Welcome to Horizon 22, home to London’s highest free viewing platform for 300-degree views over London, showcasing the Capital’s most iconic London landmarks.
It’s all about the Views
Opened to the public on 27 September 2023, Horizon 22 is located at 22 Bishopsgate, making this the second-highest building in the city after The Shard (310m vs 278m), and claims to be the tallest free viewing platform in Europe.
It’s not the only viewing platform in the city. In fact it’s a saturated market for birds-eye views across the capital.
Horizon 22’s neighbour at number 8 recently opened a viewing gallery known as The Lookout. Horizon 22 also sits amongst recognisable names like the Shard, Sky Garden, Garden at 120, and London’s original viewing platform, the 17th Century The Monument, which is easily dwarfed by its modern neighbours.
The high-speed lift at Horizon 22 takes an ear-popping 40-something seconds from ground to the 58th floor, where guests experience a two-storey, floor to ceiling window, 300° view over London.
It’s fun to point out the city’s most iconic landmarks. Which ones can you spot in the images below?
22 Bishopsgate, formally known as…
22 Bishopsgate hasn’t always been called 22 Bishopsgate. This building was initially known as “The Pinnacle” or “Pinnacle London.”
However, due to construction challenges and financial issues with the original project, it was redesigned and rebranded as 22 Bishopsgate.
How to get a ticket to Horizon 22?
Horizon 22 is now open from 10am, 7 days a week. Closing times vary by day, hours of operation are outlined below.
Currently, hours of operation are
- 10am-6pm on weekdays
- 10am-5pm on Saturdays
- 10am-4pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Horizon 22 tickets – how much do they cost?
I have delightful news for you, tickets to Horizon 22 are free.
But…this is London so you should book tickets in advance for a timed entry. Same day tickets may be possible but will be subject to demand, and given how popular it’s bound to be I’d book in advance for the foreseeable future.
Maximum of 9 tickets per booking. To book tickets for groups of 10+, you will need to contact the Horizon 22 team.
Do I need to print my tickets?
Horizon 22 has sustainability in mind, so you do not need to print your tickets, simply show them on your phone.
All tickets have the date and arrival time slot with the QR code that will be scanned upon entry.
Do I need to bring any ID?
Horizon 22 indicates that photo ID may be requested on arrival, however during our visit it was not required. It is wise to carry it should you need it.
How long can I stay at Horizon 22?
As long as you want!
Entry to Horizon 22 is by allocated arrival time, but there is no restriction to your visit. If you want to, you can stay until closing time!
What can I see from Horizon 22?
The 300° view over London is impressive, and seemingly more accessible than similar viewpoints.
With clearly identifiable London landmarks from Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, The Shard, the Walkie Talkie, the Gherkin, The Monument, St Paul’s, and all the way out to Battersea Power Station. It truly is a remarkable view.
READ MORE: Newest Posts from Roaming Required
Travelling with children to Horizon 22?
Are children allowed to visit?
Yes, children are welcome however all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Are buggies/pushchairs allowed?
Yes, but there is no buggy park so you need to take them with you to level 58 in the elevator.
What about the food? Does Horizon 22 have a restaurant? Can I take my own food to Horizon 22?
Currently there is a small temporary cafe which serves hot and cold drinks, and some snacks.
There are plans for a café on the main viewing floor of Horizon 22, which will sell a range of hot and cold drinks, and snacks, though this is expected to open closer to December 2023.
You can bring your own water bottles though there is no refill station. Small snacks, if necessary, will be permitted.
Seating is very restricted with 3 small square tables, and a dozen fold up chairs are the only form of seating.
The ability to sit on the floor remains unclear. Some visitors were observed sitting at length without issue, and others were told not to sit on the ground. It seems fair to say that the guidance for visitors and staff needs to be refined.
Are there toilets at Horizon 22?
Yes. Toilet facilities are via gender neutral cubicles, each with a private vanity, and no-touch sensors for water and flush.
There is also a separate gender neutral accessible toilet and baby change for those who need it.
What can’t I take to Horizon 22?
- Firearms
- Ammunition
- Explosives or fireworks
- Knives, blades & offensive weapons
- Incapacitating items & sprays (Tasers, CS gas, pepper spray)
- Flammable liquids or Chemicals
- Alcohol
- Illegal Drugs
- Paint
- Bikes, scooters, or skateboards
- Bags and luggage larger than L 58cm x W 45cm x D 25cm
Small size backpacks and bags are fine and will need to pass through security screening on arrival.
There are no locker facilities.
What else is at 22 Bishopsgate?
22 Bishopsgate is primarily commercial space.
The Market is home to a restaurant and terraced bar, food stalls, as well as a dedicated events space and a hidden speakeasy.
The Active Commuter Park is designed to support and encourage greener commutable avenues with space for over 1,000 bicycles, 75 showers, and over 1,300 secure lockers. There’s also bike maintenance, wash stations and a sustainable dry cleaning service.
XCHG on level 7 is advertised as an exclusive workspace for innovators and entrepreneurs, seeking a safe space to stimulate and foster innovative thinking.
At the time of writing we couldn’t establish their pricing structure so if you’re interested, contact XCHG to find out the specifics.
BXR on level 25 is the City’s highest gym. Work out to views over London, using top of the range gym equipment, access to personal trainers, and a wide range of classes.
XR is definitely targeted towards city-workers because, at the time of writing, their weekend hours are lacking.
- Monday – Thursday: 06:30 – 21:00
- Friday: 06:30 – 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 – 14:00
- Sunday: Closed
Find a new perspective at the top by booking your free ticket today.
The Essentials | Horizon 22
- Location: 22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4BQ, UK. Situated in the City of London, the heart of London’s financial district.
- Height and Design: Standing 278 meters (912 feet) and featuring a distinctive tapered design, gradually narrowing towards the top.
- Use and Purpose: Primarily intended for commercial use. It houses office spaces, providing room for numerous businesses and organizations.
- Amenities: Offers a range of amenities and facilities for its occupants, including restaurants, cafes, fitness centers, event spaces, and observation decks.
- Developer and Construction: The development was led by AXA Investment Managers – Real Assets. Construction work began in 2016, and the building was completed in 2019.
- Sustainability: The building incorporates several sustainable features, aiming to achieve high sustainability standards, including energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
- Previous Name: (The Pinnacle)
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a visit to London and looking for great places to explore with amazing views across the capital then we think you should consider spending some time at Horizon 22, London’s newest skyscraper and viewing platform. We spent so much longer there than we expected and we suspect you will too. Enjoy!
