The Garden at 120: A Complete Guide to London’s Famous Rooftop Garden

Introduction to The Garden at 120

The Garden at 120 is one of London’s most attractive rooftop destinations, offering visitors an opportunity to enjoy beautiful greenery, impressive architecture and breathtaking views of the city’s famous skyline. Located in the heart of London’s financial district, this elevated garden provides a refreshing outdoor experience surrounded by some of the capital’s most recognisable buildings. Unlike many traditional tourist attractions, The Garden at 120 combines a peaceful garden atmosphere with the excitement of being high above one of the busiest parts of London.

London is widely recognised for its historic landmarks, modern skyscrapers, cultural attractions and beautiful public spaces. However, finding a quiet outdoor location in the middle of the financial district can sometimes be difficult. The Garden at 120 offers an appealing solution by bringing nature into an urban environment. Visitors can escape the busy streets, walk through landscaped surroundings, admire colourful plants and enjoy panoramic views without travelling far from the city’s main business and sightseeing areas.

Situated on the rooftop of 120 Fenchurch Street, the garden has become a popular destination for office workers, tourists, couples, photographers and people looking for an enjoyable place to relax. Its elevated position creates a distinctive perspective of London, allowing visitors to appreciate the relationship between historic architecture and modern development. From the surrounding skyscrapers to the distant landmarks, the views make the experience particularly memorable.

One of the most attractive features of The Garden at 120 is that it offers a public rooftop garden experience without the traditional entrance fee. This makes it an accessible attraction for people who want to discover London from above while enjoying an outdoor environment. Whether someone visits during a lunch break, plans an afternoon sightseeing trip or simply wants to photograph the city, the garden provides an interesting alternative to conventional observation platforms.

Where Is The Garden at 120 Located?

The Garden at 120 is located at 120 Fenchurch Street in the City of London, one of the capital’s most important commercial and financial districts. This area is home to major financial institutions, corporate offices, historic streets, modern buildings and several well-known attractions. Its central location makes the rooftop garden a convenient stop for visitors exploring the City of London.

Fenchurch Street is particularly interesting because it combines different periods of London’s architectural history. Traditional buildings stand alongside contemporary office towers, creating a distinctive urban landscape. The Garden at 120 offers an elevated opportunity to appreciate this architectural contrast while enjoying an outdoor space surrounded by the city’s commercial activity.

The location is also convenient for people travelling through central London. Several railway stations, Underground stations and bus routes serve the surrounding neighbourhood. Visitors can combine a trip to the garden with nearby attractions, restaurants, shopping destinations and historical landmarks.

Its position makes The Garden at 120 suitable for both first-time visitors and people who already know London. Tourists can include it in a wider sightseeing itinerary, while local workers can use it as a relaxing destination during a break from their daily responsibilities.

History and Development of The Garden at 120

The Garden at 120 is part of the Fen Court development, a modern commercial building project designed to contribute to the changing architectural landscape of the City of London. The rooftop garden was created to provide public outdoor space in an area where office buildings, financial institutions and busy streets dominate the surroundings. Rather than using the roof exclusively for private facilities, the development incorporated a landscaped public garden that could be enjoyed by residents, workers and tourists.

The garden officially opened to the public in February 2019, introducing a new type of urban attraction to the financial district. Its opening represented an important addition to London’s growing collection of publicly accessible green roofs. The project demonstrated how modern commercial developments could contribute to the public environment by providing recreational areas above ground level.

The architectural and landscape design involved several specialist teams, including German landscape architects Latz + Partner and landscape designers LUC, working alongside Eric Parry Architects. Their approach focused on combining attractive planting, comfortable visitor spaces and uninterrupted views of the surrounding city. The resulting garden offers a distinctive balance between contemporary architecture and natural landscaping.

Since its opening, The Garden at 120 has developed into a recognised London attraction. Its popularity demonstrates the public interest in accessible rooftop spaces and the importance of introducing greenery into densely developed urban neighbourhoods. The garden also received recognition for its horticultural quality, including a Gold award at the 2024 London in Bloom Awards.

What Makes The Garden at 120 Special?

