20 Fenchurch Street

Visiting 20 Fenchurch Street London: Guide, Tickets, Hours, and Tips

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

20 Fenchurch Street, best known as the Walkie-Talkie building, stands as a striking feature of London’s contemporary skyline. Located in the heart of the City of London, this architectural marvel is renowned for its distinctive top-heavy silhouette, innovative design by Rafael Viñoly, and the celebrated Sky Garden—London’s highest public garden offering panoramic city views. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a visitor eager to explore new perspectives on London historical sites, or a local searching for a tranquil urban escape, 20 Fenchurch Street promises a memorable experience that harmonizes urban innovation with public accessibility.

This comprehensive guide explores 20 Fenchurch Street’s historical evolution, architectural and environmental innovation, and provides essential visitor information covering the Sky Garden’s hours, ticketing, accessibility, as well as nearby attractions and the building’s broader cultural and social impact. For current details, consult the official Sky Garden website, Vinoly Architects, and SkyscrapersWorld.

Introduction
Historical Evolution of 20 Fenchurch Street
Architectural Significance
Visiting 20 Fenchurch Street: Hours, Tickets, and Access
Nearby Attractions
Controversies and Criticisms
Ownership and Development
Place in London’s Architectural Landscape
Cultural and Social Impact
Sustainability Initiatives
FAQ
Conclusion and Final Tips
References

Historical Evolution of 20 Fenchurch Street

Commercial Heritage and Early Development

The site of 20 Fenchurch Street has long been a hub of commerce, located near historic landmarks such as St. Andrew Undershaft Church (thebestlondon.eu). Before the current building, a 25-storey office block designed by William H. Rogers in 1968 was home to the financial firm Dresdner Kleinwort (Insider London). The original structure was a notable component of the riverside skyline for decades (Wikipedia).

Redevelopment and Modern Icon

In the early 2000s, new plans for the site aimed to create a landmark office tower while protecting cherished views of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The resulting design, completed in 2014, stands 160 meters (525 feet) tall, having been reduced from its initial proposed height of 200 meters (Insider London). With its unique “top-heavy” appearance, 20 Fenchurch Street became an instantly recognizable addition to the London skyline.

Architectural Significance

Design Philosophy and Innovation

Rafael Viñoly’s design for 20 Fenchurch Street challenges traditional skyscraper forms by expanding outward as it rises, maximizing upper-level floorplates and creating a bold silhouette (Vinoly Architects, e-architect). The building offers 64,000 square meters of office space across 38 storeys (City of London). The concave façade—responsible for the “Walkie-Talkie” nickname—grants sweeping views and a distinctive presence (skyscrapersworld.com).

Engineering and Sustainability Features

Sustainability is central to the building’s design, featuring external ventilation on the south façade, solar shading on the east and west sides (Wikipedia), and 14 double-deck lifts, including direct express lifts to the Sky Garden (Vinoly Architects). The minimized ground-level footprint allows for new public spaces at both street and rooftop levels.

The Sky Garden: London’s Urban Sanctuary

Spanning the 35th to 37th floors, the Sky Garden opened in January 2015, becoming London’s highest public garden and observation deck (Sky Garden). Designed with Mediterranean and South African plantings, the garden features species such as African Lily, Bird of Paradise, Red Hot Poker, and French Lavender (thetouristchecklist.com). Visitors can experience an open-air terrace, 360-degree views, and several dining options including the Sky Pod Bar and Fenchurch Restaurant.

Visiting 20 Fenchurch Street: Hours, Tickets, and Access

Visiting Hours

Sky Garden General Hours: Typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry at 5:30 PM. Hours may vary on weekends, holidays, or for special events.
Dining and Bar Hours: Extended hours for restaurants and bars—check the official website for details.

Tickets and Booking

Free Entry: Access to the Sky Garden is free but requires advance booking via the Sky Garden website.
Ticket Release: Tickets are released every Monday morning for dates up to three weeks in advance. Popular slots (especially at sunset) fill quickly (Travel and Squeak).
Walk-Ins: Limited walk-in availability on weekdays before 5pm, subject to capacity. No walk-ins after 5pm (Sky Garden Booking).
Dining Reservations: Restaurant bookings (Darwin Brasserie, Fenchurch Restaurant) include Sky Garden access (Sky Garden FAQ).

Entry and Security

ID Requirements: Challenge 25 policy for alcohol; photo ID may be required.
Security: Airport-style security checks for all visitors; only small bags allowed, no large luggage or tripods (Travel and Squeak).

