The 10 best sunset spots in London to end your day in

From iconic viewpoints to secret city hillsides, discover the best places to watch the sunset in London.
The 10 best sunset spots in London to end your day in

London’s skyline transforms into a breathtaking canvas as the sun dips below the horizon, casting hues of gold and crimson over the city. From historic parks to towering skyscrapers, the British capital offers a plethora of sunset spots to witness this daily spectacle.

Whether you’re a local seeking a serene evening or a visitor aiming for that perfect photo, here are some of the best sunset spots in London close to all the city’s incredible cultural offerings.

1. Primrose Hill

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Relax on Primrose Hill and savor panoramic sunset views of London.

Perched on the northern side of Regent's Park, Primrose Hill offers an unobstructed panorama of London's skyline. As the sun sets, the city's landmarks are silhouetted against a vibrant sky, making it a favorite spot for both romantics and photographers. From the summit of Primrose Hill, you get a postcard-perfect view of central London, framed by trees and sloping green lawns.

On clear evenings, you can spot landmarks like The Shard, the London Eye, and BT Tower all silhouetted against a vibrant sky.

Know before you go

  • The hill can get crowded on sunny days — arrive early for a good spot.
  • After enjoying the sunset, explore the charming neighborhood of Primrose Hill, known for its cafés, boutique shops, and proximity to Regent's Park.
  • Nearest Tube stations: Chalk Farm and Swiss Cottage.

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

Watch the sun descend while sitting pretty on Primrose Hill

2. Sky Garden

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Explore Sky Garden's lush greenery while enjoying sunset views.

Located on the 35th floor of the “Walkie Talkie” building, Sky Garden is a lush indoor garden offering 360-degree views of the city. The combination of greenery and cityscape makes it one of the best rooftops in London for watching the sunset.

At Sky Garden, you’ll find not just height but dramatic perspective. Watch the sun sink past iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and the Gherkin, and see the light filter through the tropical plants and garden pathways — transforming the space into a golden greenhouse in the sky.

Know before you go

  • Entry is free, but advance booking is essential.
  • You can dine at one of the on-site restaurants or grab a cocktail at the Sky Pod Bar. Leadenhall Market is also nearby for browsing and bites.
  • Nearest Tube station: Monument.

Opening hours

Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Saturday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–9:00 PM

Touch the sky at Sky Garden

3. Greenwich Park

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Greenwich Park rewards visitors with unique views across many of the city's landmarks.

Home to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park provides a hilltop vantage point with some of the best sunset views of the Thames and Canary Wharf. The historic setting adds to the charm of the London sunset experience, and provides one of the city’s top outdoors experiences.

The view from the Royal Observatory terrace is one of the few that spans across the Thames to Canary Wharf, the O2, and beyond on a clear day. It’s a true “above-it-all” moment. The contrast between the ancient architecture of the Queen’s House and the gleaming glass towers in the distance adds an extra layer of grandeur to the scene, especially when everything is drenched in that late-sunset glow.

Know before you go

  • The park closes at dusk so plan your exit accordingly.
  • Some paths are steep — wear sensible shoes.
  • Nearest stations: Greenwich (National Rail) and Cutty Sark (DLR).

Opening hours

Daily, 6:00 AM–dusk

Explore the Greenwich Park

4. Alexandra Palace

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Enjoy wide-angle views across the city's northern sprawl at Alexandra Palace.

Ally Pally’s hilltop perch offers sweeping, wide-angle views across the city’s northern sprawl. It’s especially photogenic at sunset, when the sky stretches out in every direction above the tree canopy and London’s skyline pokes up on the horizon. There's plenty of space to spread out on the grass or gather on benches lining the palace façade, and the uninterrupted view west makes this a consistently crowd-pleasing sunset stop.

Know before you go

  • Make a day of it by checking out events at the palace, boating on the lake, or skating at the indoor ice rink. The nearby Park Theatre also hosts regular performances.
  • Free parking is available, but it fills up fast.
  • Nearest stations: Alexandra Palace (National Rail) and Wood Green (Tube).

Opening hours

The park is open 24 hours

Chill out at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace

5. The Shard

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Marvel at the late afternoon glow as boats glide along the Thames at sunset.

Still wondering where to watch the sunset in London? The View from The Shard offers one of the highest sunset vantage points in the UK. Watch the city transition from golden hour into a glittering nightscape.

The View from The Shard isn’t just high — it’s staggeringly high. At 310 meters, you’re above every other building in London, meaning there’s absolutely nothing to block your view. Sunsets from the Shard roll across the Thames and light up the entire city, with skyscrapers sparkling below and planes carving contrails across the glowing sky.

Know before you go

  • Tickets are required — book in advance for sunset slots.
  • Before or after, grab dinner at one of The Shard’s fine dining restaurants or explore Borough Market — a haven for food lovers right next door.
  • Nearest Tube station: London Bridge.

Opening hours

Daily, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Sharpen your sense of wonder at the View From the Shard

6. Hampstead Heath

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For a meditative way to end your day, head to Hampstead Heath.