The Garden at 120 stands out because it offers more than a conventional rooftop viewing platform. Many elevated attractions focus mainly on observation decks, glass windows and city photography. This destination creates a different experience by combining panoramic views with landscaped gardens, outdoor seating, flowers, trees and a relaxing atmosphere.

One of its most distinctive characteristics is the opportunity to experience nature while surrounded by modern skyscrapers. Visitors can walk along landscaped pathways, appreciate carefully arranged greenery and enjoy the changing appearance of the city throughout the day. The garden feels different from the busy streets below, even though it is located in the middle of London’s financial district.

Another important feature is its public accessibility. Visitors do not need to purchase a standard admission ticket to enter the garden, making it an attractive option for people exploring London on a limited budget. The combination of free entry, impressive views and attractive landscaping makes it particularly appealing to tourists and local residents.

The garden also offers a different perspective of London’s architecture. Instead of viewing the skyline from street level, visitors can observe the surrounding buildings from an elevated position. The contrast between historic structures, modern office towers and distant landmarks creates an interesting visual experience.

Its design also encourages visitors to spend time in the space rather than simply arriving, taking a photograph and leaving. Seating areas, planting arrangements and the long water feature help create an environment where people can pause, relax and appreciate their surroundings.

The Beautiful Landscape and Garden Design

The landscape design is one of the most important elements of The Garden at 120. The rooftop combines different types of planting to create a natural environment that feels carefully planned without appearing overly formal. Its green spaces introduce colour, texture and seasonal interest into the surrounding architectural landscape.

The garden includes Italian wisteria trees, fruit trees, flowering plants, hedges and perennial planting. These elements contribute to its distinctive appearance and help establish a welcoming atmosphere. Instead of creating a completely open paved terrace, the designers incorporated vegetation throughout the space to make the rooftop feel like a genuine garden.

The planting arrangements also provide different visual experiences depending on where visitors walk or sit. Some areas offer open views across the skyline, while others feel more enclosed because of surrounding greenery and planting structures. This variation makes the rooftop interesting to explore.

Seasonal changes play an important role in the garden’s appearance. During spring, new growth and flowering plants introduce fresh colours. Summer brings fuller greenery and attractive flowering displays, while autumn creates a different atmosphere as plants change with the season. Even during winter, the garden offers an opportunity to experience London’s outdoor environment from an unusual elevated location.

The careful combination of hard landscaping and vegetation demonstrates how rooftop spaces can be designed to serve several purposes. They can provide recreational areas, improve the appearance of commercial buildings and introduce natural elements into heavily developed neighbourhoods.

Italian Wisteria Trees and Flowering Plants

One of the most recognisable elements of The Garden at 120 is its Italian wisteria planting. Wisteria is well known for its beautiful flowering displays and climbing growth habit. Its presence gives the rooftop a distinctive character and contributes to the garden’s attractive seasonal appearance.

The plants grow around specially designed pergola structures that help organise the rooftop landscape. When the wisteria flowers, visitors can enjoy clusters of blooms that add colour and visual interest to the surrounding greenery. The pergola arrangement also creates a sense of structure and helps define different areas within the garden.

The planting is not limited to wisteria. Roses, hydrangeas and other flowering plants contribute to the variety of colours and textures throughout the space. Different plant varieties provide seasonal changes that make repeat visits worthwhile.

The garden’s vegetation also demonstrates the importance of choosing plants that can thrive in challenging rooftop conditions. Elevated environments may experience stronger winds, greater exposure to sunlight and different temperature conditions compared with traditional ground-level gardens. Maintaining attractive planting in such surroundings requires careful planning and regular horticultural attention.

The 200-Foot Water Feature

Another major attraction within The Garden at 120 is its impressive water feature, which extends approximately 200 feet across the rooftop. It is an important design element that introduces movement, visual interest and a calming atmosphere into the garden.

Water features have long been used in landscape design because they can create a relaxing environment and provide a contrast to busy surroundings. At The Garden at 120, the flowing water complements the vegetation and architectural structures, helping the rooftop feel more peaceful.

