The Best London Views That Don’t Cost a Penny (And Aren’t on Instagram Yet)
Can You Still Find a Great View in London for Free?
You’ve seen the Shard. You’ve seen Sky Garden selfies. And let’s not even start on the crowds at Primrose Hill.
But what if we told you there are incredible London views that are totally free — and not already overrun with influencers and engagement photos?
Yes, they exist.
And no, we’re not talking about "hidden gem" spots that turn out to be just... the same old angle of Tower Bridge.
This is your guide to the best London views that won’t cost a penny — and still feel like your little secret.
1. One Tree Hill, Honor Oak
📍 Where: South East London, near Honor Oak Park (Zone 3)
This isn't the American teen drama — it’s an ancient wooded hill with arguably the best unobstructed skyline view of central London.
You’ll spot St Paul’s, the Gherkin, Shard, BT Tower, and more, all framed by trees.
It’s steeper and more rugged than the nearby Telegraph Hill or Nunhead Reservoir, so fewer people make the climb.
➡️ Bonus: It’s part of an old Saxon route and Civil War site, with serious historical depth.
2. Northala Fields, Northolt
📍 Where: Ealing, West London (Zone 4)
Yes, you have to trek to Zone 4, but trust us — it’s worth it.
Northala Fields has four massive man-made hills built from Wembley Stadium rubble. You can walk to the top of the largest mound for:
A 360° panoramic view over London
On a clear day: Wembley Arch, Shard, Canary Wharf, and even Heathrow takeoffs
➡️ And yet, it’s rarely on tourist lists. Bring a packed lunch and make it a chill afternoon trip.
3. Cable Street Footbridge (Over the DLR, Shadwell)
📍 Where: Shadwell DLR (Zone 2)
Right near the historic Cable Street mural is a humble pedestrian bridge over the DLR tracks.
Sounds random? It is — and that’s the point.
You get:
A cinematic framed view of Canary Wharf, rising behind railway lines and Victorian rooftops
Zero crowds. Just you, the occasional commuter, and the hum of East London
➡️ Great for dusk and night photography — it gives you that Blade Runner–meets–Wapping vibe.
4. Waterlow Park’s Upper Terrace, Highgate
📍 Where: Highgate (Zone 3)
Forget Hampstead Heath for a second. Waterlow Park is smaller, quieter, and feels like a local secret.
Climb to the upper terrace near Lauderdale House for:
A south-facing view across London’s skyline, framed by oaks and willows
Bonus views of St Joseph’s Church dome and Alexandra Palace in the distance
➡️ Perfect for a solo walk or a book-and-blanket kind of afternoon.
5. Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park Boardwalk
📍 Where: Near North Greenwich (Zone 2)
Everyone heads to the O2 for concerts — but just 10 minutes away, this tranquil marshland park gives you:
River views with Canary Wharf in the distance
Herons, dragonflies, and reed beds that feel like countryside, right beside the city
Gorgeous reflections at golden hour
➡️ No one’s taking selfies here, which is exactly the point.
6. Trellick Tower Rooftop Corridor (If You Dare)
📍 Where: Golborne Road, Westbourne Park (Zone 2)
This one comes with a small asterisk: it's public access only during Open House Festival or resident-invited visits — but during those moments, the view from the roof corridor of this Brutalist icon is breathtaking.
A gritty, cinematic panorama of West London, framed by concrete walls
Unreal golden hour views over the Grand Union Canal and Westfield skyline
➡️ Follow Open House London (September) or Urban Rambles for legal access events.
7. Thames Path near Deptford Creek
📍 Where: South of the river, between Greenwich and Rotherhithe
This stretch of the Thames Path is criminally underrated.
You’ll pass rusty shipwrecks, hidden beaches, and wide river bends with zero tourists
Views of Canary Wharf framed by boats, graffiti, and the odd goose — it’s raw, beautiful, and ever-changing
➡️ Bonus: Great stop for riverside pints at The Dog & Bell or The Salt Quay.
8. Stave Hill Ecological Park
📍 Where: Rotherhithe (Zone 2/3)
A circular mound with a spiral path takes you to the summit — which feels more like a secret monument than a park.
You get 360° views over Canary Wharf, Surrey Docks, and into central London
Often overlooked in favour of Greenwich Park, but feels far more peaceful
➡️ Great for drone shots or a breezy city picnic.
9. Vauxhall Bridge Viewpoint (Northbound Sidewalk)
📍 Where: Mid-bridge, between Pimlico and Vauxhall
No queues. No apps. Just stand on the northbound side of the bridge and look east.
You’ll see:
The Thames winding toward Westminster
St Paul’s, the London Eye, and all of South Bank
Reflections from the MI6 Building as boats pass below
➡️ Go just after sunset — golden hour hits the water perfectly.
10. Elephant Park Treehouse Platform
Where: Elephant & Castle (Zone 1/2)
Tucked inside the Elephant Park redevelopment, the wooden treehouse platform above the playground offers:
A surprisingly open view of The Shard and City skyline
A local vibe that makes you feel like you discovered something special
➡️ Bring coffee from one of the local cafés nearby, and enjoy sunrise here.
Bonus: A View You Walk Into
The “Cheeky Peek” on Millbank
Right opposite Tate Britain, there’s a footpath that slopes upward near the Chelsea College of Arts. It briefly gives you:
A perfectly framed silhouette of Big Ben, London Eye, and Parliament, all peeking through buildings
Most people walk past without realising it — you’ll know when you see it.
Tips for Visiting These Secret Spots
Use Google Maps satellite view to locate hills, parks, and green spaces with elevation
Check Open House London (September) for rooftop access dates
Want photos without crowds? Go early (8–9am) or at golden hour
Bring headphones, snacks, and make a morning of it — these are all public and peaceful
Final Thoughts
London’s skyline is everywhere — but the best views often hide in plain sight. No queues. No booking. Just you, the city, and maybe a fox in the bushes.
So next time you're out and about, skip the obvious. Walk uphill. Turn the corner. Climb that random mound. You might just find a view no one’s claimed yet.
Save this guide. Share it with a friend.
And follow @Londonyaar for more real, unpolished London tips — the kind locals won’t gatekeep forever.