Historic City Viewpoints

From Cathedral towers to Royal Parks, these historic viewpoints found throughout England’s historic cities offer spectacular panoramic views of their incredible skylines. As many have stood the test of time, you’ll also be able to discover the many unique stories and tales left behind.

Great St Marys, the University Church (Cambridge)

After climbing the 123 steps of the University Church tower you will be treated to the most spectacular panoramic views across the beautiful city of Cambridge. Here you’ll be able to see King’s College and Chapel, Gonville & Caius College, Market Square and a myriad of spires towering above the town.

Westgate Towers (Canterbury)

Standing at 18 metres, a climb up the Westgate Towers (England’s largest surviving medieval gateway) offers 360-degree views across the majestic city of Canterbury. You’ll also find a small museum where you can learn more about city wars, crime & punishment, Westgate through history and the Magna Carta & the Maquettes.

The Monument to the great fire of London (City of London)

For one of London’s oldest viewpoints, you’ll want to visit the Monument. Here you’ll have 311 spiral steps to tackle before being rewarded with a breathtaking vantage point that offers views across the city. Here you’ll see Tower Bridge, London Bridge, and the city’s iconic skyscrapers – The Gherkin, Walkie Talkie and of course the Shard.

Royal Observatory (Greenwich)

Experience one of the most popular viewpoints in London by heading up through Greenwich Park to the Royal Observatory. From here, you can look down on the Queen’s House, the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Naval College, and the gleaming towers of Isle of Dogs. We’d recommend coming here in the evenings to enjoy the twinkling London skyline at night.

Cathedral Tower Tour (Lincoln)

Led by an expert guide, the Lincoln Cathedral tower tour will take you up more than 300 steps where you can take in the magnificent 360degree views of the city, county and beyond. Throughout the tour, your guide will tell you stories and tales of what was the tallest building in the world for 300 years.

Carfax Tower (Oxford)

Oxford’s Carfax Tower is 74 feet tall and while that doesn’t sound all that high you have to remember no other building in central Oxford may be constructed higher than it. As such, climbing the 99 steps to the top is the best way to experience the city’s “dreaming spires” from up high.

Cathedral Tower Tour (Salisbury)

Salisbury Cathedral’s tower tour will see you weaving your way through the narrow staircases to reach the spectacular viewpoint found at the base of the cathedral’s spire. Not only will you experience awe-inspiring panoramic views of the city, but you’ll discover the hidden inner spaces and breathtaking views down into the cathedral’s nave. Twilight tower tours are also available.

Clifford’s Tower (York)

Clifford’s Tower has stood at the heart of the historic city of York since the Norman Conquest. So, it goes without saying the sight has lived through some of York’s most turbulent and joyous chapters which you can now discover through their immersive soundscape tour. Once you’ve learnt about the tower’s fascinating history it is time to head to the dramatic roof deck. Here, you’ll get unrivalled views over York’s historic skyline, with its medieval building and magnificent Gothic Minster.

So, there you have our guide to some great historic viewpoints you’ll find across England’s historic cities. If you are looking for other ways to experience our cities from above, then be sure to check out these rooftop bars & restaurants.