The View from The Shard facts for kids
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The View from The Shard is a popular place to visit in London. It is located inside The Shard, which is the tallest building in London. Here, visitors can enjoy amazing views of the city from very high up.
There are two main viewing areas. One is an indoor gallery on Level 69. The other is a partially outdoor area on Level 72. You can also find a gift shop on the ground floor. There's even a special shop called 'The Sky Boutique' on Level 68. This is the highest shop in London and sells unique souvenirs.
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Opening Day: A Grand Welcome
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The View from The Shard officially opened its doors on Friday, February 1, 2013. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, helped open it with a special ribbon-cutting event.
More than 5,000 people bought tickets to be the very first visitors. They wanted to see London from this amazing height. One person, James Episcou, even chose this special day to ask his girlfriend to marry him! He proposed from the highest point in London.
Your Journey to the Sky
Starting Your Adventure
The entrance to The View from The Shard is on Joiner Street. This is very close to London Bridge station. After you enter and go through security, you can take a fun photo. You stand in front of a green screen, and a view from The Shard is added behind you. You can buy this photo later!
As you walk through the lobby, you will see animated maps and video screens. These show you the history of the London Bridge area. They also share interesting facts about London and The Shard itself. You can even see how the building connects to the city's transport system. Live videos show the lifts moving and trains running below.
Speedy Lifts to the Top
Special lifts were designed for The Shard by KONE engineering. You will take two lifts up and two lifts down. These lifts are super fast, traveling at six meters per second! This means you reach Level 68 in about one minute.
As you go up, the lifts use video screens and mirrors. These create cool effects, making it look like you are rising through famous London roofs. You might see the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral or the glass roof of the British Museum.
When you come back down, the lifts show similar effects. It looks like the sky is moving away, seasons are changing, and the streets of London are getting closer.
Changing Lifts on Level 33
You will switch lifts on Level 33. The floor here has a curving image of the River Thames. Around it, London is mapped out with 200 sentences. Each sentence describes a different part of the city.
Entering the Cloudscape
When you leave the lifts on Level 68, the city view is playfully hidden by cloudscapes. These displays teach you the names of different cloud formations. You might even see these clouds from the viewing decks!
Indoor Views: Level 69
Level 69 is the main viewing gallery. It has very high ceilings and offers amazing 360 degree views. On a clear day, you can see up to 40 miles (64 kilometers) away!
This level has special digital "Tell:scopes." These allow you to explore the city around you in real-time. They also show pre-recorded views from both day and night. The Tell:scopes are interactive. They can identify over 200 famous landmarks and important places. They even offer information in 10 different languages.
Outdoor Views: Level 72
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The gallery on Level 72 is the highest public area of the building. It is about 800 feet (244 meters) high. This level also gives you 360-degree views. Part of it is open-air, so you can feel the wind and see the very top of the building.
Tickets and What Else You Get
After your visit, you arrive back in the lobby on the ground floor. Here, you can visit the gift shop to buy souvenirs. The entire attraction also offers free Wi-Fi access for all guests.
As you explore, you will hear a special musical soundtrack. It was created just for The Shard. The London Symphony Orchestra and The Joyful Company of Singers performed it.
Getting Your Tickets
Tickets for The View from The Shard are usually booked ahead of time. They are for a specific date and time. A ticket for an adult costs £42, and for a child, it costs £35. If you are a disabled guest, you can get a special rate. Your registered carer can enter for free.
Sometimes, a small number of tickets can be bought on the day you visit. These cost £30.95 for an adult and £24.95 for a child.
Unique Toilets
The visitor toilets at The Shard are quite special! They have large windows with amazing views of the River Thames and the City of London. You can see these views directly from the toilet seat! There are also electric blinds if you want privacy.