Visitors can walk alongside the feature, enjoy the surrounding seating areas and observe how the water interacts with the overall landscape design. Its length makes it a noticeable part of the rooftop rather than a small decorative installation.

The feature also contributes to the visual experience of the garden. Reflections, movement and changing light conditions give the water a different appearance throughout the day. On bright afternoons, it can become an attractive photographic element, while quieter periods provide a pleasant setting for relaxation.

The combination of water, flowers, trees and skyline views is one of the reasons the garden feels different from conventional rooftop observation areas.

Stunning 360-Degree Views of London’s Skyline

The panoramic skyline views are among the biggest reasons people visit The Garden at 120. Located approximately 15 storeys above street level, the rooftop provides an elevated viewpoint from which visitors can appreciate London’s distinctive architectural landscape.

Unlike viewing areas that focus on a single direction, the garden offers views around the surrounding city. Visitors can walk along its perimeter and discover different perspectives of the skyline. Each direction reveals a different combination of buildings, streets and distant landmarks.

The nearby skyscrapers are particularly impressive from this position. The Gherkin, 20 Fenchurch Street and other prominent buildings form part of the surrounding urban landscape. Their different shapes, heights and architectural styles make the views interesting for visitors who enjoy modern city design.

The elevated position also allows people to appreciate the scale of London’s financial district. Busy roads, commercial buildings and historic streets become part of a wider panorama that is difficult to experience from ground level.

Weather conditions influence the overall viewing experience. Clear days generally provide better visibility, while cloudy conditions can create dramatic lighting across the skyline. Evening visits during the longer summer opening hours can also offer attractive views as the city becomes illuminated.

Famous Landmarks Visible from The Garden at 120

One of the enjoyable aspects of visiting The Garden at 120 is identifying London’s famous buildings and landmarks from above. The rooftop provides an excellent opportunity to observe how different architectural styles come together across the capital.

The Gherkin: Officially known as 30 St Mary Axe, The Gherkin is one of London’s most recognisable modern skyscrapers. Its curved shape and distinctive exterior make it particularly noticeable within the financial district. Visitors can appreciate its position among the surrounding commercial buildings.

The Shard: Located near London Bridge, The Shard is one of the tallest buildings in the United Kingdom. Its pointed glass structure forms a striking part of the London skyline. On suitable days, visitors may be able to identify it among the distant buildings.

20 Fenchurch Street: Commonly known as the Walkie Talkie, this building is particularly prominent because of its distinctive shape. Its upper floors extend outward, creating an unusual architectural profile that stands out from traditional skyscrapers.

Tower Bridge: One of London’s most celebrated landmarks, Tower Bridge is another attraction associated with the views from the rooftop. Its historic towers and distinctive design provide a striking contrast to the surrounding modern buildings.

St Paul’s Cathedral: The famous cathedral is an important part of London’s architectural heritage. Its dome is one of the city’s most recognisable features and offers an interesting contrast with the newer commercial developments.

These landmarks help make The Garden at 120 particularly attractive to photographers, architecture enthusiasts and visitors who want to discover London’s skyline from an alternative viewpoint.

Why The Garden at 120 Is a Popular Tourist Attraction

London attracts millions of visitors every year, and many tourists search for experiences that combine sightseeing, relaxation and memorable photography opportunities. The Garden at 120 meets several of these interests through its unusual location and accessible design.

One of its biggest advantages is that it offers a rooftop experience without requiring a traditional entrance ticket. Visitors who want to enjoy impressive city views without paying for an expensive observation deck may find it an appealing alternative.

Its location is another reason for its popularity. The garden is situated within walking distance of several well-known City of London destinations, allowing tourists to include it in a wider sightseeing itinerary. People exploring historic markets, churches, financial landmarks and riverside attractions can add a visit without making a separate journey across the city.

The garden also appeals to visitors who prefer outdoor attractions. Instead of remaining inside a building, people can experience fresh air, natural planting and open views. This combination creates a more relaxed atmosphere than many indoor sightseeing destinations.

Another important factor is its suitability for different types of visitors. Solo travellers can enjoy a peaceful break, couples can spend time together, and families can appreciate the garden environment while exploring central London. Office workers also benefit from having an accessible outdoor space near their workplaces.

