The Gherkin
Palace Distinctive London skyscraper noted for its curved glass facade
Nicknamed ‘The Gherkin’, 30 St Mary Axe is a Norman Foster‑designed office tower completed in the early 2000s in the City of London. Tourists photograph its triangulated glass façade and admire the building from surrounding streets.
The building commonly called The Gherkin is a commercial office tower at 30 St Mary Axe in central London, completed in 2003 and notable for its distinctive rounded, tapering form. It is a high-profile piece of contemporary architecture and a recognisable element of the city’s financial district skyline.
The tower rises to about 180 metres across 41 storeys and uses a diagonally braced steel frame with a helical pattern of glazing. Its design emphasises a compact footprint, light-filled atria and energy-efficiency measures built into the façade and ventilation strategy.
Primarily an office building, it has no permanent large public viewing gallery, though some floors and nearby restaurants offer views by arrangement; its distinctive profile makes it a frequent subject of architectural tours and city skyline photography.
Located in the City of London near the historic financial quarter, the building sits close to other major office towers and transport hubs, including Liverpool Street and Aldgate stations.
- Height and address: The building stands 180 metres tall with 41 storeys; it was completed in 2003 and is formally known as 30 St Mary Axe.
- Design and engineering: Designed by Norman Foster's practice, the tower's tapered, cylindrical plan and diagonal steel frame are distinctive features that reduce wind load and create a recognizable London skyline landmark.
How to Get to The Gherkin #
The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) stands in the City of London near Bishopsgate and Leadenhall Street. The nearest main rail/tube hub is Liverpool Street station (Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines) - it’s about a 5-8 minute walk from Liverpool Street. Bank and Monument stations are also within a 10-15 minute walk.
By road the building fronts onto streets in the City (Bishopsgate/A10 and Leadenhall Street); driving and parking in the City are restricted, so public transport or a short taxi from central London is usually the easiest option.
Tips for Visiting The Gherkin #
- The Gherkin is not generally open to the public-plan to view and photograph it from surrounding streets (St Mary Axe) and plazas; book a private event or a corporate tour if you need interior access.
- For strong photographic compositions, take early-morning or evening shots when reflections on the glass are most striking and pedestrian crowds are thinner.
- Combine your stop with nearby viewpoints-Leadenhall Market, the Thames riverside and the rooftop at the nearby Sky Garden (book in advance) give complementary perspectives of the building.
Best Time to Visit The Gherkin #
For viewing the building from outside, spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds; interior access is limited and often requires prior arrangement.
Weather & Climate near The Gherkin #
The Gherkin's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (658 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 66 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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