Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and developed by Union Investment, The Pinnacle was to have a distinctive, spiraling exterior reminiscent of a helter-skelter. However, due to cost constraints and concerns from the Civil Aviation Authority, its height was reduced and its design simplified.
DIRECTORY
Twentytwo
Twentytwo is a towering landmark in London's financial district, standing 278 meters (912 feet) tall. Its sleek, modern design belies a complex history that stretches back to the ambitious plans for "The Pinnacle," a skyscraper originally envisioned to be London's second tallest.
Construction began in 2009, with the sinking of the deepest piles ever used in the city. In 2013, the project faced a potential setback when demolition was considered due to rising costs. However, a revised design incorporating elements of the original concept was approved.
In 2015, Axa Real Estate acquired the site and implemented a radical redesign, removing the central core of the existing structure. The resulting building was renamed Twentytwo. Despite facing further challenges related to air traffic control, the tower was ultimately completed to its planned height of 62 stories.
Today, Twentytwo stands as a testament to resilience and innovation. Its distinctive silhouette and panoramic views make it a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike. As you explore this architectural marvel, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating journey it has taken from its initial conception to its final form.
Horizon 22
Horizon 22 is London's highest free viewing platform, offering stunning 360-degree views of the city. Located on the 58th floor of 22 Bishopsgate, the tallest building in the City of London, it provides a unique perspective of the city's iconic landmarks.
Address and Contact Details
General Enquiries: 020 3761 1000 (building reception). For enquiries about the public viewing gallery, contact directly via the website.
Email: Send email
Website: 22 Bishopsgate (opens in new window).
Website (public viewing gallery): Horizon 22 (opens in new window).
Travel Connections
22 Bishopsgate is strategically located in the heart of the City of London, benefiting from excellent transport infrastructure.
Underground (Tube)
- Bank Station (Central, Northern, Waterloo & City lines, DLR): Approximately a 3-5 minute walk. This is a major interchange directly south of the building.
- Liverpool Street Station (Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines, Elizabeth line, Overground): Approximately a 3-5 minute walk. This station is immediately north of the building.
- Monument Station (District and Circle lines): Approximately a 6-8 minute walk.
- Aldgate Station (Metropolitan and Circle lines): Approximately an 8-10 minute walk.
Train
- Liverpool Street Station: Approximately a 3-5 minute walk. A major national rail terminus with connections across London and the East of England.
- Fenchurch Street Station: Approximately a 7-10 minute walk.
Bus
Numerous bus routes serve the area around 22 Bishopsgate. Key bus stops include:
- Bishopsgate (Stop N/R): Buses 8, 26, 35, 47, 48, 78, 135, 149, 205, 242, 344, 388, N8, N26, N35, N47, N48, N78, N133, N205, N242, N550, N551. This stop is directly outside or very close to the building.
- Gracechurch Street (Stop T): Buses 25, 43, 133, 141, 149, N25, N133.
- Wormwood Street (Stop P): Buses 21, 43, 100, 141, 344, N133.
River Boat
- London Bridge City Pier: Approximately a 10-12 minute walk (crossing London Bridge). Services run by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.
- Tower Pier: Approximately a 10-15 minute walk. Services run by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.
Car
- 22 Bishopsgate is located in the City of London, an area with strict driving and parking regulations. There are no public car parking facilities directly at the building.
- Visitors are strongly advised to use public transport. The building is within the Congestion Charge zone and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Cycling
- Santander Cycles docking stations are available nearby on Bishopsgate, Camomile Street, and St Mary Axe.
- The building itself boasts excellent cycling facilities for tenants, including a large bike park for over 1,000 bicycles, showers, and lockers.
Facilities
- Horizon 22 (Public Viewing Gallery): Located on the 58th floor, offering free panoramic views of London. Booking is essential.
- Food & Beverage: The building features a "Market" on Level 2, offering various food and drink options primarily for tenants, but some elements may be publicly accessible. There are also cafes and eateries within the ground floor and surrounding area.
- Gym: A public gym (UNCOMMON) with a climbing wall on Level 2, accessible to the public as well as tenants.
- Bike Park: Extensive secure bike parking facilities.
- Retail: Some retail units are available at ground level.
- Event Space: Various event spaces are available for hire.
Access
- 22 Bishopsgate is designed with accessibility in mind.
- Horizon 22, the public viewing gallery, is fully accessible with lifts providing direct access to the 58th floor.
