Tag: UK

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!

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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.

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.

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

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:

• You can book your Sky Garden tickets on the Sky Garden website.
• Check out the opening times here for Sky Garden and here for The Garden at 120.

Rosie xx

Every day I have the privilege of walking through Little Venice on my way to work. It is a great place to take a wander, and connects to my favourite stretch of canal which runs from Camden, in North London, to Little Venice and Paddington in West London. Join me as I walk Regent’s Canal from Camden to Little Venice.

Check out our 101 Things to Add to Your London Bucket List

Why Do I Love walking Regent’s Canal from Camden to Little Venice?

There are lots of walks in London, you can pound the streets or stroll through surprising amounts of green space, but I love this walk for three reasons.

1. It is a nice length. You can complete the walk in an hour if you walk at a good clip, or you take your time and fill three leisurely hours.
2. It is pretty hard to get lost. I like walking along the water’s edge because water is nice and relaxing, and you can’t really stray off the path without getting severely soggy!
3. There is a nice variety of things to see en route. Read on to see what is along the canal.

Camden – The Start

Our walk begins in Camden, Camden Lock to be precise. This is bang smack in the middle of the busiest bit of this bustling shopping area. You can stop to look around the world famous market or head straight down on to the tow path. To reach Camden, you can take either branch of London Underground’s Northern Line, or one of many buses. Just check TFL’s website for the best route option.

Walking down from the high street, you will pass through kerb, the canal side food market. I passed food from all over the world. Thai, Indian, Greek, English, and American stalls compete for the passing lunch trade. There isn’t quite enough seating when it is busy so if you are hungry, why not pick something up and eat it further along the route? It can be a little overcrowded but the path soon opens upas tourists in Camden rarely walk very far away from the lock.

The First Stretch – Camden Realness

Heading North, on the right hand side of the Canal, you are still very aware of being around Camden. The first couple of bridges smell a little like the revelry of the night before, but just don’t breath in too strongly and hurry through. Graffiti and street art covers the walls, some great artistic endeavors and some mindless scribbling. It would be good for the council to let the real street artists create something beautiful here. Camden has a reputation for being a bit gritty and this stretch is a bit rough around the edges. Keep plodding through and you will be in a nicer area very shortly.

The Second Stretch – ZSL

Up ahead you will see a high, Victorian bridge. This is part of Regent’s Park.

If you hear odd grunts, whines and snorts, don’t worry, it isn’t scary people hiding in the bushes. You are, in fact, walking right past ZSL London Zoo. The bridge actually connects the two halves of the zoo. On your right hand side you will see a strange angular construction. Keep your eyes peeled and may see elegant white birds swooping through it. This is the Snowdon Aviary. When it was built in 1962, it was the very first walk through aviary in the world, a trend that caught on quickly. There are rumours that it will be converted into a monkey house in the future. Either way, watch those trees for some animal antics.

Check out our amazing experience as a Zookeeper for a Day at ZSL London Zoo

Slowly plodding along, it can be easy to forget that you are in London. Listen carefully and you will hear the gentle roar of the roads, but it is pretty easy to ignore most of the time. I like to have music, or an audiobook in one ear when i am walking alone. It keeps me company but the other ear is still enjoying the birds and water sounds.

The Third Stretch -Mansion Row

This is where big money lives. It is hard not to be impressed by the huge houses you will be passing. Most are across the canal but there is one lovely garden on your right. Don’t even THINK about wandering in.

These all look pretty classical but they were designed and built between 1980 and 2004 by architect Quinlan Terry. I have always been captivated by them and wondered who lives in places like this. They have such a wonderful location, and gorgeous gardens, However, although I have walked past on many a sunny day but I have never seen anyone out in the garden sunbathing.

You may start to imagine yourself in one of these magnificent piles, but you will get a very rude, very industrial awakening. Just as the huge houses come to an end, this mouldy bridge is waiting to bring you back to reality.

The Fourth Stretch – Lisson Grove Mooring

The residents of those big mansions may think that they “live on the canal”. That is all very well and good, but here, in the Lisson Grove Mooring, you will find the people that actually live ON the canal. This is a real neighbourhood when walking Regent’s Canal from Camden to Little Venice. There are canal boats, lined up with their noses poking out in to the canal at a right angles.

The path here is quite tight and you need to look out for the road humps. You can’t cycle through this section.

It is lovely to see all the different boats, see their names and how they have set up home. On a sunny day (and boy, was my last walk sunny) it seems like an incredibly idyllic way to live.

The Fifth Stretch – Where is the Canal?

Say goodbye to the canal for a moment. Don’t worry, we will see it again. Just after Lisson Grove Mooring, you need to take the path up to the right. When you reach the top, cross the road diagonally to the right and you will see the canal again below you. You can cross left and just walk along the streets but this is my preferred route due to the two refreshment options that it offers.

Through the small housing estate you will pop out on to Aberdeen Place. On the corner is the Crockers Folly pub. It has great cocktails, and a surprisingly good Lebanese menu. The interiors are stunningly lavish. I’m talking chandeliers and marble. Just gorgeous.

