(Author’s note: This author, an expat in the Netherlands, grew up in London but has been tipped off that many people across the world haven’t got the faintest idea about cricket or its rules. This post includes a short description of some different types of cricket matches and notable tournaments.
London is full of fantastic places to watch the sun go down. Not all of them require paying lots of money, either. Sky Garden in the city is one well-known spot that is free to access an incredible skyline but once you get there, there is a bar where it’s tempting to sit and order drinks and a snack.
From summertime cricket spectating to parks on a hill and rooftop bars, here are a few suggestions of slightly less mainstream places that I always return to watch the sunset when I visit London:
The Kia Oval
This view above is from the 4th floor balcony of the Kia Oval Cricket ground in South London. Having gone to the ground to attend a match on a sunny Sunday afternoon, I was particularly struck by the surrounding view. Located between Vauxhall and Kennington Park, the ground is a short walk from Oval tube station. From the top floor, I could look out over St. George’s tower, Lambeth Palace and the famous Oval Gasholders which is a grade II listed building. If you were a cricket fan, some of the apartments towering over the stadium would make an ideal home. The sun sets over the west side of the ground, so the longest view of the setting sun is from the member’s gallery. Meaning that if you are seated in or below the south-east facing company boxes, you won’t see it at all, you’ll only be immersed in the merry atmosphere.
For many people, going to watch a cricket match is a good excuse to sit in the sun and drink Pimms. As an English person, I grew up with the sport on the TV and even played as a child. But I’m aware that many people don’t know the rules and think it’s just a slow, boring game to watch
Here is a brief explanation for those who need it!
Cricket has three main kinds of matches:
- 5-day test matches, the traditional form of the sport. Each team has two innings (two turns to bat) and there are no limits to the number of overs (six legal balls bowled consecutively by one bowler) being played. The game ends when all players are out, either being run out; the ball is caught before it hits the ground; the ball passes the batting player and hits the wicket. Like tennis at Wimbledon, this game is always played in traditional whites (“cricket whites” is the name of the clothing worn by players). The matches are played internationally and the sport is most popular in countries that are ex-British colonies including India, West Indies (that’s still what the team is called), New Zealand, Australia, South Africa. Here you’ll find upcoming fixtures.
- One day international matches (ODIs). This game typically lasts up to 8 hours and is played in one day unless postponed due to bad weather. Each team has one inning (one turn batting per team) and the game lasts for 50 overs each way. (An over is a set of six balls bowled by the bowler.)
- Twenty20 (or T20) is a much shorter game, taking somewhere between 3 hours and 3 hours 30 mins. Each team plays 20 overs. The format encourages fast, short-term strategies such as aggressive batting and risk-taking runs, making it one of the most popular formats of cricket for spectators.
Notable tournaments:
- The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027. (Now, there will be some fantastic sunsets to see!) The tournament has expanded from 10 to 14 teams. In a new format designed to make for more competitive cricket and be more entertaining for fans, there will be 3 rounds before the semi-final and final.
- The Ashes is a test cricket series played every two years between England and Australia. The countries take turns hosting the tournament. In 2027, England will host. Five matches are played and the winner of the tournament is the winner of the most matches.
- The Hundred is another fast-paced form of cricket where 100 balls are bowled per team. Games usually finish in under 3 hours. The series will start on Tuesday 21st of July where eight English teams across seven cities will compete in both the men’s and women’s tournament.
If attending, remember that there is an etiquette to the sport, including smart-casual dress and not moving around the stalls during overs. Need help reading the score? Here you will find some extra information about the rules and scoring.
Parks on a hill
Primrose Hill is one of London’s iconic spots. With views over the whole of London, you won’t be alone watching a sunset on a warm evening. Here you’ll find the sunrise and sunset timings. Many people also gather here to watch fireworks events such as on New Year’s Eve and on Bonfire Night (5 November) but since 2025, access to this site has been restricted due to London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks no longer being a free event.
Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath also has fantastic views as one of the highest places in London (98 meters above sea level). But as a South Londoner, I hardly ever make the journey all the way up north. Instead, I would find myself a nice spot on the hill in Crystal Palace Park or at the Horniman Museum’s beautiful gardens. The gardens at the Horniman are well kept with a huge array of plants and during the day time there are many activities for adults and children too. Check opening times for Animal Walk with goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs and alpacas, as well as the Butterfly House. The aquarium and museum are also open with exciting activities and well curated exhibitions all year round. My personal favourite exhibition there was back in 2022 – Hair: Untold stories.
Frank’s rooftop bar and neighbouring Bussey Building
Everybody in South London will know about these two iconic rooftop bars in Peckham. Just across the road from Peckham Rye train and overground station. Frank’s rooftop bar was set up by Bold Tendencies, a not-for-profit arts organisation in Peckham and operates as a summer pop-up. Each year since 2009, it returns to the 10th floor of Peckham Levels, a converted multi-story car park which hosts events in its large bar area and offers workspaces for small businesses.
Bussey Building, a converted Victorian factory, is just next door. It also has a rooftop bar as well as a rooftop cinema. Also operating as a pop-up during the summer time, the rooftop has 360-degree views across London open seven days a week with DJs every Friday.
Crystal Palace (not recommended)
In a fabulous “reckless endangerment” style escapade, the lower platform of Crystal Palace transmission tower might be one of the best places to view the sunset, that is if you are willing to accept the consequences (criminal charges, imprisonment). Although posing “no danger” to tenants (there are none), anyone within a 60 mile radius who is tuned into the BBC on television or radio might be outraged by the disruption.
Known as the “Eiffel Tower” to many Londoners (I’m sure you can see why), the tower was constructed in the 1950s and is the 8th-tallest structure in London. However, it’s only 219 meters tall compared to the Empire State Buiding’s 443 meters.
My personal favourite sunsets are on a slightly cloudy day when the sky lights up in a bright pink haze, so don’t be put off by a few clouds.
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Read more about London here in Dispatches‘ archives.
Zoë Prifti is a native of London. Zoë came to the Netherlands to study at the Eindhoven Design Academy and has been here ever since. She's an artist, entrepreneur and writer.
