North - Primrose Hill, NW3,
NW8
Just north of Regent's Canal, this luscious lump of ground offers unparalleled
views south across Regent's Park, its zoo, and the WestEnd, emerging at the
skyline in the distance. (This view is pictured above, in silhouette, in our
'Eyes over London' masthead)
East
- St.
Paul's Cathedral, EC4
Above the famous Whispering Gallery of the Cathedral's huge dome lie the Stone
Gallery and the Golden Gallery, both of which offer great views of the City
district, the River Thames and much else besides. After reaching for the sky,
visitors can then descend to the depths by taking in St Paul's crypt, the
biggest in Europe.
East - The Monument, EC2
Like St Paul's this was designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire in
1666. Despite over 300 steps to the top of the Doric column, views of the
surrounding city are mostly obscured by taller structures but is still worth the
effort for vista fans. Its 202 feet make The Monument the tallest isolated stone
column on the planet.
South
East - Tower
Bridge, EC3
One of London's most famous landmarks, Tower Bridge is also one of its best
viewing galleries. From the footbridge that link the two gothic towers, eyes are
treated to a stunning view of the river as it bends through the city centre.
South
- The Millennium Wheel, SE1
The British
Airways London Eye
offers unparalleled views of the capital. Sitting aboard a tiny capsule you get
to view the city as it has never been seen before. Click
here for our feature
page on the big wheel.
South - The Oxo Tower, SE1
Once the home of food flavouring manufacturers Oxo, the pretty brick tower now
houses one of London's top restaurants and provides an exciting view from south
of the river to the north bank between the bridges of Blackfriars and Waterloo.
West - London Hilton, Park
Lane, W1
Largely anonymous hotel is at least large. Large enough, in fact, to house
Windows bar on the top floor which boasts a stunning view of huge swathes of
London. Recommended especially at dusk, cocktail in hand, watching the known
world slip on the cloak of darkness beneath your feet.