and refill once you are through security. There are water fountains by all the bathrooms. This is why you shouldn’t waste your drink option on water in a meal deal!
    The Liquids Hack

    If you are travelling hand luggage only, this one is for you! You can do an online order at Boots.com and choose London Stansted Airport as a click and collect location. This ensures you have your favourite full size sun cream or hair products ready and waiting for you at high street prices.

    The Transit System

    Many of Stansted’s gates are located on the other side of the apron. To reach them, you will need to take the transit train. Our advice is to check the gate number as soon as possible using the screens, your airline’s app or Google. Head straight for the transit and make you way to your stop. There are bathrooms at the satellite gates so no worries.

    • Stop One: Gates 1-19
    • Stop Two: Gates 20-39

    Don’t miss your stop and end up travelling back round the main terminal or you’ll be required to clear passport control and go back through security again…you very well may miss your flight.

    Bear in mind that sometimes, it is broken and you will need to take the stairs to buses or to walk a different route so make sure you can carry your hand luggage easily.

    5.) Top Tips for Returning to Stansted Airport

    How to Ace Passport Control

    If your gate requires you to take the transit back to passport control, then make sure you ask, heading to the left to board. Then when you disembark go straight for the passport control sign. Here the queue is split into and basically everybody will go left, go right and you will be to the machines in no time. Make sure your passport is out of its cover and ready to go.

    Don’t Arrive Too Late

    It might seem like a good plan to save some money and catch that late flight. Arriving just in time to catch the last train is all very well and good if your flight is on time. However, if you hit a delay, you will be slightly stuck. Without a guaranteed coach seat booked back to London, you may have to watch several coaches leave without you. This is especially painful in the cold and/or rain. Trust this gal that didn’t manage to get on a bus until 03:00…it is NOT the one.

    Final Thoughts on Our 5 Top Tips for Flying From Stansted Airport

    We hope this plethora of info will help you as you navigate the meandering walkways of Stansted Airport. If you have any Stansted top tips to share, let us know in the comments.

    Rosie xx

  • Loving London – Dinner Cruise with City Cruises London Review

    Loving London – Dinner Cruise with City Cruises London Review

    London is a special city…but then I have lived here for sixteen years so I may be biased. After such a long in the city, it could be easy to think that I have seen the river and all it has to offer. However, taking a dinner cruise with City Cruises proved me wrong. To find out what made it so special, read on for our full City Cruises London review.

    We were guests of City Cruises but all opinions are entirely our own.

    Westminster Pier

    For the London Dinner Cruise, the boat departs from the Westminster Pier. This floating pontoon is right by Westminster Bridge, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament meaning you can do a spot of sightseeing before even embarking. We were in the area far too early so we went and relaxed in nearby St James’ Park. It was a swift 12 minute walk back to the river, ready for our cruise at 19:30. All guests are asked to arrive at 19:30 and it is very important to arrive on time. The boat pushes back at 19:45 and if you miss it, there isn’t a chance to hop on.

    On arrival, we were shown to a queue which moved forward quickly as the boat pulled in. Each group of guests was welcomed, checked off and shown to their spot with a welcome drink. We were incredibly excited to find out that we had front row seats which meant great views. Being visually impaired, sitting close to the action is so important to me!

    Central London Part 1

    The boat pulled away from the pier, under Westminster Bridge which we thought was a little curious. However, it soon made a U-turn and began to sail back east, through Central London.

    Upstairs, we snapped photos galore but got totally distracted as the boat passed smoothly past our favourite London landmarks. I have enjoyed many a stroll along South Bank since I was a child so it was very cool to see the buildings from a different perspective.

    Visiting London? Check out our ideas for 101 Things to Do London

    • So casual
    • The Houses of Parliament
    • About turn!
    • Trying not to neck my welcome drink

    Karl poked his head over the side and saw that those below were already eating so we dashed down for our starters.

