The View from the Shard in London has been a big hit since debuting in 2013, bringing in around £5m in pre-tax profit and just under 900,000 visitors over the course of the year.

The attraction, which is housed within the 800ft (244m) tower, received 150,000 fewer visitors than expected, but gate returns from high entry prices made up the shortfall.

Financial documents filed at Companies House by Shard Viewing Gallery Management show that the attraction - on the 68th, 69th and 72nd floors of the tallest tower in western Europe - had turnover of almost £20 million (£19.86m) in its first financial year, with income raised almost exclusively from ticket sales.

The pre-tax profit of £5.035m compared with a £1.316 million loss made in the previous year.

Both the gallery and open-air observation desk give visitors the most extensive view in London, covering a 40-mile radius on a clear day. The open-air platform on the 72nd floor is almost double the height reached at the top of the London Eye.

Adult tickets cost £29.95 if you turn up on the day and £24.95 if booked in advance, while child tickets cost £23.95 on the day or £18.95 in advance. The average cost of entry through the course of the year was £20.20.

Revenue breakdown was £16.9m/tickets, £1.5m/retail, £1.0m/photography and £0.4k/functions.