Insider Secrets: 5 of London's best hidden viewpoints

Visiting a shopping centre might seem like an odd recommendation, but there is an amazing view of St Paul’s Cathedral from One New Change. Head to the roof terrace via a glass elevator – not one for those with vertigo – to enjoy the unobstructed view of the cathedral. There are also great panoramas of London's skyline.

Head to the bridge across the lake in St James’s Park for a great view of the city. It gives an unusual angle of the London Eye and Westminster. Framed by the lake and trees, it’s almost as if the Eye has been relocated to a more rural location.

For a clear view of the Houses of Parliament, go to Lambeth Bridge and the south bank of the Thames by Lambeth Palace. Here, there are far fewer tourists than on Westminster Bridge and Southbank.

Further along the Thames, check out the view from Shad Thames. Look out to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London in one direction, and across to the Docklands in the other.

Built to commemorate the Great Fire of London and to celebrate the rebuilding of the city, the Monument is 62 metres high – the exact distance between it and the site in Pudding Lane where the fire began. You can climb the 311 steps to admire the view over London. There is a £4.50 admission fee.

The author of this article, Kathryn, is creator of the Trip Stylist website – where you'll find self-guided walking tours around London.