BT Tower

I was very lucky to have experienced a trip to the BT Tower as a thank you for volunteering. There are of course many places you can visit to get a view of London but I loved the BT Tower as it was iconic in its day. It is actually brilliant as it is not too high and obviously revolves so you see some amazing sights. The history of the building and its progress is fascinating and there is a short film in the foyer. The staff were friendly knowledgeable and helpful. It has now been sold to a hotel group for development but apparently it will take years to convert. To that event it may be closed soon so I feel even luckier to have visited. If you are ever given the chance to visit take it

Very hard to get access, but 100% worth it if you can get an invite. The 360 panoramic view of London from the revolving top floor are breathtaking.

I had a great time visiting here as part of the open house week. Getting a chance to see this view before the building becomes a hotel in the near future was a really fun experience.

The best view in London. A fantastic experience. Shout out to all the helpful staff.

Slightly strange to think how this used to be a symbol of modernity as well as one of the tallest structures in London. Still, it’s an enduring landmark, even if its location is slightly incongruous and not entirely in keeping with the surrounding area. Now positively pint sized compared to the behemoths that have sprung up across the skyline.

Iconic Grade 2 listed building on London skyline. My Dad was chief engineer on this project in the early 1960's and worked there for years following its opening in 1964. Currently not open to public

Fantastic views of London, nice staff but please turn the music down a little.

Overview
The BT Tower, also known as the Post Office Tower, is a towering presence in London’s skyline. Standing at 189 meters, it’s not just a communication hub but also a symbol of the city’s innovation and progress. Here’s a deep dive into what makes this structure so special.
History and Significance
1. Built in the 1960s: The tower was completed in 1964 and was originally used for telecommunications. Its design was a response to the growing need for efficient communication systems in post-war Britain.
2. Cultural Icon: Beyond its functional role, the BT Tower has become a cultural landmark. It’s often featured in films and TV shows, symbolizing modern London.
3. Historical Events: The tower has witnessed significant events, including the 1971 IRA bombing, which led to increased security measures and its closure to the public for many years.
Visitor Experience
1. Viewing Gallery: While the tower was once open to the public, it has been largely off-limits since the 1980s due to security concerns. However, there have been occasional open days, and when it was accessible, the views were breathtaking—offering a 360-degree panorama of London.
2. Dining Experience: For a time, the BT Tower housed a revolving restaurant, which was a unique dining experience. Imagine enjoying a meal while slowly rotating to see the cityscape change around you!
3. Special Events: Keep an eye out for special events or tours that might pop up. Sometimes, they open the tower for charity events or special occasions, which can be a cool way to experience it again.
Architectural Highlights
1. Distinctive Design: The BT Tower features a cylindrical shape, which was quite innovative for its time. Its sleek lines and reflective glass make it a modernist masterpiece.
2. Technological Marvel: The tower was one of the first buildings to use microwave transmission technology, which was revolutionary in improving communication services across the UK.
Fun Facts
1. Height Challenge: At one point, the BT Tower was the tallest building in London, but it lost that title to newer skyscrapers over the years.
2. Light Shows: Occasionally, the tower is lit up for special occasions, like national holidays or sporting events, adding a festive touch to the London skyline.
Conclusion
The BT Tower is more than just a tall building; it’s a piece of London’s history and a testament to the city’s evolution. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, it’s worth appreciating from a distance, and who knows—maybe one day it’ll open its doors again for visitors to enjoy those amazing views!

Spectacular panoramic views of London, and wait until you feel it rotating! Not open to the public usually, so if you find a chance to visit, jump on it. I recently got invited to an event here, and it was a unique experience to enjoy food in what was for a long while the tallest structure in London. Lots o' history, and very calming to be up so high.

I am taking a few liberties here because as a BT employee I get to go up the BT Tower quite often for corporate events, however it has been closed to the public since 1981 but let me explain the fun of going up my tower! It remains in my opinion by far the best view in London, far surpassing the London Eye in both height and distance. (581 feet to 443 feet high). The lift is the fastest in London and a Government Act was passed to exempt it from fire evacuation legislation. The beauty of it remains the 1960's kitch that gave birth to this famous landmark. Yes the restaurant still rotates at a genteel once every 22 minutes. The whole concept feels very Thunderbirds and Beatles. However the venue is a great pull for corporate events and the view utterly breathtaking, especially as the sun sets on a summer's evening over Richmond in the far distance. Little know fact is that the IRA successfully detonated a bomb in the gents toilet in the restaurant in 1971 showering the pavement below with concrete, but with no injuries reported. As a precaution the Tower became an official secret and was removed from Ordanance Survey maps, which makes me giggle. I mean even an angry Irishman could probably find it without a map. The food BT puts on is quality buffet food and the wine always flows. But the view does the talking. Sorry you cant come up my Tower, but as a London icon I thought it deserved a review.

One of the original London iconic buildings,in London's ever changing skyline.Offering superb views of the city.Its only open for private events,so if your ever lucky enough to get up there,just don't forget your camera.

I have a hard time with the notion that anyone ever though this would look good . You will NEVER convince me that large sums of money did not change hands before they were allowed to build it . The awful thing looks like a mysterious part that will cost you a packet when the washer needs a new one . If there really was a god he would smite this and do London a favour .