Stratosphere is a tower in the City of London, standing at 202m and with an observation deck on its roof. It’s the third-tallest free-standing structure in the city after The Monument and St Paul’s Cathedral. This article explains everything you need to know about London’s Stratosphere Tower, from how to get there and what to expect inside to useful information such as opening hours, entry prices, and the best times to visit.
At first glance, you might think there’s not much to see at London’s Stratosphere Tower. But there actually are plenty of good reasons to climb its 200+ steps, including: - Breathtaking views of the City of London and beyond. The Stratosphere Tower has been called the best view of London on a clear day. - A chance to learn about the history of the City - Stratosphere is a landmark of the historical and business center of London. - The opportunity to see some of London’s most iconic buildings, including The Gherkin, The Shard, and St Paul’s Cathedral. - A unique chance to get up close to the city’s rooftops.
The Tower is located at the junction of Aldgate and Lime Street in the heart of the City of London. It’s a short walk from Aldgate East and Aldgate Tube Stations as well as Tower Gateway DLR and Fenchurch Street rail stations. You can also get there by bus from nearby Aldgate or Aldgate East Stations. The bus numbers are 8, 15, 25, 45, 78, 100, and RV1. If you’re driving to the Stratosphere Tower, you’ll find parking near the building, but it can be hard to find. Your best bet is to use one of the car park facilities nearby. The closest car park is at the nearby Hilton hotel.
At the top of the Stratosphere Tower is a viewing platform, as well as a cafe/bar. The viewing platform is open year-round and is free to visit. It offers 360-degree views of the city, including views of The Monument, The City, and Docklands. The top of the Stratosphere Tower is open year-round. During the summer, it’s open daily from 9:00-19:00. The rest of the year, it’s open from 10:00-17:00, except on Mondays when it’s closed. The best time to visit the Stratosphere Tower is during the week, when it’s less busy. You’ll get the best views when the weather is clear.
- Because the tower is so tall, it can get very windy on the roof. If the weather is blustery, it’s best to wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes. - The roof can get very hot in the summer, so you’ll want to wear sunscreen and a hat. - The stairs to the top are narrow, so they can be tricky with a stroller. - If you have walking difficulties, health issues, or children in strollers, you can take the elevator to the 10th floor, then use the spiral staircase to get to the roof. - If you have small children, you might find the stairs challenging. - The Tower is open year-round, but the viewing platform is open only on weekends and Bank Holidays during the winter. - The cafe/bar is also open only on weekends during the winter season.
Stratosphere is a landmark of the historical and business center of London, and the best view of London on a clear day. It’s the third-tallest free-standing structure in the city after The Monument and St Paul’s Cathedral. The Tower has been called the best view of London on a clear day. Standing at 202m, it offers a 360-degree views of the city, including views of The Monument, The City, and Docklands. The top of the Stratosphere Tower is open year-round. The best time to visit the Stratosphere Tower is during the week, when it’s less busy.