11 places to catch the sunset in London

When golden hour strikes in London, the city is awash in a rainbow of colors. From fluorescent shades of orange and pink to jeweled purple tones, the London sunset is a photographer’s dream.

Before you go chasing the sunset, keep in mind that twilight can fall at vastly different times in London, depending on the season. Starting from mid-November, sunlight hours begin decreasing steadily, fading even before 4 p.m. As February rolls around, the sun stays out for longer and longer—by July, you’ll have to wait until 9 p.m. to catch the sunset.

Whether you’re looking to snap that postcard-worthy shot or simply to admire the wonders of nature, here are our 11 favorite places to watch the sunset in London.

What better place to watch the sunset than the spot where global time is determined? Greenwich Park offers fantastic views past Canary Wharf to the London skyline. Get there early to check out the Queen’s House, as well as the flower garden and deer enclosure—although you’ll have to remember to tear your eyes away from all the attractions so you won’t miss the sunset itself.

While you’ll have to purchase a ticket to enter the Royal Observatory, it’s worth a visit to stand on the legendary Prime Meridian Line. And as night falls, you can even gaze at the stars through the telescopes in London’s only planetarium.

“The view from the top over London whilst the sun is setting is fantastic, great place for a picnic, sit back and watch the sunset over the skyline”—Sightseer_Lee

If you’re planning to experience London from the skies, the best time to do it is at sunset. Grab the London Eye’s fast-track ticket to ensure you make it onboard during this magical time. As you spin above the Thames River, enjoy the 360-degree views of London surrounding your glass capsule. On a clear day, you’ll even be able to catch a glimpse of Windsor Castle.

“Amazing views and we went right before dusk which provided amazing views of the sunset. Did not take long to get on and it goes really slow so you can see everything. A must-do!”—TravelGuy401

Of course, you can’t talk about sunset views without mentioning the tallest building in the United Kingdom. Breeze past the snaking lines outside The Shard with a direct entry ticket, hop on a high-speed elevator and emerge above the clouds.

The View from The Shard spans three different floors, but you’ll get the ultimate view of London’s cityscape from the open-air Skydeck on level 72. Alternatively, head straight to GŎNG Bar on level 52 for sunset cocktails that will make you feel on top of the world.

“Loved this experience - well organised and not too crowded . My teenage kids also enjoyed it a lot so was a great afternoon. Worth waiting to sunset to see the changing colours on the horizon.”—Vijit72

Venture out of the city to Richmond Park, a wide and verdant landscape away from the hustle and bustle of London. As you wander around the park, you’ll find natural wonders like ancient trees, rare insects, and wild deer. The Isabella Plantation is particularly stunning in springtime, with the azaleas in full bloom.

When the sun begins to set, climb up King Henry’s Mound to get a view of St. Paul’s Cathedral, or attend a wildlife photography workshop to capture incredible shots of the deer out and about during golden hour.

“Richmond Park has beautiful landscape and scenery. The sunset looks like it is out of a painting. No pictures can do it justice.”—Elizabeth

Glide by London’s landmarks on this sunset dinner cruise along the Thames River. Watch icons like the Houses of Parliament (also known as Big Ben) and Tower Bridge sparkle under the sunset’s radiant glow as live music provides a captivating soundtrack. Apart from the panoramic view, you’ll also get to enjoy a fantastic meal onboard—we recommend going for the Platinum Package to keep the wine flowing.

“We had a beautiful night and took many pictures on the deck. It was great because you can get different pictures simply as the night moves from sunset to dark. This is a great way to see London from a different angle and experience.”—spud-tato

English poet William Blake once wrote: “I have conversed with the spiritual sun. I saw him on Primrose Hill.” This royal park gently hugs London’s skyline with its sprawling slopes. Venture up the grassy hill to reach one of London’s six protected viewpoints, more than 200 feet above sea level.

Because Primrose Hill faces east, this is a popular spot to catch the sunrise. Still, the sunsets here aren’t half bad—as golden hour approaches, you’ll see the skyline slowly transform into a swirling pot of colors. Pack a picnic basket or take a leisurely stroll towards Camden Market for dinner.

P.S. Try to avoid going in January and February, as it can get chilly up on the hill.

“really beautiful place in top of the hill, good area to eat on the grass enjoying drink during the sunset or just look a the stunning view”—KevinAurelija L

Prices in the City of London can be staggeringly high, so if you’re looking to save some cash, there’s no better place than the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street. This iconic skyscraper is also known as the ‘walkie-talkie building’ because of its distinctive shape that resembles—you guessed it—a walkie-talkie handset.

Entry is free of charge, and it’s best to book tickets as soon as they become available up to three weeks before your visit. You’ll have a one-hour limit, so if you’re planning to linger around, we recommend making an advance reservation at one of the dining spots in Sky Garden: Darwin Brasserie, Fenchurch, Sky Pod, or City Garden. You’ll be granted access to Sky Garden automatically as well as after opening hours (6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 p.m. on weekends).

“Amazing views at sunset over London. Free entry and plenty of space to get a 360 view. No pressure to buy food or drinks but available if you do want to. We had to queue for a short while outside to get in and did book free tickets in advance. Happy we booked as people were being turned away at the door without a ticket.”—Abs

Just four miles from Trafalgar Square, a trip to Hampstead Heath will make you feel as if you’ve escaped the city. This grassy heath sits astride a sandy ridge, and is frequented by locals picnicking, flying kites, and enjoying the fresh air.

Brave the steep climb up Parliament Hill to admire the Houses of Parliament, The Shard, and St. Paul’s Cathedral in the distance. The summit of Parliament Hill is one of the highest points in London, which makes it an essential sunset spot.

“You will not have seen London until you see it from Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath. Chose a nice day, preferably an hour or so before sunset, and walk up to Parliament Hill.”—Shalom M

If you’re a thrill-seeker looking for a truly breathtaking view of London, Up at The O2 is one for the books. As the sun goes down, you’ll strap into a harness and hike your way up the 170-foot building. When you reach the summit of The O2, you’ll feel like the king of the world. From the winding waterways of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to the skyscrapers studding Canary Wharf, the jewels of London will be laid out right in front of you. Once you’ve had your fill, take a deep breath and descend back to base to complete your panoramic adventure.

“Up at The O2 was an absolutely brilliant experience. We went up on the sunset climb and it was the perfect time of day. The views were stunning. It was so much fun. Would recommend to all.”—DBeth_92

Because of its shape that resembles the pickled snack, 30 St Mary Axe is lovingly known as The Gherkin. While the skyscraper is mostly office space, Searcys at The Gherkin lays claim to the top floors of the building. The glassy panels all around the restaurant, coupled with The Gherkin’s glass dome roof, provide an immersive experience during sunset hours. And as the stars come out to light up the sky, you’ll feel like you’re being swathed by a blanket of constellations.

“This restaurant combines it all, beautiful sunset view over the city of London, great food for good price and relaxed atmosphere. Service is very attentive and friendly. We went to the bar upstairs for drinks after to have a great ending to the great evening out.”—HeijdenS

For a serene sunset experience, trade the city skyline for tranquil canals. Stroll down Little Venice’s tree-lined streets and check out the artisanal cafés and shops in the neighborhood. You can even make an adventure out of it by joining this private tour to hunt for clues and uncover hidden mysteries of the area. The waterways are open for use, so you can choose to sail on a barge towards Camden Lock.

“Really worthy a visit if you are in London. Would recommend to go for the sunset. Apart from little Venice with its cafes and canal boat trips, you can enjoy a nice walk on the canal up to Kensal Green and Ladbroke Grove, very quiet and relaxing.”—Francesco B

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