The Best London Spots for Viewing Sunrise and Sunset
London is known for many breathtaking sights. However, it’s not that famous for viewing sunrise and sunset. That doesn’t mean you can’t catch a glimpse of the rising and setting sun. Below are the best spots where you can do such an activity.
The London Eye
Not too far from hotels near Soho in London, the iconic London Eye gives you a bird’s-eye view of the city. It also grants you a great view of the sunset. It opens at 10:00 or 11:00 in the morning so you can’t enjoy the sunrise while on one of the capsules.
The standard ticket costs £30 but you can book online and pay £27. Getting your ticket in advance lets you pick the hour when you’ll ride. Make sure you choose around 4:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon.
Located on Westminster Bridge Road, you can arrive at the London Eye after a short walk from Waterloo tube station. If there’s still an hour before your ride, you can spend time on the nearby London Dungeon and SEA LIFE.
Tate Modern
On Bankside, London, you can visit one of the best galleries for contemporary art. Tate Modern is open seven days a week, starting from 10:00 AM (except on some occasions).
After spending an hour or two inside, you can wait for sunset on the nearby riverbanks. You can also head to an adjacent restaurant such as the gallery’s very own.
Richmond Park
It started as a deer park and later on, it played a vital role in wildlife conservation. Richmond Park is also noteworthy for being the biggest of the eight royal parks.
Aside from the fauna and flora, the site lets you watch sunrise and sunset. You should be there by 4:30 am to see the sunrise and around 4:30 pm for the sunset.
You don’t need a ticket to enter the park. However, you have to take a cab to get there for the sunrise. If you’re after sunsets, you can use either the tube or the railway. You can alight on Richmond tube or railway stations.
Hyde Park
Roam around Kensington Gardens or Green Park after lunch. Then, wait for the sunset on the adjacent Hyde Park. You can also spend time waiting for the sunrise.
Another royal park, it’s considered home to various plants and animals. While waiting or after viewing, you can take a look at the statues and memorials featured in the park.
You can take the tube and drop off at the Hyde Park Corner tube station. Other options include Lancaster Gate, Knightsbridge and Marble Arch tube stations.
Primrose Hill
The Regent’s Park, also one of the royal parks, houses another prime spot for sunrise-viewing in London. Best known as Primrose Hill, the site is often filled with tourists who also want a view of the city. When it comes to accommodation the city offers a myriad of options. Yet, a hotel near Covent Garden in London tops them all!
Aside from the sights, you can also find delis and boutiques near the site. Primrose Hill is quite close to Chalk Farm tube station.
Expect flocks of tourists in some of the said London spots. Like you, they may also be waiting for sunrise or sunset. If you prefer a less crowded, perhaps you can visit around July or August.