Is The Shard Experience in London Worth Your Time?

The Shard experience in London* is the newest attraction in town. Opened in 2012 and claiming the title of the tallest building in Europe, it was time for me to judge for myself.

The modern build made from recycled steel and 11,000 glass panels can be seen for miles. It integrates itself perfectly into the cities’ skyline. The tower hosts numerous offices, luxury hotels, a gallery, as well as private accommodation high above the city. The top levels, however, are reserved for tourists and locals to experience the view. From approximately 310 meters, visitors get a 360-degree panoramic view that can stretch up to 40 miles in each direction.  

Avios asked me to review The Shard experience as part of their rewards scheme. Earlier this week, I found some time to head over to London Bridge and explore The Shard.  

Good to Know: Avios is a website that helps customers turn their everyday spending such as groceries, petrol or wine into travel rewards. Thanks to their attractive loyalty point system, you can now use your Avios points for London attractions, too.

Where Is The Shard Experience & What Can I Expect?

The entrance to The Shard experience is very well signposted, once you’ve passed the ticket barrier at London Bridge Underground station. It’s less than a five-minute walk towards the South exit. 

Sleek and stylish in design but never losing its touristy touch, The Shard promised to be a quality experience. At the entrance area, there is a ticket office, a shop selling overpriced merchandise, and a photographer who makes sure you’ll get a nice souvenir picture of your stay. 

Afterward follows a security check, similar to airport procedures – but this is standard practice at most London attractions (e.g. Sky Garden). After security, you are given a digital guide and enter a chic lift. Operated by the staff, it’ll take you up to the public observation gallery on the 68th floor. So far, I found the experience pleasant and of high quality. The staff were friendly and discreet; the place was polished, and the lift ran so smoothly, you didn’t even notice how fast it moved to the top – flawless!     

The lift played classical music and changed its ceiling. It stopped very briefly at Level 33, which was the same height as Sky Garden. From there, there’s a second lift that went further up.  

The Shard Experience in London Checklist:

• Ticket Prices: starting point £25, standard tickets £32 pp, premium from £42pp
• 309.6 metres (1,016ft) high
• Made from 11,000 glass panels and recycled steel (20%)
• 95% of the construction material is recycled
• Each facet forms a shard, a plane of glass gently inclined inwards, rising towards the top
• The corners of the development are open, and the shards do not touch, allowing the building to “breathe”
• The Shard & its structure: retail (2nd floor), offices & winter gardens (4-28), luxury restaurants (31-33), luxury Shangri-La Hotel (34-52), private residences (53-65), public observation gallery & Skydeck (68-72)
• The observation gallery covers an area of 1,400-sq-metre
• Further 15 levels make up “The Spire” of which 9 are open and exposed to the outside world

The Public Observation Gallery at Level 68

When I stepped out of the lift onto the first viewing platform, the wow-effect was less spectacular than I imagined it would be. The Shard’s pointed build made some corners tight and the space of the gallery felt awkward and less airy. This, however, had no impact on the view in the slightest which was incredible. There were no obstructions at all.  

Even though it was a typical gloomy day, with rain and a heavily overcast sky, the view was stunning. I found it very calming and relaxing. Having come here shortly after lunch meant fewer visitors up there but more hustle and bustle in the streets below – but without the noise of sirens or car engines. There were even clouds creating dramatic effects.   

The digital guide provided interactive information about the building. There was a detailed historic map, showing the changes in the city’s structure. A modern-day map displayed all the sights visible in each direction and highlighted various points of interest. These can be further investigated with interactive telescopes across the gallery that provided entertainment and engagement with the view.

The Skydeck at Level 72 

The Shard experience in London continued on its top floor – the Skydeck at Level 72. The final 15 levels of the building form “The Spire”. From the ground, it is often visible as the illuminated tip of The Shard. The final 9 levels are actually open-planned and are home to a Skydeck. This exposes the visitor to the natural forces outside. You’re literally in the sky. 

The saying “on top of the world” got a complete overhaul of its definition when I reached the Skydeck. I could feel the air and the clouds. There might have been an occasional raindrop or soft drizzle that touched my cheeks. I felt the summer wind and nearly touched passing airplanes approaching City Airport. It was an unforgettable atmosphere up there. If visitors wanted to treat themselves to a special Afternoon Tea, The Shard experience offered a classy Fortnum & Mason package. This is definitely something I would consider for another time. 

Please note: The Shard Experience in London currently offers no Afternoon Tea at the Skydeck. However, restaurants Oblix and Shangri-La Hotel have Afternoon Tea packages available from £50pp (updated 2022).

The Shard Experience in London Review Summary

I found the facilities at The Shard classy and of very high quality which provides a stylish experience to the visitor. I often felt the exclusive atmosphere was particularly designed for adults that appreciate sightseeing in style. Starting with ticket prices from £25pp onward to souvenir pictures, additional food, or souvenir shopping, the costs can quickly add up. For a family, this can be an expensive day out. This might be something for you to keep in mind when planning your visit. 

The panoramic 360-degree view allows visibility of up to 40 miles. At Sky Garden, the view is interrupted through an outside terrace and steel constructions all around the outside of its facade. At The Shard, I spend a good 1 ½ h whereas at Sky Garden visits can be rather short.  

I always thought the free view from Sky Garden would be enough, but the view from The Shard literally topped this experience by a mile. The undisturbed views over London are unrivalled and simply breathtaking. At first, I was slightly hesitant about the ticket price, given the fact Sky Garden is admission-free. However, The Shard experience is different. At Sky Garden, the initial excitement flattens down pretty quickly. Whereas at The Shard experience, there’s much more to enjoy and see. Therefore, I feel this attraction makes sure the visitor gets the most out of their stay. 

Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this post and would like to support the blog & my research, you can do so via Buy Me a Coffee.

Till next time,

Carolin

*I was invited by Talented Talkers on behalf of Avios to review The Shard experience in London. All opinions are my own.

Interested in any of my other London experiences?

• Reviewing The New Festive Afternoon Tea at Corinthia London*
• See a New Side of London with the Charity Shops Kensington Tour*
• A Day Trip To The Mayfield Lavender Farm