The View from The Shard

The View From The Shard | London

The Shard is the highest viewpoint in London and Western Europe. Designed in 2000 by Renzo Piano, the master architect, the landmark delineates London's skyline. Inspired by the trunk of a sailing ship and the local railway lines, the skyscraper is a dynamic emblem of the capital of England. Standing at over 300m above the ground, the Shard height is twice as tall as many other viewpoints in London. That is why it makes a desirable spot for holidaymakers. Eleven thousand wall-to-wall angled glass panes have been used in construction and they are responsible for the lively transformations in the appearance of the tower. The special glass reflects sunlight and changes according to the time and weather. Visitors are required to book specific timeslots and buy the Shard tickets in advance.

What To See When You Visit The Shard

A 360-degree view of the English Capital is the major experience that brings vacationers to The Shard. The observatory deck, an open-air space, is on floor 72. Bring a jacket because you will be exposed to a breezy climate. Still, there are numerous floors offering vantage points including floor 69, which houses a bar and seating area. The doors face the northern side of London where you get to see notable sights such as the Emirates Stadium, Walkie-Talkie, and Gherkin. Move over to the right and discover just how close Olympic Park and Canary Wharf are. Get to the south side and look out toward Crystal Palace, home to the twin radio towers.

Recommendations: Who Can See The Shard?

Newborns and babies under the age of three have free admission. Any visitor below 15 years cannot visit alone but only under the care of an adult. Occasionally, the Museum of London allows children to get hands-on with objects from the Olympic Site and Thames foreshore.

Extra Tips: What You Should Know Before Visiting The Shard

Like with most attractions, the Shard sees fewer crowds earlier in the day and late in the evening. Here are some tips:

To experience a moment just when the lights are turning yellow, visit The Shard during sunset
The tube at London Bridge Station is the most convenient way to access The Shard.

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The View from The Shard

The View from The Shard - Booking Information

Except for the entrance lobby and the booking hall, Visitors are only permitted to enter The View if they are in possession of a valid ticket. Visitors may be required to provide a proof of identification or, where applicable, the credit card used for the booking of tickets. Admission to The View will only be valid on the date and time stated on the ticket. Visitors arriving before their allocated time will have to wait until the time stated on their ticket before being permitted entry to The View. Any latecomers may have to wait until capacity is available for them to enter, subject to availability
All visitors will be subject to airport style search so please allow sufficient time for entry.
The View from the Shard is over 1000 feet from ground level so any clients suffering vertigo or any similar related issues enter the View entirely at their own risk.
Parents of young children should be aware that the View from the Shard has floor to ceiling glass.
Safety information
- If You have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 please do not visit
- To help with social distancing on your visit there will be signs throughout the venue to help you stay a safe distance apart, screens at till points, bars and shops will ensure you are served safely. It is recommended you wear a face covering, although they are not mandatory in the attraction, face coverings are mandatory in the gift shop.
- Capacity has significantly been reduced to ensure that your visit is in a safe a comfortable environment
- The View From The Shard will no longer accept cash payments. All payments made in the gift shop, photo point and bars will need to be made by card.
- Please ensure that you bring your ticket with you to be able to enter the attraction
- When visiting, please make use of the hand sanitiser stations that are available throughout the venue.
- The View From The Shard have also stepped up their cleaning regime, with more frequent and deep cleans to ensure your safety.
Disabled access:
There are 15 steps leading from the entrance on Joiner Street to the booking hall with handrails on both sides. There is a small lift to the left of these stairs. Entry to the booking hall is through a revolving door or through an automatic door to the right which is 900mm/35.5ins wide.
The booking hall is located on Level 1 of The Shard with step free level access all the way to Level 72. The floor surface is tile, the area is evenly lit with overhead lighting, there is a hearing loop system installed at each desk, and a pen and pad of paper is available at each counter.
Visitor toilets are located on Level 1 and Level 68.

The View from The Shard - Event Information

Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Age recommendation: Children are aged 4-15 years old. Infants under three years of age are free of charge but must have a valid entry ticket.Children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult, otherwise entry may be refused.
Other info:
Bookings are non-exchangeable and non-refundable under any circumstances, including bad weather. In the event of closure, you will be offered an alternative date.

Return for free with Weather Guarantee

With the Weather Guarantee, if you cannot see at least three of the following five landmarks during the time of your visit, you will be given a complimentary return ticket, allowing you to return within three months, absolutely free:

London Eye

20 Fenchurch Street

Tower Bridge

One Canada Square

St Paul’s Cathedral

Staff at the ticket desk will let you know on the day if the Weather Guarantee has been authorised and will arrange your return ticket. You must claim your free ticket on the day of your visit before you leave the attraction.

Entry to The View from the Shard is subject to the Supplier’s terms and conditions, a copy of which is available on arrival at the venue. Reserving your tickets online is acceptance of the full Terms and Conditions

Travel to The Shard is recommended by public transport. There are no parking facilities for visitors.

On arrival, if you require help please ask any member of The View uniformed staff who will be happy to assist.

Please bring a form of identification with you that matches the name on the ticket as this may be checked before you enter.

To ensure visitors’ safety within The Shard, you will be required to pass through an electronic body scan and will have any baggage or personal items scanned before entry. CCTV and other audio and visual recording may be undertaken for the safety and security of visitors and staff.

Certain items cannot be brought in to The View including large bags and rucksacks, generally over the size of 22x15x8 inches (55x38x20 cm) or other large equipment. Although we have no cloakroom facility for bags, folded pushchairs can be left in the designated area in the booking hall for free but bags and coats cannot be left with them.

Open containers of food or drink cannot be brought into The View.

Tickets should only be bought from The View website or through authorized ticket agencies. If The View believes that a ticket has been resold without consent, the holder may be refused entry to or ejected from The View without payment of compensation.Children aged up to three are not charged for entry but will need a valid ticket. Children aged four to fifteen will need a valid ticket and also must be accompanied by an adult aged sixteen or over.

The View may carry out photography and/or video recording and/or other monitoring which may feature visitors and copyright and all other intellectual property rights in these materials rests with The View or such
authorised third party
Voucher exchange instructions: Please ensure you print your voucher and hand it to the venue on arrival in exchange for your entry ticket.
Opening hours: Winter Opening Hours (25 October – 31 March): Mon – Wed & Sun 10am – 7pm (Last entry 6pm); Thu, Fri & Sat: 10am – 10pm (Last entry 9pm)Summer Opening Hours (1 April – 24 October): Mon – Sun: 10am - 10pm (Last entry 9pm)