Sky High With Richard III @roquesrichard

London Walks guide & Daily Constitutional Associate Editor Richard III writes…


Constantly researching on behalf of London Walkers, I recently visited the Sky Garden in the company of my colleague Chris…  

Rafael Viñoly's office block is officially called 20 Fenchurch Street but it was dubbed the Walkie Talkie because of its unusual shape. Architect Viñoly has admitted he knew the facade of his curvy London skyscraper would focus an intense beam of sunlight onto a neighbouring street, but says that he "didn't realise it was going to be so hot".

Now it's called the walkie scorchie. 

Millions of pounds later they've solved the problem by encasing one whole side of the building which has been fitted with a sunshade known as a 'brise soleil' to prevent the glare from damaging cars and nearby shops.

The Sky Garden is designated 'green space' in the City of London so you can go up for free.  Book in advance as we did, or you can just turn up after 6pm, but be prepared to queue.

You can book your visit at skygarden.london

Find 20 Fenchurch Street…

Over the next couple of weeks you can join Richard III on the following London Walks tours…

Wednesday 7th            11am            Meet at Warwick Avenue            Little Venice

Wednesday 7th            2pm            Meet at Hampstead            Hampstead village

Wednesday 7th            7.30            Meet at Holborn            Ghosts, Gaslight and Guinness

Thursday 8th            11am            Meet at Green Park            Mayfair

Thursday 8th            2pm            Meet at St. Paul's            Crime and Punishment

Friday 9th            2.15            Meet at Temple            Dickens's London

Saturday 10th            10am            Meet at Monument            Shakespeare's London

Saturday 10th            2pm            Meet at Tower Hill            The Old City

Saturday 10th            7pm            Meet at Hampstead            Hampstead pubs

Sunday 11th            1.45            Meet at Highgate            Highgate village

Wednesday 14th            11am            Meet at Warwick Avenue            Little Venice

Wednesday 14th            7.30            Meet at Holborn            Ghosts, Gaslight and Guinness

Thursday 15th            11am            Green Park            Mayfair

Thursday 15th            2pm            St. Paul's            Crime and Punishment

Friday 16th            7pm            South Kensington            Knightsbridge

A London Walk costs £10 – £8 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.