Five records you'll break just by visiting View from The Shard

From cloud-catching selfies to sipping bubbles at altitude, here are five epic records you’ll smash just by stepping through the doors...

By Selina Whitby
The Shard

Ride the fastest and highest lift in Britain

The fun starts before you even get to The Shard's viewing platform. Enjoy a record-breaking, super speedy lift journey to the top, which makes its smooth and swift ascent in just 6m per second. Prepare for your ears to pop!

Be the highest Champagne consumer in the city

Combine a cheeky tipple with some spectacular heights. London's highest Champagne bar can be found on floor 69, which you'll have access to with your London Pass. Take your pick from enormous bottles of Bolly and all kinds of creative cocktails. It's thirsty work breaking records, after all. 

Giant bolly

Toast the glorious views with a cheeky tipple

Be the closest person to the clouds in Britain...

...okay apart from, say, skydivers. After you've explored The Shard's indoor viewing gallery, head up to the open-air deck on the 72nd floor. Here, you'll be right amongst the pointy bits of glass that literally poke into the clouds. Feel the wispy breeze drifting through and take an obligatory selfie at the highest point in London.

The Shard

Stand amongst the shardiest bits of The Shard on floor 72

Enjoy the longest-range views from a London landmark

As if seeing London in its entirety wasn't enough – you can also see allll the way to Windsor Castle on a clear day! Grab your binoculars, keep your lenses peeled for the outline of the castle walls, and wave to the King.  

Get a record-breaking View from the Loo

No the sightseeing doesn't stop when you nip to the loo – even the toilets are a thrilling experience. They're 244m above ground (so, don't worry, no-one can see you) and boast impressive floor-to-ceiling windows! They've also been honoured with the prestigious accolade of being 'the most Instagrammable loos in town' so don't miss your chance to visit. 

The Shard loos

Loos with views – a Shard special!

And there's more...

  • The Shard is home to the Shangri-La Hotel – the highest hotel in the UK if you want to snooze at altitude.
  • Restaurants Aqua Shard, Oblix, and Hutong are amongst the highest restaurants in the UK for enjoying a lofty meal out in London.
  • With restaurants, bars, entertainment and a hotel, London's tallest vertical city is the highest place you can spend a full 24 hours!

 

Enjoyed this? Find out why London's Uber Boat is the VIP way to travel and meet the Tower of London's ravenmaster.

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Selina Whitby
Content Lead

Selina is a copywriter and seasoned backpacker who has visited over 50 countries if you count Vatican City, which she does. Her most memorable travel experiences include tubing in Vang Vieng, doing New Zealand’s Nevis Bungee with a fear of heights, and taking a nine-hour flight with a toddler. On her bucket list is Rio Carnival in Brazil, walking the Camino de Santiago, and flying First Class (when she wins the EuroMillions).

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The Monument to the Great Fire of London: FAQs

What is The Monument? Is it open to the public? Yes, the Monument is open to the public. In fact, it is the oldest ticketed attraction in London and has around 230,000 visitors come each year to tackle its 311-step spiral staircase and take in the panorama that awaits them at the top. The viewing platform is situated a pretty mighty 160 feet (48.7 metres) above ground level. Where is it? It stands on a plaza where Monument Street and Fish Street Hill meet in the City of London. The location of The Monument is very deliberate. It was erected on the site where St. Margaret’s, Fish Street once stood. St. Margaret’s was the first church to be destroyed during the Great Fire of London. It is also just 202 feet (61 metres) from the baker’s house on Pudding Lane where the Great Fire started on Sunday 2nd September 1666. The fire devastated London, burning for four days before eventually being extinguished near Smithfield. Today, another memorial, named the Golden Boy of Pye Corner marks the spot where the fire was finally put out. Who built it and when was it erected? It was designed by Robert Hooke and Sir Christopher Wren. You’ll certainly recognise the name of the latter: Christopher Wren was instrumental in the rebuilding of London following the Great Fire. His masterwork, undoubtedly, is the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral, but it’s supremely fitting that he of all people should have a hand in designed a memorial commemorating the Great Fire, and celebrating the reconstruction and rejuvenation of a London reborn in the ashes. Construction began in 1671 and was completed six years later. Is there anything behind its design? How much does it cost to go up The Monument? Tickets are £5 for adults, and £2.50 for kids (5 to 15 year olds). Under 5s go free. And you know how else gets in free? London Pass holders. Yep, access to The Monument (and so much more) is included with the London Pass. Is The Monument accessible? No, unfortunately not. There is no lift to the top of The Monument and the only way up is to take the spiral staircase. It is therefore unsuitable for those with mobilities issues and people in wheelchairs. However, there is still plenty to enjoy and gain from the attraction at ground level. As they say about the Eiffel Tower, the only place in Paris where you can’t see the Eiffel Tower is when you’re up the Eiffel Tower. So it goes with The Monument. Anything else I should be aware of? All bags are checked upon entry and large luggage (wheely cases, big rucksacks etc.) cannot be taken up. There are no storage lockers either, so it’s best to leave your bags back at your accommodation. How do I get there? By tube, head to Monument station, which is on the District and Circle lines. Bank tube station, a transport hub on the Central, Northern, Waterloo and City lines and the DLR, is just a five minute walk from The Monument. By train, the stations which are within walking distance are London Bridge, Cannon Street, Fenchurch Street and Tower Gateway DLR. Thames riverboat services stop at both Tower Pier and London Bridge City Pier. Both piers are within walking distance (around 10 minutes) of The Monument. Bus services stopping at or near The Monument are the 17, 21, 35, 40, 47, 48, 133, 141, 149, 344 and 521. That's it for The Monument FAQs. There's another landmark just down the road. Head over here to find out more.
Matthew Pearson
Blog

Interesting Facts About Bonfire Night & Guy Fawkes

Bonfire night is a special time of year around the UK, especially in London. Read on to find out fascinating facts about this iconic date and the man behind it.
Vanessa Teo
Aerial view of the London, UK skyline at night
Blog

15 fun things to do in London at night

Night owls, party animals, this one's for you. We love London by day, but there is plenty to experience by night.
Vanessa Teo
The London Eye
Tower of London

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Tower Bridge
St Paul’s Cathedral