Best Places to Catch a Sunset in London

There is no better place to escape the chaos of London life than a visit to Richmond Park. As the largest of London’s Royal Parks, visitors can wander through 2,500 acres of open meadows, looking out for one of the 600 deer that live here year-round. Although there isn’t much elevation in the park,you can head to the pond near Pembroke House for unparalleled views of a London sunset. Even better, visit for sunrise if you can, when the grass is dewy and you may just have the whole park to yourself. 

Although considered to be a bit of a tourist trap, you can’t deny that The London Eye, situated in the heart of the city, provides visitors with some of the best views of the capital. Rising high above the South Bank, this iconic ferris wheel allows visitors to see the winds of the River Thames, catch a glimpse of Buckingham Palace, and snap a photo of the iconic Big Ben. Sunset rides on the London Eye are incredibly popular, so don’t forget to book in advance if you want to guarantee a ride during the golden hour! 

Opened in 2015, the Sky Garden sits on the 36th floor of the ‘Walkie Talkie Building’, making it the highest public garden in London. Laden with leafy indoor plants and huge floor to ceiling windows, this sunset spot showcases the true harmony between the natural world and the busy city. If you don’t mind an early wakeup call, visit the Sky Garden at sunrise to see the day in with an invigorating yoga class. 

Another favoured spot in North London is Parliament Hill. Sitting at the highest point in Hampstead Heath, locals and tourists alike flock here to watch the sun go down. The heath stretches across 800 acres giving visitors an often well-needed rural escape from the city. Why not go for a quick dip at the open-air lido before climbing the hill to watch the sunset? That is a truly quintessentially London experience.

Opened in the 1930s, the Kensington Roof Gardens wins the award for one of the most historic spots to watch the sunset. Originally opened as a department store, the roof was converted into a garden to provide a place of respite from the busy shopping streets below. Choose a seat in the Spanish Gardens, Tudor Terraces or traditional English Woodlands to watch the sun disappear in this surreal setting. 

Stretching across the top three floors of the world’s tallest Novotel, Bokan is one of the newest spots to grace London’s sky-high dining scene. However, eating here is not a cheap activity. So, why not grab a drink at the rooftop bar for a more affordable way to watch the sun fade away into an orangey-red hue behind Canary Wharf. 

Better known for its firework displays and music concerts, Alexandra Palace is also a spectacular spot to watch a sunset. Although a steep climb to the top of the hill, it is well worth it to see the entirety of London’s skyline laid out in front of you. Take a blanket and pack a picnic to enjoy the beautiful grounds before watching London fade into darkness.