There is no denying that London is a beautiful city.
The gorgeous architecture, the stunning landmarks and the abundant greenery in the city gives it a very distinct and uniquely London feel.
Thanks to the relatively flat area where London is built, one of the best times to view the city is at sunset; you can see for miles and the area is known for producing some great sunset vistas.
Thanks to the relatively cloudy nature of the area, mixed with bright sunlight breaking through the clouds you can often be treated to extra special sunsets with incredible texture, depth and colour.
Ensure you make the most of the amazing London hotel packages currently on offer by catching at least one amazing sunset during your time in the city; there is nothing better than seeing a gorgeous sunset and returning to The Montcalm Royal London House for a luxurious night’s sleep.
Let’s take a look at the very best spots in the city to watch the night set in.
The London Eye
The London Eye is one of the city’s most visited attractions- and for good reason.
You can climb aboard a capsule and ride the largest cantilevered wheel in the world. You’ll get an unparalleled and ever changing view of the city during the wheel’s 30 minute rotation, with a peak height of 135 metres!
It goes without saying that this is one of the best locations in the city to see the sun go down, and you can even book a sunset capsule that will put you at the top of the wheel to see the sunset at its peak beauty.
Sounds pretty good to me.
Primrose Hill | Regent’s Park
As we already know, London is not really very hilly- but there are a few patches of higher ground that you can reach for a pretty spectacular view of the city's famous skyline.
Primrose Hill sits just across the road from Regent’s Park and is a relatively gentle slope- so don’t be worried about making it to the top.
What you don’t realise as you climb, is that the city is beginning to reveal itself behind you. It’s not very common to get a skyline view of the city, from within the city itself.
This is one of the hidden gems of the inner city, and should be checked out- especially at sunset.
Parliament Hill | Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is another gem that many people visiting London never get to experience.
It’s a wild and green wonderland filled with forested areas, meadows, swimming lakes and wildlife.
But it also holds Parliament Hill, which is one of the best viewpoints in the entire city.
Hampstead Heath is about 10 miles from the city centre, so you really do get a beautiful and panoramic view of the city skyline from a height of 98 metres above sea level- I don’t need to tell you how amazing the sunsets are from this location.
The skyscrapers of the city silhouette against the incredible colours cast on the clouds by the dying sun- there are very few better city viewpoints in the world.
The River
This may seem like a strange one, as the River Thames is one of the lowest points in the city- but once you are walking along the Southbank area, you’ll understand.
The width of the river means that you actually get a relatively far reaching view, and many of the city’s most iconic structures can be found along the banks.
Tower Bridge at sunset is a rather miraculous sight, and depending on where you stand can include the Tower of London, HMS Belfast and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.
Millenium Bridge
The Millenium Bridge was constructed to mark the millennium (obviously) and actually sits at 11 metres above the Thames.
Whilst this is not actually very high at all, it is high enough to afford you a superb view of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Often, as the sun sets, the stunning white dome of St. Paul’s can be bathed in magnificent light and can look absolutely resplendent.
As you stand on the bridge you’ll also have great views of the Tate Modern, the skyscrapers of the city in the distance and even Tower Bridge.
The Shard
The Shard is one of the tallest buildings in Europe at 310 metres tall- so it goes without saying that you can get a pretty spectacular view of the city from here.
There are public viewing galleries between the 69th and 72nd floor, affording ticket holders a stunning view that can reach as far as 40 miles on a clear day.
Watching the sun go down from this height is obviously a special moment, and you can make it even more special by visiting the bar at the Shangri La Hotel on the 59th floor.
Enjoying a stunning cocktail with the best view in the country is a pretty great way to spend an evening!
Atop the O2
Yes you did read that right. You can actually climb to the top of the actual O2 Area in Greenwich.
And best of all is the stunning sunset climb.
You’ll get strapped into a harness, giving a safety briefing of course, then hooked onto a rail and walk right to the very top of the dome, making it to the top just in time for the sun to set.
From here you’ll get a pretty much unimpeded view of the city from a height of 53 metres.
The glorious skyscrapers of Canary Wharf will be in front of you, and the gorgeous structures of Greenwich will complete the view.
It’s a pretty unique experience that you probably won’t forget in a hurry.
London at Sundown
London is a beautiful place at the worst of times, but when the sun makes an appearance, and lights up the clouds and the wonderful buildings of the city, it can make for a spectacular show.
Enjoy the sunset at these stunning locations, then head to one of the very best Finsbury Square restaurants near your gorgeous hotel for a spot of dinner to complete the perfect evening.
That sounds like a pretty great time in the city to me.
