Secret Gardens & Sky-High Views Walk

Need greenery without leaving central London? This route mixes free rooftop views, indoor “mini jungle” vibes, and calm waterside wandering — ideal for slowing the pace while still feeling like you’ve discovered something special.

• Best for: All ages

• Time needed: Half day

• Great for: Spring and summer exploring

Green Gems

The Garden at 120 – EC3M 5BA

Free rooftop garden with incredible skyline views.

Barbican Conservatory – EC2Y 8DS

Indoor tropical jungle (check opening times before you go).

Crossrail Place Roof Garden (Canary Wharf) – E14 5AB

Covered garden space that’s great in changeable weather.

Little Venice – W2 1ST

Canal boats and waterside wandering with plenty to spot.

Toilets

• Barbican Centre – EC2Y 8DS

• Canary Wharf shopping malls (multiple options) – E14

• London Paddington Station (near Little Venice) – W2 1HQ

Play Stops

St James’s Park (optional add-on) – SW1A 2BJ

Great if you want to extend the day with a classic London park stop.

Jubilee Park, Canary Wharf – E14 5NY

Raised lawn area that’s handy for a run-around.

Lunch Ideas

• Picnic overlooking the skyline at The Garden at 120 (EC3M 5BA)

• Wharf food courts (mix of affordable chains)

• Canal-side bench picnic at Little Venice (W2 1ST)

Observation Tasks

• Spot three famous London landmarks from above

• Find a plant that doesn’t grow in the UK

• Count how many canal boats you see

Photo Prompts

• Take a skyline selfie

• Capture reflections in the water

• Find the tallest building you can see