The best rooftop gardens in London

At the top of 20 Fenchurch Street (aka the Walkie-Walkie), Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden. This rooftop garden is made up of three levels dedicated to vibrant greenery, particularly Mediterranean and South African plants, as well as herbs and other colourful blooms. If those ace skyline views have got you a little peckish – or thirsty – head to one of the several restaurants and bars that lie beneath Sky Garden’s domed ceiling.

 20 Fenchurch St, EC3M 8AF. Free entry 

Established as part of the Festival of Britain anniversary in 2011, the roof garden on top of brutalist QEH was set up (and is still run by) volunteers who have experienced homelessness, addiction and mental health problems. The garden is home to over 150 species of native wildflowers, a picnic lawn, fruit trees, a scented garden and even a beehive. The roof and café/bar are open until dusk from Tuesdays to Sundays during the summer months, and it's still the best place to catch a Waterloo sunset, beer in hand. Who knows, you might even be inspired to write a song about it.

Festival Pier, SE1 8XZ. Free entry. 

Impressive views don’t have to cost a pretty penny. The rooftop garden at 120 Fenchurch Street boasts some stunning vistas of the City of London and is completely free to members of the public. Take a trip up to the 15th floor and you’ll find a water feature, climbers, planted flower beds and wisteria growing on a steel pergola. There’s also a cute little kiosk selling teas, coffees and snacks on the level below, should you get peckish. 

120 Fenchurch St, EC3M 5BA. Free entry. 

This roof space, just a stone's throw from the City's skyscrapers, is used to grow veggies and herbs that feature on the gastropub's modern menu, so it's double the gherkin up here. There are a few rustic tables parked between climbing vines, or benches to perch on beside planters flourishing with herbaceous life, but in truth, seating is scant, making this a very desirable spot for some peas and quiet. Get there early to snap up a seat to ensure the most comfortable session of sunset snacking and supping. It tends to open for the spring/summer season mid-May. 

40 Commercial St, E1 6LP. Free entry with a purchase. 

This hidden rooftop garden brings things right back to basics. Once you ascend nine storeys in Holborn’s Post Building, you’ll be treated to a unique birds-eye view of the British Museum, the West End and all the familiar London landmarks. You’ll just need to show your ID and go through a security screen first. This is still a relatively unknown rooftop spot, so it’s perfect for when you need proper respite from the city flurry down below. It’s also worth noting that there’s no food or drink allowed up there – it’s just you and the views.

110 New Oxford Street, WC1A 1PB. Free entry. 

No need to haul yourself up flights of stairs to reach this beauty – Coq d’Argent is accessed via a private lift, which speedily delivers all customers to a flourishing rooftop garden. Expect to see beautiful ornaments alongside grassy lawns and delicate vines, which become a fabulous backdrop to Coq d'Argent's French cuisine. When it's warm, it makes a great spot for alfresco dining, and don't forget to gaze out at the incredibly striking views of the London skyline. That’s why you’re here, really. 

No.1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ. Free entry with a purchase. 

‘Haven of greenery’ might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Canary Wharf, but the Crossrail Place roof gardens might change that. Completely free to visit, the botanical garden is pretty impressive, providing respite to the suited and booted residents of Canary Wharf with plant species indigenous to countries like China and Japan. A great place to chill out on your lunch break and pretend you’re taking a mini stroll around the globe. It’s also got it’s very own amphitheatre, which hosts a programme of music and drama during the summer months. 

Canary Wharf, E14 5AR. Free entry. 

The Grade II listed Barbican Estate has gained some extra green bits in the way of a lush rooftop garden. Originally a raised podium area which came about thanks to waterproofing works, this London rooftop garden includes some 22,000 plants - from mixed perennials to grasses and bulbs, which provide richness and colour throughout the flowering season. It’s the perfect spot for finding some zen but, as a residential area, not best suited to rowdier outings.

White Lyon Court, EC2Y 8DE. Free entry.

There might not be a lift, but when you get up to the top of Netil House, the views are enough to make you forget the pain of nne flights of stairs. From October to March there are indoor areas to book, so you can stay dry and check out the views. The rest of the time, pick your sunny spot and stick to, or drink and dance your way around the panoramic bar and garden for full-circle views of our fair city.

1 Westgate Street, E8 3RL. Free entry.

Okay, so this is more of a treetop than a rooftop garden, but it’s still worth a visit. Eighteen metres above ground, instead of peering over skyscrapers, this metal mesh path meanders through the Royal Botanic Gardens’ canopy of sweet chestnut, lime, broad-leaved oak and pine trees. Keep an eye out for locals, too, including tawny owls, kestrels, parakeets and bats. 

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, TW9 3AB. Entry from £22.