The free views of London, and which of them need booking

You can pay a great deal to look at London from above and you do not have to. The two highest free viewpoints are higher than most of the ticketed ones, and the catch is not money.

The two that need a free ticket

Horizon 22 and the Sky Garden both release free timed slots a few weeks ahead and both go quickly, sunset first. Cancellations appear constantly, so checking on the morning is worth more than people think. Photo identification and an airport-style check at both.

The ones that need nothing

London protects a handful of sightlines by law, which is why Parliament Hill still looks at the City rather than at a wall of flats. The four protected views are free, need no booking, and the two on open heath never close. The Royal Observatory hill in Greenwich gives you the best view back over the river in London.

And one that is neither

Coal Drops Yard and the roof garden at Crossrail Place are covered, free, and take no booking at all, which makes them the answer when the weather has decided for you.

More in the guide to free London, and a whole evening built out of it.