Looking for the best places to see the sunrise and sunset in London? These are all the best spots to catch some orange hues in the capital.
We might be biased, but we believe that we’re incredibly lucky to live in such a gorgeous city. If you ask us, the best time to view London’s magnificent skyline is at sunrise or sunset.
Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, there’s a sunrise or sunset spot for you.
We’ve rounded up all the best places to watch the sunrise and sunset in London, from Primrose Hill and Tate Modern’s viewing platform to Emirates Air Line cable cars.
These are the best places to watch the sunrise and sunset over London…
Best Places to See The Sunrise in London
Butler’s Wharf Pier
Butler’s Wharf sits along the southbank of the Thames as an iconic historical building where you can watch the sunrise in London. Once at Butler’s Wharf Pier you’ll be able to spot the Gherkin and Tower Bridge, all of which make for a great addition to your sunrise photo.
Butler’s Wharf Pier is also opposite Katharine Dock which has plenty of great breakfast spots to try out after you’ve finished marvelling at the sunrise (we love WatchHouse, or The Ivy if we’re fancying a splurge).
Greenwich Park
Spanning 183 acres of lush greenery, Greenwich Park makes for the perfect spot to see the best sunrise in London.
The Royal Park offers one of the best vantage points in London to watch the sunrise, but make sure you bring a picnic blanket to sit on. This spot is idyllic and because it’s so expansive there’s no need to worry about it being overcrowded.
To get the best view of the London sunrise at Greenwich Park, head up to the Greenwich Royal Observatory. It’s quite a slog, but this gives you the best view of the London skyline which looks beautiful in yellow, orange and red hues.
Hampstead Heath
The best place to see the sunrise in London has to be Hampstead Heath. This iconic London beauty spot gives you a stunning vantage point to watch the day begin.
Hampstead Heath spans from Hampstead to Highgate with Parliament Hill inside the Heath, the highest vantage point is about 440ft and it truly is the best place to head for panoramic sunrise views in London.
Pack a picnic blanket for this one, sit down on the hill and watch the sunrise over you – it’s quite a magical experience.
Bankside Beach
Is there a better place to watch the sunrise in London than on a beach? No, we didn’t think so.
Bankside Beach is a sandy bank on the southside of the River Thames and it treats you to unparalleled views of the sunrise over London. You might want to arrive in plenty of time, since this spot has such amazing sunrise views it can get pretty busy.
Before heading out to watch the sunrise at Bankside Beach, check the tide times to make sure you will be able to sit on the rocks here.
Millenium Bridge
South Bank
The Millenium Bridge is typically crowded with busy Londoners during the day, but if you’re an early riser this is one of the best sunrise spots in London.
The deserted Millenium Bridge is a picturesque spot to watch the sunrise in the AM. There’s also plenty of London landmarks like Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard to marvel at too, all of which look even better in orange hues.
There’s not really anywhere to sit down at this sunrise spot, so bear that in mind and be prepared to stand for a little while.
Best Places to See Sunset in London
Primrose Hill
It’s no secret that the views of the city from Primrose Hill are pretty spectacular, and are well worth the 70 metre hill climb.
Once at the top of Primrose Hill you will be rewarded with some of the best sunset views in London – it makes for a pretty dreamy date, we must say. Not just because Primrose Hill is surrounded by lush greenery, but, in the distance you can see the many skyscrapers of the city poking up above the trees.
This sunset spot is so big, even when there are other night owls catching the sunset you won’t notice them. So, make sure you bring a picnic blanket and some snacks to see you through your sunset-watching escapade at Primrose Hill.
Tate Modern
Bankside
Did you know that the Tate Modern has a viewing platform offering 360 London skyline views? Not many people do, but this makes it one of the best places to see the sunset in London, with uninterrupted views.
There’s also plenty of great London landmarks in view that make this sunset even better like Wembley stadium, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard and Canary Wharf.
To access the Tate Modern’s viewing point, head to the 10th floor of the Blavatnik Building and you’ll be greeted by the viewing platform and spectacular sunset views. The Tate Modern stays open late on Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s best to go then if it’s in the summer months when the sun sets later.
Queen’s Walk
Situated between Lambeth Bridge and Tower Bridge, Queen’s Walk is a promenade that lends magnificent sunset views.
The promenade boasts excellent vantage points of the waterfront, so there are a plethora of spots where you can watch the sun go down glistening against the River Thames. This area also has plenty of cafes and restaurants along the promenade so you’re sure to find the best bar to see the sunset in London here – or pop in for a post sunset drink.
The Queen’s Walk at sunset is picturesque and captures Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the London Eye in a mesmerising orange and yellow light.
Emirates Air Line
Greenwich
Now, we don’t know about you, but we think that a ride along the Emirates Air Line cable is possibly the coolest way to watch the sunset in London.
The flight across the Thames is approximately 10 minutes each way and gives you unparalleled views of the London sunset. You might have to time it to perfection, though – or pray that the queue isn’t too crazy.
Passengers can fly until 10pm Sunday through Thursday, so you can watch the sunset on the Emirates Air Line throughout the seasons. It’s also a fuss free way to view the sunset, the cable line is operated by Tfl so you can easily pay on your oyster card or contactless bank card.
The London Eye
Waterloo
Fancy catching the sunset from great heights? Taking a ride on the iconic London Eye is the best way to do that.
Once in your carriage you’ll be able to see over the skyscrapers, but not in a hurry – all Londoners know this is not by any means a quick ferris wheel. From the top you’ll be greeted with 360 views… And on a clear day you should be able to see as far as Windsor Castle.
For this one you may want to try and time it well, check the sunset time and bear in mind how long it takes to reach the top. That said, The London Eye at sunset gets a huge YES from us.
Richmond Park
Richmond Park at any time of day is a pretty place to escape busy London life, but there’s something poignant about visiting at sunset. It’s the largest Royal Park, spanning 2500 acres, and it’s one of few places in London that you can spot deers roaming around.
The open space offers the best sunset views in London, and all you have to do is turn up with your picnic blanket and wait for the sky to light up with reds, yellows and oranges.
Practical Tips for Catching Sunrise & Sunset in London
- Check the sunrise or sunset time for the exact day before you head out to your chosen location.
- If you’re heading to the beach, be sure to check the sunrise or sunset time as well as the tide times for that day.
- Make sure you wrap up warm and take lots of snacks to keep you going – especially if it’s colder.
Approximate Sunrise and Sunset Times For Each Season in London
- February to April: 7.30am – 6.30am
- May to July: 5.30am – 4.47am
- August to October: 5.24am – 7.01
- November to January: 6.54am – 8.06am
