The Lookout is a free high-level viewing gallery in the City of London. It opened in 2023 and this 2,500 square foot viewing space is on the 50th floor of 8 Bishopsgate, close to Liverpool Street station. And it is right next door to the entrance for Horizon 22 (London’s highest free viewing platform).
Upon Arrival
You may have to queue outside to enter at your pre-booked time slot as the lobby area is quite small. Once inside, your ticket is scanned (it can be on your phone) and then you pass through airport-style security. Bags have to be scanned and you walk through an arch but there’s no need to remove coats, shoes, watches, etc.
Next, you join the queue for the lift to the 50th floor. There are two lifts (elevators) but one was out of action when I visited. This is all level-access so The Lookout is fully accessible.
The lifts are small though. A sign states one can fit 11 people but we all discussed inside how that could actually happen. We got 6 people in comfortably on the way up but 8 people on the way down felt squashed.
The lift isn’t ear-poppingly fast but it only goes to the 50th floor so you soon reach the viewing gallery.
What You Can See
I’ve included a few phone snaps here just to give you an idea of the views.
As you leave the lift you are greeted by floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing London. The panoramic view has many iconic landmarks including The Tower of London, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Monument and Barbican. Plus, look more into the distance and you can see the BT Tower and, beyond that, Wembley Stadium. I also spotted the rooftop Garden at 120 which was much lower down than The Lookout.
Look along the River Thames and you can see up to Westminster. Eagle-eyed visitors might be able to spot Buckingham Palace. Look across to the south and you’ve got The Shard with the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building in front. (That’s where the Sky Garden is on levels 35, 36 and 37.)
I liked the view of the top of the Royal Exchange and Bank junction. And the winding streets of the City of London.
Useful Information
There isn’t a cafe at The Lookout but there is an accessible toilet.
All Public tickets are valid for 45 minutes. I stayed for about 30 minutes as I’d seen enough and enjoyed my visit.
Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Bottled water is permitted but no food.
When you are ready to leave the viewing gallery, you need to use the same lift/s so there will be some waiting as those lifts are so small.
Opening Hours
Mondays and Fridays 12pm-9pm
Tuesdays to Thursdays 10.30am-5.30pm
Saturdays 11am-6pm
Sundays & Bank Holidays 10am-5pm
Tickets
Tickets are free and you need to book online.
Tickets are released every two weeks (bi-weekly) on a Monday.
There can be walk-in tickets available too but that is, obviously, not guaranteed.
Official Website
Other Free Viewing Platforms
The City of London has more free viewing platforms including the Sky Garden, Horizon 22 and the Garden at 120. There’s also The Post Building Rooftop Garden in Bloomsbury.