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.

Impressive views don’t have to cost a pretty penny. The rooftop garden boasts some stunning vistas of the City of London, but 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.   

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 from 10am until 11pm 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.

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.

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.

“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. 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 like taking a mini stroll around the globe.

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.