Parliament Hill on the Heath is one of the city’s most beloved natural viewpoints. The skyline, spread across the horizon, includes everything from St Paul’s to Canary Wharf, and the open expanse of the Heath gives the whole moment a relaxed, pastoral quality. Whether you’re sitting in the grass or wrapped up in a blanket on a bench, it’s a slower, softer kind of sunset that feels a world away from the city buzz.

Know before you go

  • Spend the day swimming in the Heath’s famous bathing ponds or visiting Kenwood House. Afterwards, head into Hampstead Village for cozy pubs and wine bars.
  • Swimming is seasonal — check pond hours.
  • Nearest Tube stations: Hampstead and Belsize Park.

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

Watch our nearest star set over Hampstead Heath, then see star’s houses in Hampstead Village!

7. London Eye

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Tick off the London Eye from your city bucket list as you end your day with a view.

Watching the sunset from London’s enormous cantilevered observation wheel, will help you tick off one of the city’s iconic landmarks from your bucket list in style. The London Eye’s pods give you 360-degree views across the River Thames and beyond. It’s a slow, scenic ride that offers some of the best London sunset views even chimney sweeps would envy!

At its peak, the London Eye lifts you 135 meters above the Thames, offering a gentle glide through golden hour. You’ll see the Houses of Parliament bathed in amber, the rooftops of Westminster catching the last rays, and the winding river glowing like a ribbon. The best views are right at the top of the rotation — so if you time it right, you’ll hit that magical moment when city lights start to twinkle as the sky deepens into twilight.

Know before you go

  • Book sunset slots in advance — they go fast.
  • Each rotation takes around 30 minutes.
  • Nearest Tube station: Waterloo.

Opening hours

Varies seasonally; typically 10:00 AM–8:30 PM

Get a view over the chimneys from the the London Eye

8. Richmond Park

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Embrace tranquility as the sun sets behind Richmond Park's iconic tree.

One of London’s largest Royal Parks, Richmond Park offers a stunning natural setting to watch the sun dip over wild meadows and ancient oak trees. Head to King Henry’s Mound for a sweeping view that even frames St. Paul’s Cathedral in the far distance.

King Henry’s Mound is a rare find in London: a natural rise with an ancient royal connection and a line of sight so perfectly framed, it’s legally protected. The view through a tree-lined avenue toward St Paul’s Cathedral, 10 miles away, is particularly enchanting at sunset. The soft orange light flickering through the leaves, combined with the park’s rolling fields and roaming deer, makes it one of the most peaceful, awe-inspiring sunset spots in the capital.

Know before you go

  • The park is vast — allow time to walk to King Henry’s Mound.
  • Sunset visibility is best in clear weather due to the low, wide horizon.
  • Nearest station: Richmond (Overground, National Rail, and District line).

Opening hours

Daily, 7:00 AM–dusk (varies by season)

Watch the sun melt over London from Richmond Park

9. Tower Bridge Walkways

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Tower Bridge dazzles with vibrant sunsets over the Thames.

If you're looking for a unique vantage point, the high-level, covered walkways of Tower Bridge offer a dramatic view as the sun sets behind London’s skyline. Perched 138 feet above the Thames the glass floor beneath your feet, these walkways are one of the most memorable sunset spots in London.

West-facing windows offer a direct view of the sun slipping behind the skyline, casting golden light over City Hall, The Shard, and the river below.

Know before you go

  • Tickets are required for access to the walkways.
  • Pair your visit with a stop at the Tower of London or walk along the river toward Butler’s Wharf for dinner with a view. It’s the perfect mix of iconic history and modern London vibes. Innit?
  • Nearest Tube station: Tower Hill.

Opening hours

Daily, 9:30 AM–6:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)

Get a towering view of the sunset in London

10. Stave Hill Ecological Park

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Photo: Diliff

Ascend Stave hill for a breathtaking sunset view over London's skyline.

Tucked away in Rotherhithe, Stave Hill is one of London’s lesser-known sunset spots — but don't let that fool you. This man-made hill rises above the surrounding flatlands and offers unexpectedly brilliant views of Canary Wharf and the City skyline as the sun sets in the west.

This London hidden gem is ideal for those looking to avoid crowds and find a bit of greenery in South East London.

Know before you go

  • It’s a bit hidden — look for the entrance near Russia Dock Woodland.
  • The surrounding ecological park is full of quiet walking paths, reed beds, and ponds — perfect for a reflective golden hour stroll.
  • Nearest Tube/Overground: Canada Water or Rotherhithe.

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

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FAQs: sunset spots in london

Where is the best place to see the sunset in London?
South Bank is an ideal spot for watching the sunset in London. It offers a stunning view of the city's iconic landmarks, including St Paul's Cathedral, Big Ben, and the London Eye, all beautifully illuminated by the setting sun. The location's unique position along the river provides a perfect backdrop for capturing memorable sunset moments.

Where can I watch the sunset in Greenwich?

What is the best place to watch the sunset in South London?

How long does it take to get dark after sunset in London?

Where can I watch the sunset in West London?