Accessibility

Fully accessible with step-free entrance on Philpot Lane, lifts to all public floors, and accessible toilets (The Tourist Checklist, The Flashpacker).
Assistance dogs welcome; staff can assist with specific needs (Sky Garden Help Centre).

Travel Tips

Best Times: Weekday mornings or late afternoons for fewer crowds; sunsets are popular but require early booking.
Transport: Nearest underground stations are Monument, Bank, Tower Hill, and Aldgate; London Fenchurch Street station and multiple bus stops are nearby (The Flashpacker).

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring local landmarks:

Tower of London
Tower Bridge
St. Andrew Undershaft Church
The Monument
Bank of England Museum

These sites are all within walking distance and offer deeper insight into London’s rich history.

Controversies and Criticisms

Architectural Debate

Despite its popularity, 20 Fenchurch Street has received criticism. It won the Carbuncle Cup in 2015 for its polarizing design (skyscrapersworld.com), and some critics argue that it disrupts the historic cityscape (Timeless Travel Steps, Designing Buildings Wiki).

The “Walkie-Scorchie” Incident

The building’s concave glass façade once concentrated sunlight onto the street, causing damage to parked vehicles and earning the nickname “Walkie-Scorchie.” This was remedied by the installation of sunshades (e-architect, London x London, City AM).

Public Space vs. Private Access

While the Sky Garden was promoted as a truly public space, its ticketed, time-limited access has prompted debate about the authenticity of its openness (Designing Buildings Wiki).

Ownership and Development

Originally developed by Land Securities and Canary Wharf Group, the project weathered the 2008 financial crisis and was later funded by investors from China and Qatar (Insider London). In 2017, it was acquired by Hong Kong’s Lee Kum Kee Group for £1.3 billion (Wikipedia). The property is managed by Savills Management Resources.

Place in London’s Architectural Landscape

Located slightly apart from the City’s Eastern Cluster, 20 Fenchurch Street stands in contrast to other modern icons like the Gherkin, Cheesegrater, and Lloyd’s Building (e-architect). Its integration of offices, retail, dining, and public gardens reflects the city’s evolving approach to mixed-use urban spaces (skyscrapersworld.com).

The Walkie-Talkie has become a symbol of London’s contemporary architectural ambition, frequently featured in popular culture, city photography, and social media (SkyscrapersWorld, Timeless Travel Steps). The Sky Garden’s panoramic access has democratized city views traditionally reserved for private tenants (thebestlondon.eu), and its public events and installations contribute to local culture (London x London).

Sustainability Initiatives

Environmental Certifications and Efficiency

20 Fenchurch Street boasts a BREEAM “Excellent” rating and has implemented hydrogen fuel cell technology to reduce carbon emissions (Better Buildings Partnership). In 2024, it achieved WELL Core & Shell Platinum certification for environmental quality (H Properties).

Urban Greening and Biodiversity

The Sky Garden supports biodiversity with Mediterranean and sub-tropical planting, attracting pollinators and enhancing London’s ecological infrastructure (GreenBricks). Ground-level green spaces further contribute to urban greening.

Community Engagement

The building actively participates in cultural initiatives, hosting events and supporting social causes (H Properties).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I book Sky Garden tickets?
A: Reserve free tickets in advance on the official Sky Garden website. Tickets are released every Monday for dates up to three weeks ahead.

Q: Is there a cost to visit the Sky Garden?
A: No, entry is free. Restaurant reservations also include Sky Garden access.

Q: What are the Sky Garden’s visiting hours?
A: Public access is typically 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but check the official site for updates.

Q: Is the Sky Garden accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, with step-free access, lifts, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Can I bring children?
A: Yes, but children under 16 are not allowed after 6pm on weekdays and 9pm on weekends.

Q: What is the best way to get to 20 Fenchurch Street?
A: By Underground (Monument, Bank, Tower Hill) or rail (Fenchurch Street, Cannon Street).

Q: Can I bring a camera?
A: Yes, photography is encouraged, but tripods are not permitted.

Conclusion and Final Tips

20 Fenchurch Street is much more than an architectural statement—it’s a dynamic hub where modern design, sustainability, and public engagement intersect. The Sky Garden offers unparalleled city views, lush gardens, and a vibrant social atmosphere—all freely accessible with advance booking. Despite past controversies, the building now stands as a forward-looking emblem of London’s ever-evolving cityscape.