The Southbank has become synonymous with the city: providing the backdrop to New Year’s celebrations, postcards and many a selfie. Head down to London Bridge and walk around Borough Market, The Golden Hinde, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and The Tate Modern. Alternatively head to Waterloo and walk down the river to explore the National Theatre skateboard park, BFI and The London Eye.
Iconic Wheel
Top of our list of amazing things to do in Southbank is the famous London Eye. The London Eye is Europe’s tallest ferris wheel at 135m. A trip on the London Eye is truly captivating, a ‘must-do’ and has been London’s number one visitor experience for over a decade. From inside one of the Eye’s capsules, you can see all of London laid out before you. On a clear day the view extends 40km out of the city to Windsor Castle. Just don’t go if you’re scared of heights!
Mon-Sun:11:00-18:00
Waterloo Station (Jubilee and Bakerloo)
77, 211, 381
Q Park Westminster, (0113 238 4200), Great College St, Westminster, London SW1P 3RX
Wonderful Cinema
Next on our list of the best things to do in Southbank is a wonderful cinema. Located right on the Thames, the BFI Southbank boasts an impressive array of classic and contemporary films in a stunning setting. The bar especially is worth checking out, and the plush seats inside the theatre make a visit to the BFI a real treat.
You can find out more about Southbank on our amazing London Walking Tour!
See Website for Show Times
Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, Waterloo&City)
Waterloo Bus Stop: 77, 211, 381
Q Park Westminster, (0113 238 4200), Great College St, Westminster, London SW1P 3RX
Tudor Theatre
The modern Globe Theatre was reconstructed in 1997, with patronage from the legendary actor and director, Sam Wanamaker. It is situated about 230 metres away from the original site. You can book daily tours around the theatre or go along to watch a show. We would highly recommend the Swan Bar and Restaurant next door for a meal and drink whilst digesting the show afterwards.
Open Daily 9am-5pm
Southwark Station, (Jubilee Line, 600 metres away), Blackfriars Station, (District and Circle Line, 800 metres away, across Blackfriars Bridge)
Routes 45, 63, and 100 on Blackfriars Bridge Road.
Routes RV1 and 381 on Southwark Street.
(We would recommend public transport since its much easier.)
Union Car Park, (020 7357 6799), 53 Southwark Street, London SE1 1RU
One of the best things to do on the Southbank is Borough Market. Borough Market is one of the best markets in London and is London’s worst kept secret. In recent years it has become the undisputed haven for hipster-foodies and enthralled tourists alike. Nestled close to London bridge, you’d be forgiven for thinking it doesn’t look very appetising at first glance. Yet below its grimy facade lies a haven of superb culinary exploits.
Opening Hours:
Monday: 10am-5pm Limited Market
Tuesday: 10am-5pm Limited Market
Wednesday: 10am-5pm Full Market
Thursday: 10am-5pm Full Market
Friday: 10am-5pm Full Market
Saturday: 10am-6pm Full Market
Sunday: Closed
London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern Line)
There are bus stops very close by at London Bridge, Borough High Street and Southwark Bridge.
43, 141, 149, 521 to London Bridge/Borough High Street
Union Car Park, 53 Southwark Street, London SE1 1RU.
Good Value
The rooftop OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie has proved a dazzling success since opening in 1996. The iconic restaurant, lively brasserie and unique bar all boast stunning views across the Thames and the City of London with a 250-foot terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows.
OXO Tower Restaurant is elegant and iconic, offering a seasonal British menu, a wine list of over 800 wines and a fantastic traditional afternoon tea. OXO Tower Brasserie offers all-day dining from a bold and modern British menu, and its open kitchen and live jazz performances create an irresistibly buzzy atmosphere. OXO Tower Bar presents a cutting-edge, ever-evolving list of cocktails and fantastic snacking, lunch and weekend brunch options.
You can find out more about Southbank on our amazing London Walking Tour.
Sun 12:00 – 22:30, Mon – Thu 12:00 – 23:00, Fri – Sat 12:00 – 00:00
Waterloo (Northern, Jubilee, Waterloo&City and Bakerloo Lines)
77, 211, 381
Q Park Westminster, (0113 238 4200), Great College St, Westminster, London SW1P 3RX
Wonderful Gallery
Last but certainly not least on our list of the best things to do on the Southbank is a real gem. The Hayward Gallery offers a changing program of national and international exhibits along with educational activities, tours, lectures and workshops related to each showing. The architecture of the building is worth a visit in and of itself – showcasing some of the best examples of brutalism anywhere in London.
You can find out more about Southbank on our amazing London Walking Tour!
Opening hours: Daily: Thu 11:00 – 21:00, Fri-Wed: 11:00 – 19:00
Waterloo (Jubilee and Bakerloo)
77, 211, 381
Q Park Westminster, (0113 238 4200), Great College St, Westminster, London SW1P 3RX
You can find out more information of this site, and some of the most iconic sites in the city, on our London In A Day Tour!
For more information, click here