The Gherkin

The Gherkin which includes heritage architecture, modern architecture and a castle
The Gherkin
The Gherkin featuring cbd, a high-rise building and modern architecture
The Gherkin
The Gherkin


Marvel at this innovative building with a spiral design that resembles a pickled cucumber in the centre of London’s skyline.

The Gherkin is a skyscraper in the financial district of London with an innovative spiral design that resembles a pickled cucumber. It is now one of the most recognizable structures in London’s skyline due to its curious appearance and importance to the economy. The 590.5-foot (180-metre) tall structure’s design enables the tower to use around half the power of most buildings of its size. The majority of the building is used for offices and residences.

Capture photos of the Gherkin from the River Thames. It has become an important and easily recognizable feature of London’s skyline. As it is mainly used for offices and residences, it is not always open to the public. Guests of residents can enjoy the restaurant and bar at the top of the tower, which has an unobstructed 360-degree view of the city.

The general public can tour the building during the annual Open House Weekend London. Reserve an Open House Weekend ticket in advance to look around the building.

At any time of the year you can stroll around the adjoining plaza to gaze up at the towering structure. Despite its rounded appearance, the only curved piece of glass in the building is the arch at the top. Dine at one of the restaurants in the square or enjoy a coffee at a café as you watch business associates walking past.

The official name of the building is 30 St. Mary Axe, but it is commonly referred to as The Gherkin, the British word for pickled cucumber, due to its shape. It stands on the site of the former financial building, Baltic Exchange, which was destroyed by a bomb detonated by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in 1992. The Gherkin was completed in 2003 and opened in 2004.

The Gherkin sits in the financial district of London. There are several London Underground and many bus services in the area.

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Things to do near The Gherkin

When visiting The Gherkin in London, immerse yourself in the local culture with nearby art, theatre, and shopping experiences. You can also arrange corporate events and utilise the tour desk for guided explorations of this iconic landmark. Discover the vibrant atmosphere and unique offerings that make this area a must-visit during your trip.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is Royal Exchange, a vibrant shopping mall just 186m from The Gherkin, offering a mix of business and entertainment vibes. For foodies, Borough Market is 497m away, showcasing local produce. If you're up for a drive, visit Twinings Tea Shop and Museum, 621m away.

Recreation

At the O2 Arena, enjoy exhilarating sports events that energise your spirit. The ABBA Arena offers a lively atmosphere for unforgettable music concerts. For a tranquil escape, Hampstead Heath provides serene green spaces perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation, just a short distance from The Gherkin.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station, a scenic cable car offering stunning views, located 2.5km from The Gherkin. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, 1.2km away, provides exhilarating indoor climbing adventures. Don’t miss the Oasis Go-Kart Track, 1.9km away, for an adrenaline-fuelled racing experience.

Nightlife

The Gherkin's nightlife offers vibrant experiences like the London Eye, a thrilling ferris wheel 1.2km away, perfect for family fun. Enjoy culture and romance at the Barbican Arts Centre, just 435m away, or unleash your competitive spirit at All Star Lanes, located 373m away.

Find the best attractions near The Gherkin

Within and around The Gherkin, visitors can explore a variety of attractions including charming streets, historic churches, and inviting urban parks. These points of interest provide an excellent mix of cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and vibrant city life, ensuring a memorable visit for all travellers looking to immerse themselves in the essence of London.

  • Tower Bridge: A quintessential symbol of London, Tower Bridge is an iconic drawbridge with stunning views of the River Thames. Discover its Victorian engine rooms and take a stroll across the glass-floored walkway for a unique perspective of the river below, all while embracing its rich cultural heritage.
  • Big Ben: The majestic clock tower of the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben is a must-see landmark. Standing tall amidst the bustling city, its chimes create a quintessential London atmosphere, steeped in history and culture that resonates with visitors.
  • Tower of London: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Tower of London is a fascinating castle steeped in history and romance. Explore the Crown Jewels, walk the ancient walls, and delve into tales of intrigue and royalty that have shaped this remarkable fortress.

Best time to go to The Gherkin

The best time to visit The Gherkin is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Gherkin

To save money on your visit to The Gherkin, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower, especially on Sundays. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and utilise Expedia's last-minute deals for spontaneous trips. Use their search tools to find budget-friendly options and eco-certified hotels. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to further savings. Don't forget to look for special offers, such as complimentary breakfast, to maximise your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The Gherkin are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around The Gherkin about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around The Gherkin is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around The Gherkin is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will highlight sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation at The Gherkin with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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