Is The Garden at 120 Free to Visit?

Yes, The Garden at 120 is a free public rooftop garden. Visitors generally do not need to purchase tickets or make an advance reservation for an ordinary individual visit.

This free-access arrangement makes the attraction particularly appealing to tourists who want to manage their sightseeing expenses. London has many paid attractions, and visiting a destination that offers beautiful surroundings and panoramic views without an admission charge can be a welcome addition to a travel itinerary.

Although entry is free, visitors should be aware that security screening takes place before they enter the rooftop. Bags may be scanned, and visitors must pass through security equipment. These procedures are intended to help maintain a safe environment for everyone.

The garden’s free admission does not mean that every service inside or around the building is free. Food, drinks and refreshments purchased from nearby outlets are separate expenses.

It is also important to remember that opening arrangements can change because of maintenance, weather conditions, special circumstances or public holidays. Checking the latest visitor information before travelling is a sensible step.

The Garden at 120 Opening Hours

The opening hours of The Garden at 120 change according to the season. The attraction generally follows longer opening hours during spring and summer, while the winter schedule finishes earlier.

The usual published schedule is:

The garden is closed on bank holidays. Opening times may also be affected by operational requirements, so visitors should check the latest arrangements before planning their visit.

These hours provide flexibility for different types of visitors. Office workers can visit during the working day, tourists can include the garden in an afternoon itinerary, and people exploring London on weekends can enjoy the rooftop during its public opening period.

During summer, the later weekday closing time offers additional opportunities to experience the city in the evening. Winter visitors can still enjoy the views, although the shorter daylight hours and earlier closing time make planning more important.

Best Time to Visit The Garden at 120

Choosing the right time to visit can make a significant difference to the overall experience. The Garden at 120 offers different attractions throughout the day, and each period has its own atmosphere.

Morning visits can be ideal for people who prefer a quieter environment. Arriving earlier may provide opportunities to enjoy the garden before the busiest visitor periods. The softer morning light can also create attractive conditions for photography.

Afternoon visits are suitable for tourists exploring the surrounding City of London. Visitors can enjoy the garden after sightseeing, have a break from walking and appreciate the skyline in daylight. However, the space may become busier during popular sightseeing hours and weekday lunch breaks.

Summer evenings offer another memorable experience. The extended weekday opening hours allow visitors to see the city as natural daylight begins to fade. Buildings gradually become illuminated, creating a different atmosphere from the daytime skyline.

Spring and summer are particularly attractive for people interested in flowers and planting. Wisteria and other seasonal vegetation contribute to the garden’s appearance, although the precise flowering period depends on weather and growing conditions.

For visitors mainly interested in panoramic photography, clear weather is generally preferable. Checking the forecast before travelling can help improve the chances of enjoying distant skyline views.

Photography Opportunities at The Garden at 120

The Garden at 120 is an excellent destination for photography enthusiasts because it combines landscaped surroundings with impressive views of London’s skyline. Its elevated position creates opportunities to capture architectural details, distant landmarks, colourful plants and the atmosphere of the financial district.

Visitors can take photographs from different points around the rooftop. The perimeter walkway offers changing perspectives, allowing photographers to experiment with wide skyline compositions and individual building shots. The Gherkin and other nearby skyscrapers provide particularly interesting subjects.

The garden itself also offers attractive photography opportunities. Wisteria-covered pergolas, flowering plants, neatly maintained hedges and the long water feature create natural foreground elements. Combining these features with the surrounding buildings can produce photographs that show both the natural and architectural sides of London.

Smartphone photography is suitable for capturing many of the garden’s most attractive views. Visitors can experiment with panoramic photography, landscape compositions and close-up pictures of the flowers. A wider camera lens can be particularly useful when photographing the rooftop and surrounding skyline together.

Lighting is another important consideration. Morning and afternoon light can highlight the architectural details of nearby buildings, while evening light creates a different atmosphere. Photographers should also be considerate of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways or seating areas while taking pictures.

