With Christmas merely weeks away, London’s landmarks and shopping districts are now illuminated with their festive light shows – and the tallest of them all, The Shard, can be enjoyed from viewing points across all 32 boroughs of the city and beyond.
This year’s Shard Lights is themed around the nation’s favourite Christmas carols, with ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ taking top spot in a poll*, followed by Jingle Bells, The Twelve Days of Christmas and Deck the Halls – all of which inspired the key elements of this year’s display.
Running every evening up until midnight on New Year’s Eve, The Shard’s lights are visible from up to 40 miles away on a clear night, providing unique opportunities to see this mesmerising spectacle in some interesting places.
Here are 10 of the best locations to enjoy the show, complete with What3Words coordinates for easy navigation.
1. Greenwich Park
One of the largest green spaces in South-East London, Greenwich Park and its suitably named Observation Hill provides panoramic views of the Docklands, the City, and beyond – where the shimmering Shard Lights can be easily seen.
What3Words: ///finely.prom.keys
2. One Tree Hill, Honour Oak
One of the capital’s hidden gems and a short walk from Honour Oak Park station, this steep woodland with an exposed grassland on top provides a perfect vantage point over the sprawling City, with The Shard taking centre stage.
What3Words: ///spike.tiles.sing
3. Richmond Park
London’s largest Royal Park is a National Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to around 650 deer and 30 lakes and ponds. Made up of both tranquil woodland and open grassland, the elevated trails allow for great views to the centre of London and its bright lights.
What3Words: ///gallons.singer.send
4. Alexandra Palace, Haringey
The Palace on the hill in Muswell Hill is famed for hosting events and historic gatherings, from great Victorian exhibitions, gigs and festivals to The World Darts Championship. Just as impressive as the Palace itself, is the huge terrace outside which boasts some of the best views of the City of London.
What3Words: ///lined.club.improving
5. Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath
The viewing vista at the top of Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath is one of the highest points in London, at 98 metres high. From here you can see uninterrupted views across the city, including The Shard and the majestic dome of St. Pauls Cathedral hiding in its shadow.
What3Words: ///reap.bulb.piper
6. Harrow on the Hill
As you would expect, Harrow’s elevation provides numerous spots to take in views of the city. One of the most picturesque views is in front of the old chapel of the public school, where you can glimpse The Shard shining brightly between two buildings. Or, head around the corner to the top of Football Lane for a more panoramic view of the capital.
What3Words: (chapel): ///lowest.brains.career (Football Lane): ///scout.print.pool
7. Langdon Hills, Essex
Located on the outskirts of Basildon and not far from the M25, Langdon Hills is over 300 feet above sea level and as such provides a long distance viewpoint of the city and The Shard. The Gravel Hill car park leads to an open grassland area that provides an extreme panorama of London’s amazing architecture and iconic skyline.
What3Words: ///pushed.match.casino
8. Yardley Hill, Waltham Abbey
Situated on the Western edge of Epping Forest in Essex, Yardley Hill sits atop a 300-foot elevation and is a lush grassland in the middle of the woodland. From here you can see the skyrise buildings of the city clustered together, with The Shard rising above them all.
What3Words: ///host.patch.mock
9. London buses
For those who prefer to take in the lights in a little more comfort, there are some great bus routes that provide front row seats of the illuminations. Route 11 offers prime viewing between Westminster Station, Westminster Pier, and St Thomas’ Hospital, while the 344 provides beautiful glimpses between Southwark Bridge and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
10. The Uber Boat
To get an unforgettable perspective from the water, the Uber Boat offers breathtaking views of The Shard across the central zone, from the pier at Westminster all the way to Tower Bridge.
This year, the lights were switched on by choirmaster Gareth Malone and his six-piece choir who performed a special rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas, 867 feet high up in the spire of The Shard – the highest carol recital atop a building ever.
Visit The Shard’s website for even more brilliant viewpoints in and around the city.
https://www.the-shard.com/shard-lights/
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