    The Starters

    After ordering a couple more drinks (a rum for Karl, and a kir royale for me), we were served with our first course. Now, I am a pushover when it comes to all things smoked salmon but this was particularly good. It had all the flavours that mix so beautifully with salmon, the dill, lemon and prawn but they had obviously thought about texture too. The salad was crunchy, the prawns meaty and I loved the little bits of salmon on top too. It was my perfect fish starter…and not a drop of marine rose sauce to be seen!

    We then had a nice bowl of simple soup. We had demolished the first lot of bread brought to us, completely forgetting about the soup course, but luckily they served it with a choice of rolls. It is a testament to the steady boat captain that I didn’t end up with any soup on my dress!

    Scottish Smoked Salmon Mousse with Mustard and Dill Centre, King Prawns with Lemon and Mesclun Salad
    Tomato, Roast Pepper and Basil Soup

    As we sipped on our beverages and chomped on the starts, we continued to sightsee. Golden Hour was setting in and the sun bathed everything in a warm, glittering light. If you are serious about using this as a photo cruise, stay upstairs until you pass under Tower Bridge so you don’t end up with little reflections in your photos.

    The OXO Tower looks very different when you aren’t below its arcade front.
    A very shiny Shard
    My Kir Royale is almost as big as The Shard!
    St Paul’s Cathedral
    HMS Belfast and Tower Bridge

    What it is Like On Board City Cruises?

    The City Cruises boats are incredibly stable. At the water level, you feel like you are floating across the water. The decor is a little 1990s, like a business hotel lobby but who is there to look inside? What made it special was the performer. He sang and played guitar over three sets, covering modern easy listening favourites. At the end of the night, he got a big cheer. I wonder if people are normally allowed to get up and dance in non-covid times?

    Upstairs, the seats are simple and designed for big groups of tourists to take in the views en masse. We never sat up here but just ran around for photos. The boat holds far fewer people for dinner so there was plenty of room for everyone to get their angles.

    The Main Course

    The main course was a game of two halves. I could have eaten the entire oven dish of dauphinoise. It was a creamy, garlic-laden delight. The sauce was sweet and sharp with tomato and red wine, and heady with thyme. The crispy parma ham was a lovely addition. However, the cute carrot flowers were a bit overcooked and my chicken breast was quite dry in the middle. I didn’t end up finishing it.

    Roasted Supreme of Chicken wrapped in Parma Ham, served with Dauphinoise Potato and Mushroom with Thyme and Red Wine Sauce and Seasonal Vegetables

    What a Sunset

    After speeding quite quickly through the curve f the Thames that runs between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge, the boat pulled over in a City Cruises docking area. We were a bit confused, wondering if that was as far as it went, but enjoying the time to finish our main course without having to rush upstairs for photos.

    As we finished eating, the colours outside had gone from blue and bright to pure gold. We popped upstairs and we greeted by a stunning skyline. We took a thousand photos until the boat pulled out and started to speed eastwards once again.

    East London Hightlights

    Between Tower Bridge and the O2 in North Greenwich, the boat passed some famous spots. Sadly, we missed the infamous pub, The Prospect of Whitby on our left hand side in Wapping We were just too distracted by the sun. However, as we passed through Bermondsey, Limehouse and Rotherhithe everyone’s attention was captivated by Canary Wharf. The Docklands was regenerated in the 1980s when river trade died off. Along the waterfront, a cluster of tall, very shiny skyscrapers now dominates the area.

    From the new to the old, just around the corner is Greenwich. From afar, one can see the masts of the venerable ship, Cutty Sark. The tea clipper

    The Cutty Sark and Greenwich Foot Tunnel Entrance
    The O2
    Our table neighbours watching East London go by
    The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich looking stunning

    The Dessert

    Oh dessert,. When it arrived, it looked pretty but its simple appearance belied its perfect chocolate hit! I took a bite and was instantly sad that it wasn’t ten times the size. The blend of the three chocolate mousses was bang on to ensure it was creamy, not too bitter and not too sweet. The raspberry sauce gave it a fun, fruity punch every so often and at home, we’d have licked the plates.

