When you look across the London skyline, it is hard to miss The Shard. Standing above London Bridge, this glass skyscraper has become one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
If you are planning a trip to London with your students, The Shard is a brilliant stop to include. It gives you a completely different view of the city, helping you see how London’s historic landmarks, modern buildings and famous neighbourhoods fit together.
The Shard is also known as Shard London Bridge and was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. Its striking glass shape was inspired by the idea of a shard of glass rising above the city, which is where the building gets its name.
What is The Shard?
The Shard is one of the tallest buildings in the United Kingdom and Western Europe. It reaches 309.6 metres at its highest point and stands above the London Bridge area in Southwark.
The Shard has also received several architectural awards, including the Emporis Skyscraper Award in 2014. The building was recognised for its distinctive shape and its place in London’s modern skyline.
The View from The Shard
The View from The Shard is the main visitor experience inside the building. It is located on floors 68, 69 and 72, giving you access to indoor viewing areas and the open-air Skydeck.
From the viewing platforms, you can enjoy 360-degree views across London. On a clear day, you may be able to see up to 40 miles away.
Some of the landmarks you can spot include St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and One Canada Square in Canary Wharf.
This makes The Shard a useful stop during an educational trip to London, as students can connect many of the places they have visited, or are about to visit, from one viewpoint.
What can you do during the visit?
During your visit, you can take your time looking out across the city and identifying London’s most famous landmarks.
The experience includes access to the viewing platforms and the open-air Skydeck on Level 72. This is one of the most memorable parts of the visit, especially because you are standing high above London with the sky visible above you.
There are also photo opportunities and visitor facilities inside the building. The official ticket options may include extras such as digital photos, depending on the type of ticket you choose. Even the lift ride feels like part of the experience, as it takes you up to the viewing levels quickly.
Tips for visiting The Shard
If you are visiting with students, it is worth planning your visit carefully so the group can get the most from the experience.
The open-air Skydeck can feel cooler than ground level, even in summer, so bring an extra layer. This is especially useful if you are visiting in the evening, and we recommend trying to visit around sunset if your schedule allows. Seeing London change from daytime to evening can make the view even more memorable.
It is also worth checking the weather before booking. If visibility is poor, The View from The Shard offers a View Guarantee, which may allow you to return another day.
How to get to The Shard
Address: Railway Approach, London SE1 9SG, United Kingdom
The nearest station is London Bridge, which is only a short walk away. You can reach London Bridge by London Underground, National Rail and several bus routes.
By Tube, London Bridge is served by the Jubilee line and Northern line.
By train, London Bridge station has rail links from different parts of London and the South East.
Several London bus routes also stop nearby, making The Shard easy to include in a wider London itinerary.
Preparing for your visit
You should allow around 45 to 60 minutes for the viewing experience, although some groups may want longer.
Visitors pass through airport-style security before entering the viewing areas, so factor this into your schedule if you are travelling with a group.
If you are visiting as part of a school or student trip, it is best to book tickets in advance. This helps you plan your timings and avoid paying more than necessary.
Opening times can vary depending on the date, season and private events, so always check the official website before your visit.
Ticket prices and opening times
Ticket prices for The View from The Shard vary depending on the date, ticket type and how far in advance you book.
At the time of writing this blog post, general entry tickets are listed online from £19, with full-price general entry shown as £32. All-inclusive entry is listed from £36, with full-price all-inclusive entry shown as £48.
Children under four can usually enter for free, but they still need a ticket.
Opening times can change throughout the year, so do not rely on old visitor information. Always check the official The View from The Shard website before finalising your plans.
Is The Shard worth visiting?
The Shard is one of London’s most impressive viewpoints, especially if you want to help students understand the city from above.
It is not the cheapest attraction in London, so it may not suit every group budget. However, if you book in advance and choose the right time of day, it can be a memorable part of a London study trip.
For students visiting London for the first time, The Shard offers a clear view of the city’s history, architecture and scale in one place. It is a simple way to make London feel more connected, rather than just a list of separate landmarks.
