Tallest buildings in the UK
[edit] Introduction
This list of the UK’s tallest buildings includes only those with continuously occupiable floors, as opposed to non-building structures such as communications towers. Roof or spire height is taken into consideration in this ranking, but not antenna height.
(This classification excludes Emley Moor transmitting station which, at a height of 330.4 m (1,084 ft), is the tallest freestanding structure in the UK.)
(Correct as of 23 November 2018.)
[edit] Top 20
1. The Shard, London. (2012), 309.6 m (1,016 ft).
Has held the title of the UK’s tallest building since 2012.
2. One Canada Square, London. (1991), 235 m (770 ft).
UK’s tallest building 1990 – 2012.
3. Heron Tower, London. (2010), 230 m (755 ft).
4. Leadenhall Building, London. (2014), 225 m (737 ft).
5. Deansgate Square – South Tower, Manchester. (Under construction) expected to be 201 m (659 ft).
6. 8 Canada Square, London. (2002), 200 m (656 ft), and 25 Canada Square, London (2001), 200 m (656 ft).
7. NatWest Tower, London. (1980), 183 m (600 ft).
UK’s tallest building 1980 – 1990.
8. St. George Wharf Tower, London. (2014), 181 m (594 ft).
9. 30 St. Mary Axe – ‘The Gherkin’, London. (2003), 180 m (591 ft).
10. BT Tower, London. (1964), 177 m (581 ft).
UK’s tallest building 1964 – 1980.
11. Beetham Tower, Manchester. (2006), 169 m (554 ft).
12. Broadgate Tower, London. (2008), 161 m (528 ft).
13. 20 Fenchurch Street – ‘The Walkie-Talkie’, London. (2014), 160 m (525 ft).
14. One Churchill Place, London. (2004), 156 m (512 ft).
15. 25 Bank Street, London. (2003), 153 m (502 ft), and 40 Bank Street, London. (2003), 153 m (502 ft).
16. 10 Upper Bank Street, London. (2003), 151 m (495 ft), and South Bank Tower, London. (2015), 151 m (495 ft).
17. Arena Tower, London. (2016), 150 m (490 ft).
18. Highpoint, London. (2018), 149 m (487 ft).
19. Strata SE1, London. (2010), 148 m (486 ft).
20. Pan Peninsula East Tower, London. (2008), 147 m (484 ft)
Before the completion of the BT Tower in 1964, the tallest buildings in the UK had been:
- Millbank Tower, London. (1963 – 1964), 118 m (387 ft).
- CIS Tower, Manchester. (1962 – 1964), 118m (387 ft).
- Shell Centre, London. (1961 – 1962), 107 m (351 ft).
- Royal Liver Building, Liverpool. (1911 – 1961), 50.9 m (167 ft).
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.