    White, Dark and Milk Chocolate Truffle Cake with Raspberry Sauce

    The cake was so good, I considered minesweeping the few that people hadn’t touched. I restrained myself….! I settled for the coffee served as a closing number for the meal.

    Central London Part 2

    Our second pass through Central London was much slower. They took particular care to go through Tower Bridge at a stately pace. The sun was celebrating its last few dying rays, the lights were on and it all made for a rather nice snap. We were all furiously photographing the bridge, the sky and each other.

    The eleven bridges over the Thames have been undergoing some work and now all boast a light installation. the overall work is called Illuminated River. Each bridge is different and the LED lights seem to pulse as you pass below each bridge. The lights are on until 2 am so we got to see them in all their glory.

    Along the banks, a few building showed off their lights, reflecting boldly on the shifting water. The brightly coloured lights of the London Eye, and the fun rainbow Town Hall welcomed us back to Westminster Pier.

    Final Thoughts on our City Cruises London Review

    As a London resident, this was an amazing way to see London in a new way. I have walked the Thames from the O2 to Kew Bridge, but how many people cn say that? It opens up sections of the river many haven’t seen, and you can see it all whilst enjoying a tasty meal. Taking the trip in summer is definitely the best plan as the chance to see central London by day and by night was special. In winter, the sun would be gone by the time you boarded.

    As a visitor to London, any of the City Cruises tours would be a special way to see lots of the city in a short time. It’s worth remembering that the classic cruises journeys have a commentary for a little history along the way (great if you don’t know London well) but if you just want to relax, combining sightseeing and dinner, then the dinner cruise is a fabulous option. We saw so many different groups of people on board. Romanic nights out, groups of friends having celebrations, families taking in the sights. It just goes to prove that this is for anyone! I mean, I’d happily go again tomorrow!

    Rosie xx

  • See the Best of London with this 4-Day London Itinerary

    See the Best of London with this 4-Day London Itinerary

    London, capital of the United Kingdom, wraps around the twisting river Thames and extends its urban arms out to the huge ring road, the M25. It boasts years of history in and under its winding streets. Trying to see London in 4 days is probably a crazy thing to do. However, with an awful lot of walking and a whole load of enthusiasm, you’ll have a great time with this perfect 4-day London itinerary.

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  • 101 Things to Add to Your London Bucket List

    101 Things to Add to Your London Bucket List

    London, the capital of the UK, is a city packed with things to see and do. With 2000 years of history on show and a vibrant cultural scene, you won’t find yourself getting bored quickly. Whether you are one of the nearly 9 million Londoners or visiting for a vacation, here are 101 things to add to your London bucket list.

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  • Loving London – A Full(ish) Chambers_ Review – Immersive Dining Joy!

    Loving London – A Full(ish) Chambers_ Review – Immersive Dining Joy!

    London has been gripped by an obsession…or maybe it is just me. When two of my favourite activities collide (dining and theatre) they create immersive dining. The leading lights of the immersive dining revolution, Gingerline and Favourology have done it again with their latest Chambers of Flavour incarnation, Chambers_. After our latest excursion with them, we were super keen to share it with everyone and so it is with a confusing mix of mystery and enthusiasm, I write this Chambers_ review.

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  • Urban Safari – Exploring St James’s Park

    Urban Safari – Exploring St James’s Park

    St James's Park, London

    London is a very green city, (or so they say). As many of the green spaces are closed off in the form of private squares and gardens, it can sometimes feel a little grey. However, there are some gorgeous public parks right in Central London, and my personal favourite has always been St James’s. If you are visiting London then you should definitely try exploring St James’s Park.