A Peaceful Escape from London’s Busy Streets

The City of London is known for its fast-moving business environment, busy roads and crowded pedestrian routes. Thousands of people travel through the area every day for work, shopping, meetings and sightseeing. In such a busy environment, finding a comfortable outdoor place to relax can be valuable.

The Garden at 120 offers a different atmosphere from the streets below. Its greenery, seating and water feature create a setting where visitors can slow down and take a break from their daily activities.

Office workers can use the garden as a place to enjoy their lunch or spend a few peaceful moments away from their desks. Tourists can rest after exploring nearby attractions, while local residents can enjoy a different perspective of their city.

The rooftop’s landscaping also helps create a pleasant visual environment. Instead of looking at buildings and roads from every direction, visitors can enjoy flowers, trees and planted areas alongside the skyline.

Although it is not a completely isolated or silent destination, the garden offers a refreshing change from the surrounding commercial district. This combination of urban activity and natural surroundings is an important part of its appeal.

The Garden at 120 and Urban Green Spaces

Urban green spaces play an important role in modern cities. As populations grow and commercial development increases, planners face the challenge of providing places where people can enjoy outdoor environments without travelling far from residential or business areas.

Rooftop gardens offer one possible solution. They make use of building spaces that might otherwise remain inaccessible to the public and introduce vegetation into densely developed neighbourhoods.

The Garden at 120 demonstrates how a commercial building can provide an attractive public environment while contributing to the wider urban landscape. Its design incorporates planting, seating and water features to create a space that serves both recreational and visual purposes.

Green roofs can also contribute to environmental objectives. Depending on their design and maintenance, planted rooftop spaces can provide habitats for insects and birds, help manage rainwater and reduce the amount of exposed hard surfaces in urban areas. Their vegetation may also contribute to local environmental quality.

The garden forms part of a broader interest in creating greener commercial districts across London. As cities continue to develop, projects like this demonstrate the potential of combining architecture, landscape design and public access.

Biodiversity and Environmental Benefits

The natural planting at The Garden at 120 is not simply intended to make the rooftop look attractive. It also contributes to the garden’s environmental value by introducing a variety of vegetation into an otherwise heavily developed urban location.

Different plants can provide food and shelter for insects and other small forms of wildlife. Flowering species may attract pollinating insects, while trees and shrubs can create additional habitats within the rooftop environment.

The garden’s planting arrangements also demonstrate how landscape design can support biodiversity in areas where traditional ground-level green spaces are limited. Although a rooftop garden cannot replace a large natural habitat, it can form part of a wider network of green spaces throughout the city.

Regular horticultural maintenance is essential to maintaining these benefits. Plants must be monitored, trimmed and cared for to ensure they remain healthy in an elevated environment. The garden’s long-term appearance depends on the work of professional gardening teams who understand the challenges of rooftop landscaping.

The Garden at 120 has also received recognition for its horticultural quality. Its Gold award at the 2024 London in Bloom Awards highlights its contribution to London’s urban gardening environment.

Accessibility and Visitor Facilities

Accessibility is an important consideration for a public attraction, particularly one located high above street level. The Garden at 120 has dedicated public lifts that take visitors directly to the rooftop, making it easier to reach than attractions that require climbing several flights of stairs.

The entrance is accessible through Hogarth Court, between Fenchurch Street and Fenchurch Avenue. Visitors follow the signs towards the public lifts and complete the required security screening before entering the garden.

The rooftop has been designed to accommodate visitors who want to explore the landscaped areas and enjoy the views. Accessible facilities are available, although visitors with particular mobility requirements may wish to check current arrangements before travelling.

Toilets and other visitor facilities are available within the building. Their location means that visitors should familiarise themselves with the building’s arrangements when planning a longer visit.

The combination of public lifts and an accessible rooftop environment makes The Garden at 120 a convenient destination for a wider range of visitors. It also demonstrates how elevated public spaces can be incorporated into modern commercial developments without making them exclusively available to office workers.

Food and Drinks at The Garden at 120

Enjoying refreshments can make a visit to The Garden at 120 even more pleasant. Visitors can bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy while spending time in the garden, subject to the venue’s current visitor rules.

