Sunday 19 November 2023 – London.
Horizon 22 is the viewing area on the 58th floor of 22 Bishopsgate, a 61 storey commercial tower in the heart of the City of London. Construction of the tower finished in 2020, though Horizon 22 only opened to the public at the end of September 2023. It is the highest public viewing platform in Europe, it’s magnificent, and it’s free; though you have to book tickets online.
The whole experience is very well managed, access is controlled, but there are loads of friendly staff herding the cat-like visitors and the viewing floor is vast and a work of architectural art in itself. The lift takes 40 seconds, is very quiet and mostly smooth.
I could have been quite happy just taking photos of the viewing area. That is the top of The Shard, London’s tallest building poking up in the middle of the windows. I very much appreciated that this huge viewing area is not overloaded with visitors, so you can choose the view you want.
The viewing area has views over three-quarters of London, sadly the view out to the north east where we live is the bit that is missing. The views are stunning.
We were lucky that we had a clearish day, apparently the day before all you could see was cloud, and we did get some lovely light.
My feet are not this big; definitely a trick of the camera.
Horizon 22 is a hard recommend for anyone, local or visitor. Book your free ticket, it’s worth it.
Where is Phil now? 
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