In recent years the skyline of London has slowly changed with the construction of many new and unique building designs which contrast with the older buildings, memorials and dozens of churches in the city. Canary Wharf was one of the first although Canary Wharf is the area but often confused with ‘One Canada Square’, the tallest building at the centre of Canary Wharf.
30 Mary Axe, better known as ‘The Gherkin’ drew much criticism for its modern design amidst so many older buildings in the city but now blends nicely as other tall buildings have risen, and are still rising around it.
The latest stunning addition to the skyline is 32 London Bridge Street, ‘The Shard’. This is a 310 metre high pillar of glass designed to represent an enormous glass shard; and it is very successful in doing so. It is currently the tallest building in Europe. Not yet completely fitted out but from the design stage it was always intended that it should include an observation floor with the best views across London and beyond. The highest habitable floor is the 72nd at 244 metres and that is the upper viewing floor and partially open to the elements. Above is just a steel structure, partly glazed, with service floors 73 to 95 tapering up to the 310 metre peak.
We took the train to London Bridge station yesterday for our pre-booked and timed entry at 13.00. Admission is limited but once at the top you can stay as long as you like. There is to be a restaurant but that will not be opened until 6 May. We picked a good day but it was a little hazy so you could not see anything like the 40 miles that is possible on a very clear day. But the views are spectacular. Speaking to a couple who were comparing it to the view from the Empire State Building, they said they preferred the randomness of the London street layout compared to the blocks of New York. It is true, it is a very mixed up view and as the Thames winds so much you can easily forget which direction you are facing. But it is most enjoyable looking for all the landmarks amongst the patchwork below.
This is going to be a prime visitor attraction but it is quite expensive at £24.95 per person. For that you get first class attention by the staff who are obviously well trained in hospitality, the high speed lifts have lift attendants, and there are staff present on floors 69 and 72, the viewing floors, to assist with any questions. The exit is, of course, through the gift shop but that is very tasteful with a wide range of gifts and souvenirs of very good quality, although with London price tags.
I would certainly recommend The Shard as a place to visit if you are taking a break in London. Here is quite a large selection of photos to give you a flavour of our visit.
My First View of The Shard…..One of the Friendly Staff…..The Observatory Floor 69
Towards London Eye and Westminster…..Looking Down on Southwark Cathedral…..Across to St Pauls and The City of London
High Rise around the Gherkin…..London Bridge and The City of London…..Looking Down on City Pier
The Pool of London with HMS Belfast, The Tower of London, Tower Bridge.....Tower Bridge and City Hall…..Upper Observation Floor 72
…..Short Pano from London Eye to The City of London.....Window Cleaners
.....Extending Boom and 3 Man Service Team Cradle
Service Team at 244 metres.....Skyward from floor 72…..View from St Thomas Street with Bus Stop and many South London Boroughs Listed
Difficult photography conditions with haze and glass reflections. I held the lens hood against the glass as often as possible and I have tweaked the sharpness a bit on most of these pictures.
It Is Well Worth A Visit To THE VIEW FROM THE SHARD