- The ground floor and all publicly accessible amenities (like the gym) are designed for step-free access.
- Accessible toilets are available.
- Assistance dogs are permitted.
- The building is primarily an office building, so internal access beyond public areas is restricted to tenants and their guests.
Entry Fees
Entry to the main building lobby and ground-floor areas of 22 Bishopsgate is free of charge.
- Horizon 22 (Public Viewing Gallery): Entry is free of charge, but pre-booking online is essential to secure a time slot. Walk-in availability is very limited.
- Gym, event spaces, or specific retail/food outlets within the building will have their own charges.
Opening Times
The general public opening hours for Horizon 22 are:
- Monday - Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday & Bank Holidays: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Last entry is typically 30 minutes before closing. These times may vary, especially around public holidays or for private events, so checking the Horizon 22 website before your visit is strongly recommended.
Other Places of Interest Within 15 Minute's Walk
Liverpool Street Station (3-5 minutes): A major London transport hub with impressive Victorian architecture, connecting to national rail services, Tube lines, and the new Elizabeth Line, surrounded by shops and eateries.
Bank of England Museum (5-7 minutes): Learn about the history of the Bank of England and the UK economy through interactive displays and exhibits. Entry is free.
Leadenhall Market (5-7 minutes): A beautiful, ornate Victorian covered market with stunning architecture, known for its selection of shops, pubs, and restaurants, and famously used as a filming location for Harry Potter.
Sky Garden (7-9 minutes): London's highest public garden, offering panoramic views of the city from its lush landscaped spaces, restaurants, and bars. Free to visit but booking well in advance is essential.
The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) (5-7 minutes): One of London's most iconic skyscrapers with a distinctive curved shape, housing a restaurant and bar on its upper floors (booking required for access).
The Royal Exchange (5-7 minutes): A magnificent historic building with high-end boutiques, bars, and restaurants, originally established as a centre for mercantile exchange.
Tower of London (10-12 minutes): A historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames, famous for its history as a royal palace, fortress, prison, and home of the Crown Jewels.
Tower Bridge (12-14 minutes): An iconic London landmark, this Victorian-era bascule and suspension bridge offers a museum experience inside its towers, including glass walkways and engine rooms.
Museum of London (12-15 minutes): Explores the history of London from prehistoric times to the present day through fascinating exhibits and artefacts.
St. Paul's Cathedral (15-20 minutes): A masterpiece of English Baroque architecture, with a stunning dome offering panoramic views of London, and rich historical significance (slightly over 15 mins but often considered due to proximity).
Articles
City Skyscrapers: An exploration of the major tall buildings buildings in the City of London (Financial District).
Other Places of Interest Within 15 Minute's Walk
Liverpool Street Station (3-5 minutes): A major London transport hub with impressive Victorian architecture, connecting to national rail services, Tube lines, and the new Elizabeth Line, surrounded by shops and eateries.
Bank of England Museum (5-7 minutes): Learn about the history of the Bank of England and the UK economy through interactive displays and exhibits. Entry is free.
Leadenhall Market (5-7 minutes): A beautiful, ornate Victorian covered market with stunning architecture, known for its selection of shops, pubs, and restaurants, and famously used as a filming location for Harry Potter.
Sky Garden (7-9 minutes): London's highest public garden, offering panoramic views of the city from its lush landscaped spaces, restaurants, and bars. Free to visit but booking well in advance is essential.
The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) (5-7 minutes): One of London's most iconic skyscrapers with a distinctive curved shape, housing a restaurant and bar on its upper floors (booking required for access).
The Royal Exchange (5-7 minutes): A magnificent historic building with high-end boutiques, bars, and restaurants, originally established as a centre for mercantile exchange.
Tower of London (10-12 minutes): A historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames, famous for its history as a royal palace, fortress, prison, and home of the Crown Jewels.
Tower Bridge (12-14 minutes): An iconic London landmark, this Victorian-era bascule and suspension bridge offers a museum experience inside its towers, including glass walkways and engine rooms.
Museum of London (12-15 minutes): Explores the history of London from prehistoric times to the present day through fascinating exhibits and artefacts.
St. Paul's Cathedral (15-20 minutes): A masterpiece of English Baroque architecture, with a stunning dome offering panoramic views of London, and rich historical significance (slightly over 15 mins but often considered due to proximity).
