The Garden at 120 | Free City Roof Garden
A new rooftop viewing spot has opened in The City of London! The Garden at 120 can be found on top of Fen Court at 120 Fenchurch Street.
The best bit? It’s free and (for now) you don’t have to prebook, just turn up!
Visiting The Garden at 120
The garden sits above this multi-coloured crown of Fen Court, designed by Eric Parry Architects and there’s a cool art installation by Vong Phaophanit and Claire Oboussier. At the ground level of 120 Fenchurch Street, make sure you look up to fully experience the variety of video footage of London’s parks, waterscapes and architecture.
After a quick airport-style security stop you’re whisked up in the lift to the 15th floor.
The openness of the space is wonderful. When I visited on a grey Saturday afternoon it wasn’t busy and was totally peaceful.
There are excellent views to the South, East and West and it’s only the North which is obstructed by the Gherkin, Willis Building and Cheesegrater.
As with any new view I was excited to see new angles above London which hadn’t been revealed before, like the view directly above Leadenhall Market (Horace Jones, 1881)
Or the contrast of old and new; the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral (Christopher Wren, 1711) next to Lloyds of London’s fire escape (Richard Rogers, 1986).
Is it really a ‘Garden’?
When the garden first opened in February it wasn’t overly lush. However, fast forward around 5 months later and the garden has come into its own.
The canopy has been spreading too and the 3 year old Italian wisteria clippings (that were planted back in April) are making slow but steady progress!
Another nice feature is the rippling water feature which allows for some nice reflection photography!
Speaking to their General Manager on my visit, once it gets busier (they have a max capacity of 200) there will probably be queues but for now you still don’t have to prebook and I’ve never had to queue. Later in 2019 a restaurant will be opening, but for now there’s a coffee cart (and free toilets!)
Opening Times
The rooftop garden is open seven days a week but timing vary, double check the latest timings here. For now there’s no pre-booking required (unless you’re a group of 12+) so just rock up at the ground floor entrance of 120 Fen Court to go through security.
Want To Discover more of The City?
Walk the hidden alleyways of the Square Mile, meeting the heroes, villains and martyrs of the City on my ‘Power and Sacrifice’ public walking tour.
Or if you want to explore more hidden oases within the square mile, join the City Secret Gardens tour! See upcoming dates and book here!
Tony Buglione
I just like to say as a couple who are retired we find ,looking up London really useful ,and thanks for your information we are find so much to see in London.
Katie Wignall
You’re so welcome Tony! If you know anyone visiting and in need of a guide then do send them my way too 🙂
Muriel Harrison
My partner and I visited The Garden at 120 on 26th February the hottest spring day since records begun, and what a surprise that was. The views fantastic, I took photos to keep the memories of such a beautiful, calm place to be in the centre of London. With a little water feature running through and so many places to sit and relax and take it all in, we are both 80 yrs old so this was perfect.
Katie Wignall
I’m so glad you both enjoyed it Muriel, I really do think it will continue to get even better with the flowers. My only worry is that as it gets popular it will lose some of the calm! Hopefully not though 🙂
Deborah Weir
Is the garden open on May 25th -27th? We’ll be visiting from the USA and would love to see the rooftop garden?
Katie Wignall
It should be open daily, you can double check using the links to their website in the post above on the day just to be sure! Also if you’re visiting and want to make the most of your trip you might also be interested in my private tours of London, more info here; https://lookup.london/private-tours/
Doreen upton
Can you buy coffee in the garden? We are a group of 8 ladies and would would love to explore your garden. We are coming to London on tues 2 July in the morning. Thank you.
Katie Wignall
Hi Doreen, at the moment there’s no coffee shop or restaurant up there, but a restaurant is meant to open later this Summer. There are however free toilets and you’re welcome to bring your own snacks / bottled drinks up there. Enjoy!
Diane Brown
Hello Katie, myself and my sister visited the Fitzrovia Chapel after looking at your website and found it an amazing experience. I can’t believe I lived and worked in London most of my working life and never knew of it. We are now on a mission to visit other sites, thanks to you, our next one being the rooftop garden, then the Neasden Temple and then the garden museum. You have done a great job. Diane x
Katie Wignall
Thanks Diane! It’s amazing isn’t it, so much to do right under our noses! If you’re in London you might want to join one of my walking tours! So glad you’re enjoying the inspiration and making the most of London! 🙂 All the best, Katie
Monica Gyseman
Hi Katie..what’s the opening times this winter and is the coffee shop open? Thank you
Katie Wignall
Hi Monica, I think they’re now back to 5pm closing during the week however their website isn’t up to date. That’s at least what I got told by a staff member last time I was there. The coffeeshop/wagon is open during the earlier parts of the day I believe. You can also bring your own food/drink up there.