Keep heading south-west along the road, until you come to a large road. Here is another great place to stop for lunch or a quick drink. Cafe Laville is an Italian perched on the edge of the bridge, overlooking the canal…oh there it is! It is reasonably priced considering the location; not a bargain, but not a rip-off. The windows are all opened up in summer to create a terrace, and closed up to create a light, warm space in winter.

The Sixth Stretch – Little Venice

Walk along the right hand side of the cafe, along Blomfield Road. You are approaching Little Venice and so you will see lots more permanently moored boats with cute little gardens, just over the fence, You have a couple of choices when you reach Little Venice but I prefer to walk straight under the bridge and make my way around two sides of the triangle. There is a gorgeous island in the middle with a weeping willow bowing it’s head over the water.

You traverse the first side and then it is up and over the bridge, coming down just next to the floating Waterside Cafe. This always has the whiff of greasy spoon cafe about it. We have now met up with my morning commute, and I can’t tell you how tempting it is to sit here and indulge when I am a little hungover.

You will pass the waterbus stop. This is where you could catch a canal boat back along to Camden. Remember those leftovers? If there are any ducks or swans here, you can give them a little snack.

Keep walking and you will then take a right, under a bridge with a bubble barrier, and in to the Paddington basin.

The Last Stretch – Paddington Basin

The curve of the Westway looms above you, but they have made great efforts to make this area as nice as possible. Flower boxes burst with colour and there are plenty of fancy modern restaurants although most are a little dull. Notable exceptions are:

• The London Shell Co, a barge serving up excellent seafood. This is static for most lunches, but also plies the waters between here and Camden with a fishy set menu.
• Check out whether Pergola is open. This is a very hipster, very awesome combination of food pop up, bar and hang out space, Last time I went, I had delicious ramen, mexican snacks and one too many cocktails. There are several food outlets, the main bar and large communal tables. This means everyone can have what they want, and still eat together.
• Finally, is floating bar and restaurant Darcie and May Green. These guys make a mean espresso martini! The menu is heavily influenced by Aussie classics, especially at brunch and lunch time.

Admire the art, stop for refreshment, play a little table tennis or simply wander by.

Want to get on the water instead of just alongside it? Check out Sailing a GoBoat Along Regent’s Canal based at Paddington Basin.

The End – Paddington

And so we come to Paddington station. There are some stairs on your right which will lead down to both the Underground (for the Circle and Hammersmith lines) or along to your left and down one level, the national rail and underground station (for the Bakerloo and Circle and District lines). The station itself has a cute Paddington Bear statue, a war memorial on platform one, and a brass band that plays for a couple of hours on a Friday evening. Realistically you will be rushing off to catch a train or bus, but if you have time, hunt them out.

Check out Your Complete London Underground Guide – Tube Etiquette and More

Don’t fancy walking Regent’s Canal from Camden to Little Venice?

There are a few other ways to travel along the canal.

• First things first, I don’t recommend cycling. There are countless times that you to dismount and the path gets quite narrow in some spots. Plus, you would be from one end to other so quickly that it may not seem worth it.

• The Waterbus – London Waterbus Company plies the canal from Caden to little Venuce and back again for as much of the year as they can manage. The whole route takes just under an hour and they even have a stop at London Zoo. Just pay for your ticket on the boat and they will drop you off. It is a very civilised way to arrive. Check out their website for times and prices here.

• Get an electric boat with GoBoat. We had a great afternoon with GoBoat from Paddington Basin on their super quiet electric boat with our friends. Take a picnic and make a real experience out of it. Check out our full trip with GoBoat on the Regent’s Canal.
• Paddle boarding, probably the world’s fastest growing sport, is now in London! Active360 runs stand up paddle boarding trips along the canal from it’s Paddington Basin location. During my recent canal trip, I was walking alongside a paddle boarding group and they were having a wonderful, relaxing time. It seemed pretty tempting…but my balance is shocking! If you fancy giving it a go, check out Active360’s website.

• Kayaking – If you want to see the canal from swan-eye view, join a kayaking tour. Some go one way, some return to the original spot. There are too many to pick one company. Just google it and find the one that suits you best. One word of advice, even if you don”t capsize, you will always end up a little soggy after kayaking so bring a spare change of bottoms!

• There are a few other options, floating bars, floating hot tubs etc. Get on google and see what you can hunt out.

Where to Next?

Now you’ve walked Regent’s Canal from Camden to Little Venice, you’ve really got the walking bug! There are two ways to extend this walk. You can either:

• Carry on in the same direction, past St Mary’s hospital and turn right at Sussex Gardens. This leads you down to Hyde Park by the Italian garden. You can then wander this huge park to your heart’s content.
• Take a right at Little Venice and walk along the Union Canal. This heads through West London and varies from the downright gross and industrial, to terribly quaint. You will never be too far from public transport so just jump on a bus when you get tired.

This is part of our Loving London series. Check out some of our other London adventures.

Final Thoughts on walking Regent’s Canal from Camden to Little Venice

I didn’t really know what to say here, so let it be this.

Walking is nice.

This route is easy.

I wish there was an ice-cream van half way along.

Rosie xx