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  • Loving London – B Bakery Bus Afternoon Tea Tour of London Review

    Loving London – B Bakery Bus Afternoon Tea Tour of London Review

    Afternoon tea is one of those must-do experiences for visitors to London, and Londoners alike. What isn’t to love about sitting for an hour or two with the ones you love whilst demolishing a selection of cakes and pastries. There are so many afternoon teas on offer around the capital that there is something to suit everyone. Recently, I was lucky enough to enjoy one of the coolest new options. A sight-seeing and afternoon tea mash up with Brigit Bakery; the vintage Routemaster B Bakery bus afternoon tea tour of London.

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  • Loving London – Zookeeper for a Day at ZSL London Zoo

    Loving London – Zookeeper for a Day at ZSL London Zoo

    Surely, it is every little kids dream to get behind the bars at London Zoo and help out as a zookeeper for a day? From feeding the monkeys to stroking snakes, it is probably on the bucket list for a lot of grown ups too! It has definitely been on ours ever since we heard that we could be a Zookeeper for a day at ZSL London Zoo.

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  • Eat Your Way Around the World in Soho, London

    Eat Your Way Around the World in Soho, London

    Updated for 2023

    London’s Soho is the West End’s most diverse and exciting zone. Emerging from its seedier days, in recent years a wave of gentrification has swept through, opening it up as a more family friendly destination. One of the things that has long made Soho an interesting place, is the amazing range of food options. In fact, you can eat your way around the world in Soho! Read on to discover some of the best restaurants in Soho. For this post, the spending money was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views are my own.

    Rosie standing in Old Compton Street, Soho, London
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  • Should You Visit Garden at 120 or Sky Garden – The Battle of Fenchurch Street

    Should You Visit Garden at 120 or Sky Garden – The Battle of Fenchurch Street

    The City of London is a mysterious world of commuters in fancy suits, wildly expensive restaurants and grab-and-go lunch places that are usually closed by 17:00. It isn’t often you get to experience a little slice of it, but there are hidden spots that you can enjoy. Why are they hidden? Because you can’t see them from the street…unless you look up. Enter The Garden at 120, overlooked by its closest neighbour and greatest competitor, the Sky Garden. So if you are visiting Fenchurch Street, and want to check out a free roof garden in London, should you visit The Garden at 120 or Sky Garden? Let’s find out whether you are should visit London’s largest outdoor roof garden or its most famous one. The Garden at 120 vs Sky Garden, let battle commence!

    The Garden At 120 or Sky Garden – The Battle of Fenchurch Street

    Round One – The Building

    120 Fenchurch Street

    120 Fenchurch Street is a shiny building, chock full of office and retail space. To look at, it is nothing special; modern but dull.

    120 Fenchurch Street
    The Sky Garden

    The Sky Garden sits on the top three floors of the 20 Fenchurch Street building. The slightly bulbous skyscraper has been nicknamed by Londoners “the walkie talkie”. Many people think it is pretty ugly but I like a building with a bit of visual intrigue so I don’t mind it. That’s why Sky Garden is the winner.

    The Walkie Talkie

    Round One: The Garden at 120 0 – SkyGarden 1

    Did You Know?

    The square mile in the City of London has just under 9,500 residents. Every day this swells to over 300,000 with the volume of commuters that swarm into the offices and banks in the area.

    Round Two – Ticketing

    The Garden at 120

    There are no tickets needed for The Garden at 120. Instead it is a case of first come, first served. That even includes the people who work in the building, they need to head downstairs and queue up for the lift just like everyone else. This lack of reservations is good for a touch of spontaneity but you could be stuck in a queue or not get up at all. Just make sure you don’t go during the city lunch hour and it should be a lot less busy.

    The Sky Garden

    To enter the Sky Garden, getting a ticket is highly advised. These are free and can be booked up to three weeks in advance on the website. At peak times (school holidays, weekends) you need to be pretty quick off the mark but if you like to plan things in advance then you should be fine. For those of us who like to think on our feet, or if you don’t get to hear of it until you are already in London, then you may miss out. Walk-ins are available Monday to Friday but only at certain times and subject to availability. It is for this reason, The Garden at 120 gets the win for this round.

