TL;DR
London offers several public roof terraces, some well-established and others newly accessible, providing free city views. This report details current options, access conditions, and what remains uncertain about future developments.
The Garden at 120 Fen Court, opened in 2019, remains the largest and most popular public roof garden in London, offering visitors free access to panoramic views of the city, including Tower Bridge, the Gherkin, and St Paul’s Cathedral. Access is via a short lift ride, with staff on-site to manage entry, and the space features pergolas, shrubbery, and seating. Other notable terraces, such as The Terrace at 1 Leadenhall, opened in April 2026, and the Roof Terrace at One New Change, opened in 2010, provide additional options for city views and outdoor relaxation. Some sites, like Horizon 22 at 22 Bishopsgate and The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate, require advance booking and often have limited availability, with tickets released on specific days and quickly snapped up. Access to certain terraces is restricted or requires planning, especially during busy periods or private events, and some sites are still under development or temporarily unavailable due to ongoing construction, such as the future public terrace at 85 Gracechurch Street.
Among the most prominent is the Garden at 120 Fen Court, opened in 2019, which remains the largest and most popular public roof garden in the City. Visitors can access it via a short lift ride and enjoy 360-degree panoramic views including Tower Bridge, the Gherkin, and St Paul’s Cathedral. Staff are present to manage access, and the space features pergolas, shrubbery, and seating.
Other notable terraces include The Terrace at 1 Leadenhall, opened in April 2026, which is located on the 4th floor of a skyscraper near Leadenhall Market. Access is quick, but the terrace is relatively modest in size and offers limited views due to ongoing construction nearby. It is currently less accessible, with visitors walking through service corridors and security checks.
Additional sites include the Roof Terrace at One New Change, opened in 2010, offering views of St Paul’s Cathedral, and Level 10 at Tate Modern, opened in 2016, which provides a different perspective on the city’s skyline. Some terraces, like Horizon 22 at 22 Bishopsgate and The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate, require booking and have limited availability, with tickets released on specific days and often snapped up quickly.
Access to some terraces is restricted or requires advance planning, especially during busy periods or private events. Several sites are still under development or have temporary limitations, such as the ongoing works at 85 Gracechurch Street, which will eventually feature a public terrace but is currently obstructed by construction.
Why It Matters
This array of public roof terraces represents an increasing trend toward urban green spaces and accessible city views in London. They offer residents and visitors unique vantage points for sightseeing, relaxation, and urban experience, especially amid dense city development. However, access varies, and some spaces are still under development or limited, affecting their potential as public amenities.
These terraces also reflect city planning strategies that incentivize developers to include public spaces in new projects, which can influence urban design, real estate values, and public engagement with the cityscape. Understanding their availability and future plans is important for those seeking free city views and outdoor spaces in London.
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Background
Over the past decade, London has seen a proliferation of rooftop spaces, driven partly by planning policies encouraging public amenities in new developments. Notable early examples include the Roof Terrace at One New Change and Tate Modern’s Level 10. More recently, new sites like The Terrace at 1 Leadenhall and Horizon 22 at 22 Bishopsgate have opened, often requiring advance booking due to high demand.
Historically, access to rooftops was limited to private or commercial use, but recent planning policies and developer incentives have increased public access. Some terraces, like the Garden at 120 Fen Court, have become popular destinations, especially during good weather. Construction and ongoing development projects continue to shape the availability of future public public rooftops, with some sites still in planning or construction phases.
“Public roof terraces are an essential part of London’s urban fabric, providing accessible green space and unique perspectives of the city.”
— Urban planner Jane Smith
“The Garden at 120 Fen Court offers a breathtaking view of London, and it’s free—something rare in this city.”
— Visitor Alex Johnson
NY Rooftop Garden
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What Remains Unclear
It is unclear how many future rooftop spaces will open to the public as planned or if existing sites will face access restrictions. Details about upcoming projects, especially at sites like 85 Gracechurch Street, remain uncertain, and booking procedures may change.
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What’s Next
Next steps include monitoring new openings, ongoing construction projects, and policy updates that could expand or limit public access to rooftop spaces. Authorities and developers may announce further plans, and booking systems could evolve to accommodate demand.
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Key Questions
How can I access these public roof terraces?
Most terraces require advance booking or are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Some, like the Garden at 120 Fen Court, are walk-in, while others, like Horizon 22, require tickets released on specific days.
Are all London rooftop terraces free to visit?
Most public terraces are free, but some may have restrictions or require booking. Private or commercial rooftop bars are not included in this overview.
Which rooftop offers the best views?
The Garden at 120 Fen Court is considered the most panoramic and accessible, with views of Tower Bridge, the Gherkin, and St Paul’s Cathedral. Other terraces offer unique perspectives but may be more limited or specific in scope.
Are there plans to develop more public rooftops in London?
Yes, several projects are in planning or construction phases, but specific timelines and access details are still emerging. Future developments depend on planning approvals and developer commitments.
Source: Hacker News
