This a sponsored article on behalf of The View from The Shard.
With its arty light installations, illuminated landmarks, and a plethora of glowing Christmas displays, London turns those dark and dreary winter days into truly magical occasions.
Above them all, looms The Shard, Western Europe's tallest building. Not only is The Shard getting its own stunning winter makeover — its top 20 stories transformed into a colourful spectacle of light designed by local school-children — but the gleaming glass landmark also provides an incredible vantage point for admiring the rest of the capital's illuminations.
Step inside the high speed lift and whizz up 68 floors to the viewing gallery at The Shard's summit. Situated 800 ft in the sky, The View from The Shard boasts floor-to-ceiling windows in every direction, giving visitors breathtaking 360 degree views of the capital.
On clear days, you can see up to 40 miles over London from here, but if you want to really see the capital sparkle, you need to visit after dark. Luckily for impatient types, the sun sets pretty early at this time of year... though not so early that you can't justify a glass of bubbly from London's highest champagne bar!
Once you're feeling suitably refreshed, it's sightseeing time. Spot the pale glow of the famous dome of St Paul's Cathedral, see Tower Bridge cast its shimmer upon the inky black River Thames, and watch the towering skyscrapers of Canary Wharf glitter in the distance.
There's also the bright red glow of the London Eye to behold, though come February it'll turn hot pink to herald its new sponsors. But those aren't the only shiny new lights to admire from The View from The Shard...
Illuminated River has begun to light up London's main artery, with the first few pieces of this massive art installation on the River Thames unveiled in summer 2019. From your vertiginous vantage point, look out for the warm rainbow hues projected onto London Bridge, the moving pulse of light that creeps along the Millennium Bridge, and the Impressionist-inspired illuminations on Southwark Bridge.
Suffice to say that The View from The Shard makes for a pretty spectacular date night, then. Treat that special someone to an unforgettable evening this month (psst... you can even get special packages with champagne and photo souvenirs), or buy a gift ticket, which gives your lucky recipient the flexibility to choose the time and date that suits them best. So that's one present ticked off your Christmas list and a brilliant way for you and your loved ones to beat the January blues. We'd call that a win.
The View from The Shard, Joiner Street, SE1 9QU. Tickets start from £24 per person and must be booked online in advance. For more information and to book your space visit The View from The Shard website.