    Round Two: The Garden at 120 1 – SkyGarden 1

    Forget the Shard, that will cost you at least £20

    See the Best of London with this 4-Day London Itinerary

    Round Three – Making an Entrance

    The Garden at 120

    The first thing that greets you as you head towards the lobby is a screen on the ceiling with pictures moving across it. When we arrived it was showing rippling water, and then transitioned into a beautiful blossom tree. It was very well done and brought lots of lovely light into the area.

    You pass through airport-style security and then take the lift up the fifteen floors. The lift is nothing special but then it doesn’t take that long to get up to the roof.

    The Sky Garden

    The lobby is bright and airy but there is not much to look at other than a semi-green wall. You will have your tickets checked, along with ID and then you are whisked into the lift. Again, a dull lift but it does have a counter that takes you up to floor 35. It shares little bits of information but unless you are right next to it, you may not be able to read it. To be honest, I don’t think we are very good at exciting lift rides here in the UK.

    For its cool LED roof, The Garden at 120 wins this round.

    Round Three: The Garden at 120 2 – SkyGarden 1

    Did You Know

    The King has to ask the Lord Mayor’s permission to enter the City of London. If you see him at one of these roof gardens, the Lord Mayor must have said yes!

    Round Four – The Food and Drink

    The Garden at 120

    On the 14th floor, is the 14 Hills restaurant. The eating spot, owned by D&D London, has amazing views of the surrounding city, but with prices that reflect this. There’s a restaurant, bar and deli as part of 14 Hills. If you want a better view, and for free, you will want to visit the floor above!

    Here, there are no options to purchase anything so it is a picnic affair. Purchase something before you come if you want to eat and drink in the garden, but no alcohol is allowed.

    The Sky Garden

    You can bring food and drink up to the Sky Garden but there are more options to purchase things at the top. None of these are going to be cheap but it can help to make the experience feel a little more special.

    The Sky Pod Bar and City Garden Bar are the two places to get a drink, and they face in opposite directions. If you want the sun, opt for a cocktail in the Sky Pod.

    Neither of the restaurants (the Darwin Brasserie and Fenchurch Restaurant) are by the window, but you can still see some of the view. They are both pretty posh and so you need to dress up and make a reservation.

    For its different options, Sky Garden takes this round

    Round Four: The Garden at 120 2 – SkyGarden 2

    Looking for a bite to eat that isn’t going to cost as much as a rooftop restaurant? Check out Eat Your Way Around the World in Soho

    Round Five – The Space

    The Garden at 120

    The Garden at 120 is totally open to the elements which is wonderful when it is sunny but terrible when it rains. That is why it is good you don’t have to have tickets.

    The garden has points a-plenty. There are striking pergolas full of triangles that cast angular shadows across the floor. The main exception is the pool. Although it is in an angular swathe across the front of the garden, the water’s movement creates softness. We sat by it to eat our picnic and enjoy the reflections of the sun.

    The Sky Garden

    Sky Garden is mostly enclosed so it is more of a year-round destination. It can get a little chilly in winter but it is warmer than if it was outside. It also means that if rain hits, you aren’t going to suffer. There is a balcony so you can get outside but it can get pretty windy. You can’t get a tan here or sit in the sun and it is closed in bad weather.

    I am giving Sky Garden a win for this one but begrudgingly. If the sun is out, then The Garden at 120 would win, but how often can you rely on that in the UK!?

    Round Five: The Garden at 120 2 – SkyGarden 3

    Did You Know?

    The entrances to the City of London are guarded by dragons…not real ones…I think.

    We’ve included Sky Garden on our 101 Things to Add to Your London Bucket List article. Never get bored in London

    Round Six – The Seating

    The Garden at 120

    There are plenty of spots to take a seat. You can find sun or shade in which to lounge, and at different heights to make it accessible which is nice. We really enjoyed soaking up the sun for a while as we nibbled on our picnic lunch. I think that the level of seating is right.

