The Shard is an iconic skyscraper that has dramatically transformed London’s skyline. Standing at an impressive height of 309.6 metres (1,016 feet), this architectural masterpiece designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano is the tallest building in the United Kingdom.
The building’s unique, tapering glass design allows it to pierce the sky, reflecting the surrounding cityscape in its gleaming facade. Internally, The Shard is a vertical city, housing a diverse array of facilities and attractions spread across its 72 floors.
The lower 26 floors are dedicated to high-specification office space, providing prestigious commercial premises in the heart of the capital. Visitors can then ascend to the three floors of world-class restaurants, where they can indulge in fine dining while enjoying unparalleled panoramic views.
The central sections of The Shard are occupied by the 19-floor Shangri-La Hotel, a five-star oasis of luxury that seamlessly blends the brand’s renowned hospitality with the building’s breathtaking vistas. Above the hotel, 13 floors of exclusive residential apartments offer lucky residents the opportunity to call this iconic landmark their home.
The crowning glory, however, is the public viewing gallery located on the uppermost floors. Here, visitors can step out onto observation decks and terraces, taking in 360-degree views that stretch for miles across London’s iconic landmarks and beyond.
The Shard Opening Times
The View from The Shard, the building’s public viewing gallery, operates from 10:00 to 22:00 during summer. In winter, it closes at 19:00 Sunday to Wednesday.
Individual businesses within The Shard, including restaurants and bars, maintain their own schedules. It’s advisable to check the official Shard website for the most up-to-date opening times of specific venues.
The Shard Prices
Tickets for The View from The Shard start at £28.50 per person. Prices may vary based on visiting times and additional options, such as including a glass of champagne. Children under 4 years old are admitted free of charge. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure preferred time slots and potentially benefit from online discounts.
How To Get To The Shard
The Shard’s central location makes it easily accessible by various modes of public transport.
London Bridge station is the nearest and most convenient underground station, directly adjacent to The Shard. It’s served by the Jubilee and Northern lines. Monument and Bank stations, interconnected and serving the Central, Northern, District, and Circle lines, are about a 10-minute walk away across London Bridge.
Several bus routes serve the area around The Shard. Key routes include 43, 48, 141, 149, and 521, which stop at London Bridge station. The 17, 21, 35, 47, 133, and 343 also have stops within easy walking distance of The Shard.
London Bridge City Pier is the closest river bus stop, just a short walk from The Shard. It’s served by Thames Clippers river bus services, offering a scenic approach to the building along the River Thames. The pier provides regular services to various locations along the river, including Canary Wharf, Greenwich, and Westminster.
For those travelling from further afield, London Bridge station also offers mainline rail services, connecting The Shard to destinations across London and the South East of England.
The Local Area
The Shard is situated in Southwark, South London, adjacent to London Bridge station. Its immediate surroundings include the headquarters of The Sun newspaper and Guy’s Hospital. Borough Market, a very popular food market, is just a 2-minute walk away. This area offers a fascinating blend of historical landmarks and modern architecture, making it a vibrant destination for visitors and locals alike.
The neighbourhood surrounding The Shard is steeped in history, with traces of Roman, medieval, and Victorian London still visible. Southwark Cathedral, one of London’s oldest Gothic churches, stands nearby, offering a stark contrast to the modern glass tower. The area’s narrow streets and hidden courtyards reveal tales of Shakespeare’s time when this part of London was a hub of entertainment and slightly unsavoury activities. Today, it’s a thriving cultural quarter, home to attractions such as the Old Operating Theatre Museum and the Menier Chocolate Factory Theatre.
Nearby Attractions
The Shard sits at the heart of a vibrant area rich in attractions, all within walking distance.
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is an iconic symbol of London. This combined bascule and suspension bridge, built between 1886 and 1894, offers both a crossing of the Thames and a fascinating exhibition. Visitors can explore its history, admire the Victorian engine rooms, and walk across its glass floor. It’s about a 7-minute walk from the Shard.
Tower of London
The Tower of London, a historic castle built in 1066, has served as a royal residence, prison, and fortress. Now a popular tourist attraction, it houses the Crown Jewels and is guarded by Yeoman Warders. Famous for its ravens and rich history, the Tower offers visitors a glimpse into Britain’s royal past. It’s about a 10 – 15 minute walk from The Shard.
HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast is a Second World War-era light cruiser that now serves as a museum ship. Moored on the Thames near Tower Bridge, it offers visitors a chance to explore nine decks of naval history. The ship is approximately a 5-minute walk away, on the south bank of the river.
Southwark Cathedral
Southwark Cathedral, just a 3-minute walk from The Shard, is London’s oldest Gothic church. With over 1000 years of history, the cathedral boasts stunning architecture and a rich heritage. Visitors can admire its beautiful stained glass windows, attend services, or explore its connections to famous figures like Shakespeare and John Harvard.
Borough Market
Borough Market is one of London’s oldest and largest food markets. Known for its diverse range of British and international produce, street food, and gourmet offerings, it’s a food lover’s paradise. The market is situated about 5 minutes from the Shard.
Old Operating Theatre Museum
The Old Operating Theatre Museum, a 3-minute walk from The Shard, is Europe’s oldest surviving surgical theatre. Housed in the attic of St Thomas’ Church, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the brutal realities of pre-anaesthetic surgery in the 19th century. Visitors can explore the herb garret, view antique surgical instruments, and attend talks about historical medical practices.
The Clink Museum
Just a 10-minute walk from The Shard, The Clink Prison Museum is located on the site of the original Clink Prison, one of England’s oldest and most notorious jails. The museum provides an immersive experience of medieval prison life, featuring interactive displays, archaeological artefacts, and replicas of torture devices used in the prison’s grim history.
The George Inn
The George Inn, an 8-minute walk from The Shard, is London’s only surviving galleried coaching inn. Dating back to medieval times, this National Trust property offers visitors a chance to step back in time. With its preserved 17th-century galleries and connections to Charles Dickens, who mentioned it in “Little Dorrit”, The George provides a unique glimpse into old London.
Crossbones Graveyard
Crossbones Graveyard, a 10-minute walk from The Shard, is a former paupers’ burial ground now serving as a memorial garden. This site, dating back to medieval times, was used to bury sex workers and other “outcasts” denied burial in consecrated ground. Today, it stands as a poignant reminder of London’s forgotten poor, featuring a memorial shrine and regular vigils.
The Golden Hinde
The Golden Hinde, a 7-minute walk from The Shard, is a full-size reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s 16th-century galleon. This floating museum offers an immersive Tudor maritime experience, allowing visitors to explore the decks, cabins, and cargo holds. Educational tours and overnight stays are available, providing insight into life aboard an Elizabethan sailing ship.