Visiting the magnificent architecture in London
London isn’t just about pubs, palaces and pigeons. Here at The Boarding Pass Travel Blog, we get as excited by a slice of engineering brilliance as we do by tapas or turquoise seas. Two of our absolute favourites? St Paul’s Cathedral and 20 Fenchurch Street, the rather chunky skyscraper everyone lovingly calls the Walkie Talkie.
At The Boarding Pass, we’re always chasing two thrills, travel and a good view. That’s why we adore the Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie, it gets us just that little bit closer to our favourite aircraft, the majestic Airbus A380, as it glides into Heathrow. London doesn’t just feed our appetite for food and culture, it spoils us with engineering and architecture that make our hearts race almost as much as a take-off roll.
Both buildings are perfectly framed when you stand at the top of Greenwich Park, one of our favourite spots in town. From here, London’s past and future rise proudly above the skyline — and yes, plane-spotting comes included.
St Paul’s Cathedral A Masterpiece That Refuses to be Missed
- Designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666.
- That famous dome is 111 metres high, the second-largest in the world when it was built.
- The Whispering Gallery is one of its quirkiest features. Say something softly on one side and a friend will hear it loud and clear on the opposite side.
- It’s also hosted some of the UK’s biggest moments. Winston Churchill’s funeral, Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding, and Jubilee services for the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Top tip: You can sneak in for free if you attend the morning prayer at 07:30. No camera-snapping allowed during service, but it’s a magical way to experience the space without the usual crowds.
Getting to St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s is in the City of London. The nearest Underground station is St Paul’s (Central Line), just across the road. You can also hop off at Mansion House, Blackfriars, or Bank if you don’t mind a short walk. Several bus routes stop nearby, and Blackfriars station connects you to Thameslink trains if you’re coming in from further afield.
20 Fenchurch Street The Walkie Talkie That Talks Back
- Completed in 2014, designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly.
- 160 metres tall with 34 floors of glass and steel curving outwards like a handset.
- Famously (or infamously) it once melted part of a car parked outside because of the way sunlight bounced off the glass. Londoners nicknamed it the “Walkie Scorchie” for a while.
- The real gem sits on the top floor: the Sky Garden, London’s highest public park. It’s filled with tropical greenery, bars, and restaurants, all wrapped in a 360-degree view.
Top tip: The Sky Garden is free, but you need to book ahead. It gets rammed at weekends, so try midweek or aim for an early slot. On a clear day, you can see the Shard, Tower Bridge, and even as far as Wembley Arch.
The Sky Garden is free, but you need to book ahead. It gets rammed at weekends, so try midweek or aim for an early slot. On a clear day, you can see the Shard, Tower Bridge, and even as far as Wembley Arch.
20 Fenchurch Street is right in the heart of the City, a short walk from Monument (District & Circle Lines) and Bank (Central, Northern, Waterloo & City) stations. Fenchurch Street rail station is only a few minutes away if you’re coming from Essex or East London. Buses serve the surrounding streets, and it’s an easy stroll from Tower Hill if you’re combining it with a visit to the Tower of London.
Refuel After the Views
Of course, no London adventure is complete without a good feed. Luckily, both icons are surrounded by brilliant spots to recharge. Near 20 Fenchurch Street, you’ll find Blacklock, famous for its Sunday roasts piled high with all the trimmings. And just by St Paul’s Cathedral, there’s the brilliantly named Sandwich, Sandwich, their creations are stacked, messy, and definitely not for the faint-hearted.
So, once you’ve climbed domes, wandered gardens in the sky, and snapped those skyline shots, reward yourself. Just be sure to get a few extra steps in afterwards, those calories won’t burn themselves.
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