    The Sky Garden

    At first glance, there seems to be plenty of seating but you very quickly realise that much of it is only for bar guests. Those with bar stools or plastic sofas nurse their drinks. I suppose it is fair enough as they are enjoying a rest for their feet.

    Personally, I don’t believe there is enough seating for the number of visitors, and so coming here for a nice picnic isn’t a great option. Come for the view but if you want to relax, you need to spend some money.

    The Garden at 120 is a clear winner for me here.

    Round Six: The Garden at 120 3 – SkyGarden 3

    Maybe you want a cider at ground level? Check out The Best Real Cider Pubs in London

    So it all comes down to the last category!

    Round Seven – The View

    The Garden at 120

    On the fifteenth floor, you will be above most of the normal buildings in the immediate area. This is a nice height where you can still see the details of the surrounding urban landscape. However, there are a few taller buildings which block out a substantial percentage of the view.

    The Sky Garden

    Twenty floors higher, at number 35, you can see everything. Follow the Thames along its curves from Westminster to East London. If you make your way up the stairs and around the building, you will get the whole 350 degrees. You can even use free telescopes to check out things in the distance or the details of things that are closer.

    For the greater scope of the view, Sky Garden takes it!

    Round Seven: The Garden at 120 3 – SkyGarden 4

    Check out our Loving London articles for food, drinks and experiences around London

    Winner!

    We finally have a winner in the question of whether you should visit The Garden at 120 or Sky Garden! Well done to Sky Garden!

    As you can see from the close scores, both of these free London roof gardens are a great option. We have enjoyed visits at both and would bring guests to either. So forget choosing between The Garden at 120 and Sky Garden. Why pick? VISIT BOTH!

    Information – Fenchurch Street Location

    If Fenchurch Street means nothing to you, let us help.

    The easiest way to reach Fenchurch Street is to take London Underground to:

    • Aldgate – 5 minute walk
    • Tower Hill – 6 minute walk
    • Monument – 7 minute walk (Monument is also connected to Bank Station, but it takes a while to get between them).
    • London Bridge – 15 minute walk (also a National Rail Station)

    Fenchurch Street Station is just a 2 minute walk away but only serves National Rail routes to South-East London and Essex.

    If you need some help navigating the Tube, check out Your Complete London Underground Guide – Tube Etiquette and More

    While you are here, keep your eyes peeled for two special spots:

    1.) Look for the old Lloyd’s of London building, topped with its golden ship (the city is full of these stop and stare moments),

    2.) Visit nearby Leadenhall Market for yummy food, a gorgeous old arcade roof and the odd pub.

    Useful Links

    Here are some links that you might like if you are thinking of visiting:

    Rosie xx

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    If you are visiting London and want to check out one of London's free roof gardens, should you visit Garden at 120 or Sky Garden on Fenchurch Street. #londonrooftop #londonfreerooftop #gardenat120 #skygarden #skygardenlondon
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  • Loving London – Sailing a GoBoat Along Regent’s Canal

    Loving London – Sailing a GoBoat Along Regent’s Canal

    If you have seen my blog post about walking the Regent’s Canal, you will know that I am a huge fan of this stretch of canal. I will, of course, jump at the chance to hit this stretch of water in any way I can and so I was thrilled to find out about GoBoat London and try one of their boats out for myself.

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  • Loving London – Turbo Brunch at The Aeronaut

    Loving London – Turbo Brunch at The Aeronaut

    London is swarming with bottomless brunches. They vary wildly in price and value for money. Some cost a small fortune and only serve alcohol for an hour, or an hour and half. At The Aeronaut, however, they offer two brilliant brunches, and the Turbo Brunch at The Aeronaut is, in our opinion the most exciting bottomless brunch in the capital!

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