London’s Tate Modern gallery has undergone a big expansion. It’s now home to Switch House, a capacious 10-storey extension. But it’s been connected to the existing core of the building by new walkways. The new 4th floor bridge gives you a new, heightened perspective on the vast Turbine Hall, home to huge installations where the Tate’s industrial past blasts through. Here are just two architectural views from a new viewpoint.
These days, if you want a good view across London you visit superskyscrapers The Shard, the Walkie Talkie or take a spin on the London Eye.
But there’s a 17th century vantage point which is still holding its own and brings the visitors flocking in. It doesn’t even have a lift, but 311 stone steps to a small viewing platform. The Monument was erected to mark London’s regeneration after the devastating Great Fire of 1666, with golden plumes of flame atop the slender stone pillar.
So it was less than good planning to turn up on a Bank Holiday around midday. It was very busy, with two-way traffic on the narrow stairway. And the viewing platform was quite a squeeze. But the views are impressive, given that modern viewpoints tower over this one. There’s no grubby, over-reflective glass either, but a sturdy wire mesh which you can photograph through – and is an interesting feature in its own right.
Clamber up the stone steps if you find yourself in the City of London – you’ll get a certificate for your efforts. But do come early.
Click images to enlargeIf you want to see London in all its glory, then you have to climb up high. A favoured vantage point is on the hill above Greenwich, home of the world-famous observatory. And that’s exactly what it is. A place to see a grand sweep of the city and a large bend in the River Thames, from the mighty Shard to the City. The bristling of Docklands’ corporate skyscrapers is just across the way. And if you’re blessed with a crystal blue sky, then all the better.
A young couple enjoy the view across London from Primrose Hill, a vantage point north of the city. A fine summer’s day was gradually turning into evening.
It was an irresistible capture, despite my reluctance to take candid shots. They seem as one, and as if nobody else was around. But the hill was humming with people, relaxing and enjoying an escape close to the capital.
The full story of seeing day turn to evening from high above London will be told soon.