There are also food and drink options within the surrounding Fen Court development. Visitors can explore nearby outlets for coffee, snacks and lunch before or after visiting the rooftop.

Ravello is one of the building’s ground-floor options, offering coffee and sweet treats. Cibus provides food options such as Mediterranean salads, bowls and sandwiches. These facilities give visitors convenient opportunities to purchase refreshments before heading up to the garden.

People interested in a more formal dining experience can also explore 14 Stories, the restaurant and bar located on the 14th floor. It offers a different experience from the public rooftop garden, combining dining with elevated views of the City.

Visitors should remember that food and drink facilities may have separate opening times and purchasing arrangements. Alcohol is not permitted in the public garden, so visitors should follow the venue’s rules.

Nearby Attractions to Explore After Visiting The Garden at 120

One advantage of visiting The Garden at 120 is its location near several well-known London attractions. Visitors can combine their rooftop experience with a walking tour of the City and discover different aspects of the capital.

Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market is a historic covered market known for its impressive architecture, colourful shopfronts and distinctive atmosphere. Its beautiful roof structure and traditional surroundings make it a popular destination for visitors interested in London’s history and architecture.

The market is an enjoyable place to explore after visiting the rooftop garden. Visitors can walk through its historic passageways, discover independent shops and enjoy the atmosphere of one of London’s most recognisable commercial landmarks.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is one of the capital’s most famous landmarks. Visitors can admire its historic towers, walk across its pedestrian pathways and explore its exhibition spaces. It is an excellent addition to a day of sightseeing in the eastern part of central London.

The bridge also provides opportunities to enjoy views of the River Thames and surrounding riverside attractions. Its architecture offers an interesting contrast with the modern buildings visible from The Garden at 120.

The Monument

The Monument commemorates the Great Fire of London of 1666. This historic column is an important landmark in the City and offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about a major event in London’s history.

Its location makes it a convenient addition to a walking itinerary. People interested in London’s historical development can explore the area and learn about the rebuilding of the city after the devastating fire.

Sky Garden

Sky Garden is another popular elevated destination in the City of London. It combines indoor gardens, restaurants and panoramic views. Unlike The Garden at 120, it is primarily an indoor rooftop attraction and normally operates with a visitor booking system.

Both attractions offer different experiences. The Garden at 120 is particularly suitable for people who enjoy outdoor spaces, while Sky Garden offers a more enclosed environment with tropical planting and indoor facilities.

Exploring these nearby destinations allows visitors to experience both the historic and modern sides of London in a single trip.

The Garden at 120 for Families and Couples

The Garden at 120 is suitable for a variety of visitors, including couples, families and individual travellers. Its open-air environment and attractive landscaping make it an interesting destination for people with different sightseeing preferences.

For couples, the garden offers an appealing setting for spending time together. The skyline views, colourful planting and seating areas create opportunities for conversation and photography. It can be a pleasant stop during a day exploring London.

Families may also enjoy the rooftop because it offers something different from traditional indoor attractions. Children can experience the unusual setting of a garden high above the streets while adults appreciate the architecture and surrounding views. However, children should remain supervised, particularly around the rooftop’s boundaries and water feature.

Solo visitors can enjoy the garden at their own pace. They can take photographs, sit quietly, observe the skyline or simply relax between other activities.

The garden’s free entry is another advantage for groups and families managing travel expenses. Rather than purchasing multiple tickets for an observation attraction, visitors can enjoy a public outdoor space without an admission charge.

Architecture of Fen Court and Its Connection to the Garden

The Garden at 120 is an important part of the wider Fen Court development. The building itself reflects the modern architectural character of London’s financial district, where contemporary office towers continue to transform the city’s skyline.

Fen Court combines commercial space with public-facing facilities and leisure destinations. Its design includes a distinctive building structure and a rooftop environment that creates an additional attraction for people visiting the area.

The relationship between the building and the garden is particularly interesting. The rooftop is not treated as a separate decorative feature but as an important part of the development’s identity. Visitors travel through the building to reach an outdoor space that provides a completely different experience from the offices below.

