And what a view it is!
The View from the Shard (the attraction atop Europe's tallest building, the Shard in London) opens to the public today, and from 800 feet up, you could be flying. Offering a 360°, unobstructed view of London - and 40 miles beyond, the viewing platform, on floors 68 to 72, has floor to ceiling windows (so if you are afraid of heights, it's not for you.) Twelve clever Tell:scopes arranged on all sides, are video-telescopes that let you zoom in to street level for the feeling of being close up and bird's eye at the same time. At night, computer synchronised video matches the daytime scene almost exactly. It is only when you notice that the traffic seen through the Tell:scope isn't moving that you realize the night view (and only the night view) is prerecorded.
The attraction is entered through a light-hearted London exhibition and reached via two separate high speed elevators. Whatever your opinion of London's newest skyscraper, (and opinions of this "Vertical City" of offices, restaurants, residences and a hotel are mixed), the attraction is going to be popular and rightfully so. The view, which I saw at night in November, is just amazing. Tickets (Adults £24.95, children £18.95) will be sold through the View from the Shard website.
- About.com's London guide Laura Porter visited the Shard recently too. Find out what she thought and how to visit yourself.
- Or, check out a few other places to get really high level views in England.
© View from the Shard