The Shard

Tower of London: The Shard - piercing the skyline of the English capital

Daniel Allen

The Shard, Tower Bridge, River Thames, London, UK — The Shard, London, UK

Modern architecture has the power to polarize opinion, and London's newest iconic landmark - The Shard - is no different. This glittering splinter of steel, concrete and glass, which soars over the likes of Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast to a height of nearly 310 meters (1,016 feet), is both adored and reviled by the capital's residents. However you feel, it's an interesting addition to an area already packed with eclectically styled buildings, visible for huge distances around the city.

The Shard, River Thames, UK — The Shard in construction

History of the Shard

Construction on The Shard began in 2009, and its doors opened to the public in February 2013. Hailed as a "vertical city" by its architect, the veteran Italian Renzo Piano, most of the structure is occupied by offices. Above the 28th floor are three floors of restaurants, and above these sit 18 floors of the five-star Shangri-La Hotel (complete with a swimming pool on the 52nd floor). This is topped off by 10 apartments - each expected to sell for up to £50 million. At the apex, occupying levels 68 - 72, is the public gallery, The View from the Shard.

The Shard, London, River Thames, UK — The Shard after completion

The View From The Shard

To save the long queues of most London attractions, The View from the Shard operates on a pre-booked ticket system. You can book online (website details below) up to four months in advance, and print out your airport-style, e-ticket at home. Tickets are certainly not cheap: £24.95 for adults and £18.95 for children. Open daily from 9 am to 10 pm from February 1, a limited number of "walk-up" tickets are also available on the day - at the increased price of £29.95 and £23.95.

Shard Access

The View is open daily from 9 am to 10 pm daily. Last tickets are sold at is 8.30 pm, with last entry at 9 pm. The Shard is closed on Christmas Day.

London Bridge Tube Station & London Bridge Overground Station are just three minutes from The Shard. London Bridge Tube Station is on the Northern & Jubilee Lines.

The View of The Shard, River Thames, London, UK — The Shard, River Thames, London

London Bridge Station has services to Bedford, Brighton, Charing Cross, Gillingham, Gravesend, Hastings, Orpington, Sevenoaks, Southampton, Sutton, Tunbridge Wells and Victoria.

London Bridge Tube Station
21 Dukes Street Hill
Bankside
SE1 9SP

The View from the Shard
Tel: 0844 499 7111