A local’s guide to the most beautiful sunset spots in London; from secret gardens to free rooftops, these are great spots for pictures and calm moments!
I have always loved watching the sunset and London has a great variety of spots to catch one.
Whether it is secret gardens like the Hampstead Pergola or beautiful cemeteries and free viewpoints, the city has plenty of places where you don’t have to pay for an incredible view.
8 Sunset Spots in London For The Most Incredible Photos
In this guide you will see some of my favorite free London locations.
I especially love historical sites and secret gardens, as you might have seen in my recent guides.
Salters’ Garden, St Alphage church ruins, and St Dunstan in the East are all hidden spots with beautiful ruins where you can see a stunning sunset.
But if you really want the best sunset spots, the ones I have listed below are my absolute favorites in London.
Sunset in London: Hampstead Heath, North London
Let’s start with one of the most famous sunset spots in the city over in North London at Hampstead Heath.
You can head straight for Parliament Hill which is famous for its incredible view of the London skyline.
My personal favorite is the Hampstead Pergola because it feels more hidden and is easily one of the best photo spots for the architecture alone.
Sunset Spots in London: Southbank (Oxo Tower)
Southbank is one of my absolute favorite areas in London along the Thames. Aside from London Bridge and Covent Garden, it is just such a vibe.
You can find the Oxo Tower there. Whether you stay on the ground or head up to the rooftop terrace, you will get a gorgeous view of the sunset.
If you want to see the sun go down over the water, the Millennium Bridge is the place to be.
It sits between St Paul’s and the Tate Modern and is easily one of the best spots for a sunset over the Thames.
Sunset in London: One New Change Rooftop, City of London
If you cross the Millennium Bridge, you will find several cool spots for the sunset right in front of St Paul’s.
I really love the secret Reflection Garden and Paternoster Square. It is one of the most hidden courtyards in the city and often has public art installations to check out.
My top pick though has to be the free rooftop at the One New Change shopping center.
There is a spot to grab a drink, but the terrace itself is completely free. You get to see the top of St Paul’s in all its glory with the sunset hitting the skyline.
Sunset in London: Primrose Hill, North London
Primrose Hill is one of my favorite colorful neighborhoods in North London.
You can find Chalcot Crescent from the Paddington movies and Chalcot Square which are both so instagrammable.
The park itself also has one of the most beautiful views in the city.
Locals and tourists all head there at the end of the day to catch a vibrant sunset right near Camden Town.
Sunset Spots in London: Westminster Bridge (With View of Big Ben)
Westminster Bridge is an iconic photo spot for a London sunset. If you stand on the bridge, you get to see the sky change colors right behind Big Ben.
It is another spot right by the Thames. I can’t help it, watching the sun go down over the water is just so beautiful.
Sunset in London: Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf
Westferry Circus is a very local spot in Canary Wharf right on the Thames. You can find a colorful glass art installation there that makes for a perfect photo.
It is also where you can see an incredible sunset that often turns the water and the skyscrapers pink.
It is a must-see after visiting the secret garden at Crossrail Place or doing the local art trail.
Sunset in London: Richmond Hill, West London
Richmond Park in West London is one of the biggest in the city. It has some perfect secret gardens to discover in the spring along with amazing wildlife like the wild deer.
Richmond Hill itself has a lovely village feel. It is one of the more secret places to watch the sun set over the city while getting a breath of fresh air.
Sunset Spots in London: Columbia Road, East London
I actually discovered the sunset at Columbia Road by pure chance. I was walking from the Museum of the Home in Hoxton toward Shoreditch when I passed through.
The street is famous for its Sunday flower market. The light looks incredibly beautiful against the low, historic buildings of the East End.
8 Sunset Spots in London For The Most Incredible Photos
This guide covers some of my favorite sunset spots in London. You have plenty of parks, gardens, and free rooftops to watch the skyline catch fire in peace.
I especially love the view from Westferry Circus – Canary Wharf has always been my number one neighborhood in London.
Once the sun goes down, you can start looking for things to do in London at night.
Or you can head home and save these other hidden gems for early the next day: