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the shard review

My visit to the London Shard

The ShardI was lucky enough to visit The Shard in London twice in June, just two weeks apart.  The first time I visited we purchased a package with Virgin Experience Days. This package came with entry for two into The Shard and a 3 course meal at Marco Pierre White's restaurant.

If you go for this package then it is important to go online once you have purchased your experience and activate the voucher then go to the website for the steak house and book your table time first, just in case you want to do both on the same day (you don’t have to). Then once you have got confirmation of your table you can book your time at The Shard.

We decided to visit The Shard at 11am and then have lunch. The restaurant is about a 15 minute walk from The Shard.

Shard ChampagneUpon arrival to The Shard you are in the main reception area, and once you have shown your e-ticket (which you would have already printed out at home) and gone through security. You get the chance to have your photograph taken. This can be collected and paid for on the way out.

You then enter the first of 2 lifts; both have amazing graphics displayed on the ceiling. After the first lift you move onto the 2nd lift which takes you to the main lower indoor viewing area.

I must say the view from The Shard is amazing, and you can see all the main sites of London as you move around The Shard. But there is another viewing platform which is open to the elements, just go up a few flights of stairs. If it’s a hot day then it’s really nice to move to the open air level in the fresh air.

Don't forget to have a go with the telescopes on the viewing levels, we thought they were actually live cameras, but unfortunately they are not live at all, but they do point out interesting sites even far into the distance.

Shard ToiletOne strange thing to try is actually using the toilets whilst you are there as they also have floor to ceiling glass in them, an amazing view.

You can also purchase a glass of champagne whilst at The Shard; some experiences actually come with champagne vouchers. In this case just present your vouchers to get your glass of champagne.

There is a gift shop at the viewing level of The Shard, and also another one at the entrance.

It's up to you how long you spend at The Shard; there is no maximum time limit.

It's definitely a great experience, and a perfect place to which see the whole of the London skyline and also get some amazing photographs. Shard Panorama

Buy a Shard Experience

1. Buy The View from The Shard Entry and a Cocktail for OneThe View from The Shard Entry and a Cocktail for One

Marvel at 360-degree views of London with entry to The View from The Shard and a delicious cocktail. Enjoy breathtaking scenery from London's highest viewing point.

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2. Buy The View from The Shard Entry for Two - Midweek SaverThe View from The Shard Entry for Two - Midweek Saver

Go to the top of London's most exciting building, The View from The Shard! Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from 800 foot up!

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3. Buy The View from The Shard Gift Box Package with Entry and Champagne for TwoThe View from The Shard Gift Box Package with Entry and Champagne for Two

Look forward to visiting The View from the Shard with this gift box package. Receive two tickets with Fast Track entry and a glass of Champagne each!

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4. Buy The View from The Shard Entry for Two Adults and One ChildThe View from The Shard Entry for Two Adults and One Child

A fantastic family day out in the Capital for two adults and one child. Enjoy 360-degree views of London from The View from The Shard!

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5. Buy The View from The Shard Entry and a Cocktail for TwoThe View from The Shard Entry and a Cocktail for Two

See London from a breathtaking perspective with entry to The View from The Shard for two and a delicious cocktail each. Marvel at stunning 360-degree views.

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6. Buy The View from The Shard with Champagne for TwoThe View from The Shard with Champagne for Two

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7. Buy The View from The Shard Entry for Two Adults and Two ChildrenThe View from The Shard Entry for Two Adults and Two Children

A fantastic family day out in the Capital, get ready to enjoy 360-degree views of London from The View from The Shard!

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8. Buy The View from The Shard with a Cocktail and Bottomless Pizza for Two at Gordon Ramsay's Street PizzaThe View from The Shard with a Cocktail and Bottomless Pizza for Two at Gordon Ramsay's Street Pizza

Enjoy entry to The View from The Shard for two, plus bottomless pizza for two hours at Gordon Ramsay's Street Pizza in London.

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9. Buy The View from The Shard and Cocktail with Three Course Meal at Marco Pierre White London SteakhouseThe View from The Shard and Cocktail with Three Course Meal at Marco Pierre White London Steakhouse

Enjoy a three-course meal and cocktails at Marco Pierre White's London Steakhouse Co. and discover panoramic views of London from The View from The Shard.

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10. Buy River Thames Speedboat Ride and The View from The Shard with a Cocktail for TwoRiver Thames Speedboat Ride and The View from The Shard with a Cocktail for Two

See London like never before with this unmissable sightseeing package for two - The View from The Shard and speedboat ride included!

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11. Buy Afternoon Tea Cruise and The View from The Shard with a Cocktail for TwoAfternoon Tea Cruise and The View from The Shard with a Cocktail for Two

Take sightseeing to a whole new level with a trip to The View from The Shard accompanied by a delightful afternoon tea cruise along the River Thames in London.

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12. Buy Afternoon Tea and The View From The Shard with Champagne for Two, LondonAfternoon Tea and The View From The Shard with Champagne for Two, London

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13. Buy The View from The Shard with a Cocktail and Three Course MICHELIN Dining and Bubbles for TwoThe View from The Shard with a Cocktail and Three Course MICHELIN Dining and Bubbles for Two

Feel thoroughly spoilt as you soak up the views of the Capital from the tallest building in Western Europe and afterwards tuck into a three-course MICHELIN meal from a restaurant of your choice.

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14. Buy The View from The Shard with a Cocktail and Lunch for Two at Gordon Ramsay's Savoy GrillThe View from The Shard with a Cocktail and Lunch for Two at Gordon Ramsay's Savoy Grill

Enjoy entry to The View from The Shard and a delicious three-course set lunch for two with a glass of Champagne at Gordon Ramsay's Savoy Grill in London.

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15. Buy Bateaux Deluxe Dinner Cruise and The View from The Shard with a Cocktail for TwoBateaux Deluxe Dinner Cruise and The View from The Shard with a Cocktail for Two

This unbeatable package includes entry to The View from The Shard and two tickets for a luxurious three-course dinner aboard a luxurious Bateaux vessel.

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