The development also includes Skyframe, an immersive digital ceiling installation that provides another attraction within the building. Visitors can explore this feature as part of a wider visit to Fen Court, subject to its current access arrangements.

This combination of architecture, public space, dining and artistic installations demonstrates how modern office developments can provide experiences beyond their primary commercial purpose.

Tips for Planning Your Visit to The Garden at 120

A little preparation can help visitors enjoy The Garden at 120 more comfortably. Although the attraction is relatively easy to access, understanding its opening arrangements and visitor expectations can prevent unnecessary inconvenience.

First, check the current opening hours before travelling. Seasonal schedules differ, and the garden closes on bank holidays. A quick check of the latest information is especially important when visiting during public holidays or unusual weather conditions.

Second, choose suitable clothing. As the garden is outdoors and located high above street level, wind and temperature conditions may differ from those experienced on the surrounding streets. Carrying an extra layer can be helpful, particularly during colder months.

Third, allow enough time to explore. Although visitors can enjoy a short visit, spending around 30 to 60 minutes provides an opportunity to walk around the rooftop, appreciate the planting and take photographs.

Fourth, remember that security checks are part of the entrance process. Visitors should allow additional time for screening, particularly during busy periods.

Finally, respect the garden environment. Avoid damaging plants, leaving rubbish behind or disturbing other visitors. Following the visitor guidelines helps maintain the rooftop as an enjoyable public space.

How to Reach The Garden at 120

The Garden at 120 is conveniently located in central London and can be reached using several forms of public transport. Its position near major Underground stations and railway connections makes it accessible for both tourists and people travelling from other parts of the capital.

By Underground: Monument, Tower Hill, Bank, Aldgate and Liverpool Street stations are among the nearby Underground options. Monument and Tower Hill are particularly convenient for reaching the surrounding area.

By Train: Fenchurch Street railway station is close to the attraction and provides connections for passengers travelling from parts of east London and Essex.

By Bus: Several London bus services operate through the surrounding financial district. Visitors can check local routes to identify the most convenient stop.

On Foot: Walking is another excellent way to reach the rooftop garden. Its central location makes it possible to include the attraction in a wider walking tour of London’s historic and commercial districts.

The main entrance is accessed through Hogarth Court, between Fenchurch Street and Fenchurch Avenue. Visitors should follow the signs towards the lifts leading to the 15th floor.

The Garden at 120 Compared with Other London Rooftop Attractions

London has several elevated attractions that offer impressive city views, but each provides a different experience. Comparing them can help visitors decide which destinations best suit their interests.

The Garden at 120 focuses on outdoor greenery, landscaped surroundings and free public access. Its combination of plants, seating and panoramic views makes it particularly appealing to people who enjoy relaxing outdoors.

Sky Garden provides a different atmosphere through its indoor tropical planting, restaurants and observation areas. It is an attractive option for visitors who prefer an indoor environment.

The Shard offers a dedicated observation experience from considerably higher viewing levels. It is particularly suitable for people who want an extensive elevated perspective of London and are happy to purchase an admission ticket.

The Garden at 120 is especially attractive for visitors who want a combination of nature, architecture and skyline photography without paying an entrance fee. Rather than replacing other rooftop attractions, it offers another way to experience London’s changing urban landscape.

The Future of The Garden at 120

The Garden at 120 represents an important example of how public green spaces can be incorporated into modern commercial developments. As London continues to grow, the demand for accessible outdoor areas is likely to remain an important consideration for architects, developers and urban planners.

Rooftop gardens offer opportunities to make better use of available building space while providing recreational benefits for the public. They can also support broader environmental objectives by introducing vegetation and potential wildlife habitats into densely developed neighbourhoods.

The continued maintenance of The Garden at 120 will be important for preserving its appearance and visitor experience. Trees, flowers, hedges and water features require ongoing attention, particularly in an elevated environment where weather conditions can create additional challenges.

Its popularity also demonstrates that people appreciate public spaces that provide something different from conventional shopping and sightseeing experiences. A rooftop garden offers a chance to enjoy the city from another perspective while experiencing a natural environment.

