Editorial & Affiliate Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. Since I share great London activities with awesome people like you, naturally, my content may contain affiliate links for products, shows, tours, and other activities I do and love. Take action (i.e., subscribe, make a purchase); after clicking one of these links, I’ll earn some coffee money I promise to drink while creating more helpful content like this.
In the heart of London’s bustling City district, a new marvel is set to grace the skyline. Come next month, Europe will unveil its highest free public viewing gallery, aptly named “Horizon 22.” As the pinnacle of London’s architectural marvels, this attraction is perched on the 58th level of the towering 22 Bishopsgate skyscraper, promising breathtaking vistas of the Square Mile skyline.
The Launch and Logistics
Mark your calendars for the 27th of September, as that’s when the Horizon 22 viewing platform will officially open its doors to the public. Whether you’re an early bird or a late riser, this London attraction has got you covered. It will operate seven days a week, opening at 10 am. On weekdays, you can enjoy the view until 6 pm, while on Saturdays, it closes an hour earlier at 5 pm. Sundays and Bank Holidays see the earliest closing time at 4 pm.
For those eager to ascend to these dizzying heights, two high-speed lifts are at your service, capable of whisking you up in a mere 41 seconds. That’s a staggering 8 meters per second! Once you’re up there, you’ll find yourself 254 meters above the ground. To put that into perspective, it’s a tad higher than the View from the Shard* comparison, which stands at 244 meters and is located on the 72nd level of London’s tallest skyscraper across the river. However, while the Shard charges a fee of £32 for its view, Horizon 22, Europe’s free viewing gallery, offers its panoramic sights without a price tag.
Booking and More
If Horizon 22 is on your bucket list, it’s advisable to pre-book your visit. The official website for bookings will go live on the 20th of September. But fret not if you’re more of a spontaneous visitor; there will be a few slots reserved for walk-ins. Each applicant can book a maximum of nine tickets, so gather your friends and family for this unforgettable sky-high experience in London.
City’s Pride and Joy
Horizon 22 is more than just a viewing gallery; it’s a testament to the City’s global stature. As Shravan Joshi, the chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transportation Committee, eloquently puts it, the opening of Horizon 22 is a “huge vote of confidence in the City’s status.” It’s not just a global business hub but also a destination that everyone can relish seven days a week. The gallery is not just about the view; it’s about sharing the City’s pride with the world.
Phillip Shalless, the senior asset manager at AXA IM Alts building, envisions Horizon 22 as the perfect backdrop for various occasions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a local worker looking for a lunchtime escape, or someone planning a memorable proposal, Horizon 22 is the place to be.
So, as September approaches, get ready to elevate your senses and experience London like never before. Horizon 22, the pinnacle of City of London attractions, awaits!
Location
22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AJ
Website: horizon22.co.uk
Other Articles
