The Shard

Try out The View from The Shard and gaze in awe at the spectacular views over the capital for up to 40 miles and see the top attractions, including the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament, from more than 300 metres up in the air.
The Shard is a 95-storey skyscraper. It is 309.9 metres high and has 11,000 glass panels, covering 56,000 square metres – that’s equal to the size of eight football pitches!

Protruding from London's skyline, The Shard is visible from almost everywhere in London, and there's nothing quite like getting up close and heading to the tower itself. This shining landmark has 11,000 glass panels covering 56,000 square metres - did you know that it takes 17 (very brave) window cleaners three months to clean the whole building?

Children enjoying a day out at the Shard.

Opened in July 2012, The Shard is the tallest building in the city, the 4th tallest building in Europe and the 96th tallest in the world! London's highest and best view is situated at the top of this architectural masterpiece, on floors 68, 69 and 72.

If you are looking for the best views over London, the View from The Shard will make your kids’ jaws drop to the floor as they gaze up to the sky and enjoy the unparalleled 360-degree views for up to 40 miles across the city. You will whizz up 68 stories to the viewing platform in a high-speed elevator, where you can enjoy unrivalled views and look out upon the London Eye, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, the River Thames and much more. See if you can spot these six sights while you're there.

Come armed with all the facts to keep everyone entertained. The Shard was built by Sellar Property Group in association with London Bridge Quarter Ltd and designed by the famed Italian architect, Renzo Piano. Don’t forget to bring your camera along for The Shard view- you're definitely going to want to snap a few selfies up there.

Why not stay for dinner at the Shard? The Shard restaurants, including the Shangri La restaurant, Aqua Shard and the Oblix at the Shard. Kids will love staying late and watching the sunset in London.

What to know before you go

The Shard stands above London Bridge Station on the south bank of the River Thames in Southwark.
If you are staying overnight, The Shard hotel is the first luxury hotel in the city.
Unfortunately, buggies cannot be taken up to the viewing platforms but they can be stored, free of charge, near the security scanners in the main ticket hall. The View from The Shard is accessible via wheelchair and has step-free access with accessible lifts throughout the attraction.
There are different restaurants to choose from at The Shard, including the Shangri-La restaurant and Aqua Shard. Or indulge the whole family and enjoy an afternoon tea at The Shard Oblix restaurant. If you just want to grab a coffee, Bar 31 serves food and drinks every Friday and Saturday from 1pm until 10pm.
If you do choose to eat at a restaurant at The Shard, the dress code is smart casual. Please do not wear trainers, flip-flops, tracksuits, other sportswear or shorts.
If you're looking for something more low-key, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from near London Bridge, including family favourites Cafe Rouge and Cafe Piazza located in Hay's Galleria, just a five-minute walk away.
The View from the Shard closes at 9pm in August, 8pm in September, 7pm in October (6pm on Sundays), 6pm in November and December. Last entry time slot is one hour before closing time.
If you're looking to see more sights from incredible heights, why not check out the London Eye or visit Up at The O2.

Getting there

The closest station to The Shard is London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee lines and National Rail services), which is around a two-minute walk away. There are signs to The Shard as you exit.
Lots of buses stop within a five-minute walk, including the 17, 21, 35, 43, 47, 48, 133, 141, 149, 344, 381 and 521.
Unfortunately, there is no on-site parking. If you need to come by car, we suggest parking in the NCP Car Park London Bridge which is a five-minute walk away.