As more developments explore ways to combine architecture with green infrastructure, The Garden at 120 can continue to serve as an interesting example of how commercial buildings can contribute to public life.

Is The Garden at 120 Worth Visiting?

The Garden at 120 is certainly worth considering for anyone exploring central London. Its combination of free entry, attractive landscaping, panoramic views and convenient location makes it an appealing destination for tourists and local residents.

One of its greatest strengths is the balance between nature and architecture. Visitors can enjoy beautiful plants and a relaxing outdoor environment while remaining surrounded by some of London’s most recognisable modern buildings.

The garden is also a practical option for people who want to experience London from above without spending money on an expensive observation attraction. Its public lifts, seating areas and landscaped pathways make it suitable for different types of visitors.

Photography enthusiasts can enjoy the skyline views, while architecture lovers can appreciate the surrounding skyscrapers and historic landmarks. People looking for a quiet break can simply spend time enjoying the rooftop atmosphere.

Although weather conditions and opening arrangements can influence the experience, The Garden at 120 remains an interesting addition to London’s collection of public attractions.

For visitors planning a trip to the City of London, adding this rooftop destination to a sightseeing itinerary can provide a memorable experience that combines urban scenery with natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Garden at 120

1. What is The Garden at 120?

The Garden at 120 is a public rooftop garden located on the 15th floor of Fen Court at 120 Fenchurch Street in the City of London. It features beautiful planting, Italian wisteria, fruit trees, seating areas, a long water feature and panoramic views of London’s skyline.

2. Is The Garden at 120 free to enter?

Yes, The Garden at 120 is free for members of the public to visit. Ordinary individual visitors do not need to purchase an admission ticket or book in advance. Security screening is required before entering.

3. What are The Garden at 120 opening hours?

During summer, the garden generally opens from 10am to 9pm on weekdays and until 5pm on weekends. During winter, weekday opening hours are generally 10am to 6:30pm, while weekend hours remain until 5pm. It is closed on bank holidays.

4. Where is The Garden at 120 located?

The attraction is situated at 120 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 5BA. It is part of the Fen Court development in the City of London and can be reached through the entrance at Hogarth Court.

5. What can visitors see from The Garden at 120?

Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of London’s skyline, including prominent buildings such as The Gherkin and 20 Fenchurch Street. Other notable landmarks, including The Shard, Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral, may also be visible from suitable viewpoints and in favourable weather.

6. How high is The Garden at 120?

The rooftop garden is situated on the 15th floor of Fen Court, approximately 65 metres above street level.

7. Does The Garden at 120 have a restaurant?

The rooftop garden itself is primarily a public outdoor garden rather than a full-service restaurant. However, Fen Court has several food and drink options, including Ravello, Cibus and 14 Stories.

8. Can visitors take photographs at The Garden at 120?

Yes, visitors can take personal photographs of the garden, surrounding buildings and London skyline. The rooftop offers attractive opportunities for landscape photography, architectural pictures and panoramic images.

9. Is The Garden at 120 suitable for families?

Yes, families can enjoy visiting the garden together. Its greenery, outdoor atmosphere and skyline views make it an interesting sightseeing destination. Children should remain supervised throughout the visit.

10. How long should visitors spend at The Garden at 120?

Around 30 to 60 minutes is a reasonable amount of time for a typical visit. Visitors interested in photography, architecture and relaxing in the garden may wish to spend longer exploring the rooftop.

Conclusion

The Garden at 120 is a remarkable example of how modern architecture and natural landscaping can work together to create an attractive public destination. Located on the rooftop of Fen Court in the City of London, it offers visitors a refreshing outdoor environment surrounded by an impressive urban skyline. Its Italian wisteria, flowering plants, fruit trees, landscaped pathways and 200-foot water feature create a distinctive atmosphere that separates it from conventional observation platforms.

The attraction’s free public access is another major advantage, making it possible for tourists, residents, couples and office workers to enjoy an elevated garden experience without purchasing an admission ticket. Its central location also makes it easy to combine with other sightseeing destinations, including historic markets, famous bridges and modern architectural landmarks.

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