United Kingdom Horizon 22, City of London

Horizon 22, at 22 Bishopsgate offers the highest viewing platform in London. It’s so high that it looks down on Sky Garden, at the top of the nearby Walkie Talkie building, and even The Shard. Admission is free – yes, really.

The building itself has a difficult birth: different designs, including a Helter skelter, different owners over the years and objections that the height might mean it interferes with aircraft flying into London airports, the same argument that reduced the size of “The Girkin” which is beside it and can be looked down onto from the viewing platform.

The location has challenges insofar as detailed cityscapes present a challenge because of the height. Internal reflections are difficult to manage, especially when light is shining directly into the building from the South. Tripods aren’t permitted, and its hard to use one hand to shield with a jacket or coat while operating a camera with the other. Later in the day offers different, probably better opportunities, especially in winter, when the city’s lights come on.

Exit 3 at Bank tube station and Threadneedle street will take you to it directly. The entrance is in Bishopsgate and signage within the building is clear.