London Area Guide: South Bank

The South Bank is one of my favourite areas in London. It’s slightly more laid back than the centre of the city across the river, and is a really nice area to spend the day, so if you’re visiting England’s capital it’s really worth spending some time in. It’s particularly lovely in the summer as you can explore all along the water front.

Where is South Bank?

The South Bank refers to the area that runs along the south bank of the River Thames between Lambeth and Blackfriars Bridge. It’s home to one of London’s major rail stations, Waterloo, and you can also use other Tube and Overground stations – such as Blackfriars, Southwark and Lambeth North – to visit the area.

The area has so much to offer, and includes lots of well known London landmarks, including The London Eye and Imperial War Museum, as well as a few more off the beaten track options.

Things to do on London’s South Bank

Imperial War Museum

My absolute favourite thing to do in the area is the Imperial War Museum. You could easily spend a whole day here (in fact, I’ve spent 3 whole days here) as there are really detailed exhibits on WW1 and WW2. There is also a Holocaust Gallery, an Extraordinary Heroes Gallery, and an exhibition on post war Peace and Security. There have also been temporary galleries, for example on the Afghanistan War, Iraq War and I’m sure at some point there will be a gallery on the current wars facing our world.

It’s a sobering experience to visit this museum, but it’s done beautifully and well worth at least a few hours of your time.

The Garden Museum

From one of the most well known of my favourite London locations, to my absolute favourite hidden gem in the whole city. Wow – this little museum packs a punch. You can easily spend an hour here, exploring the museum within the church – and the highlight is definitely a climb up the church tower for magnificent views out over The Thames.

The London Eye

The London Eye is undoubtedly a bit of a tourist trap; expect to queue for at least 30 minutes even with an advanced purchase ticket with the time you book for your time to join the queue, not to ride The Eye. However regardless, it’s undoubtedly beautiful and a unique experience when in London.

If you do want to save the money (The London Eye costs between £17-30 depending on ticket type, under 4s go free), then in my opinion the view from the tower of the Garden Museum above is just as lovely, and you’ll have it all to yourself, not packed in to a viewing pod!

Lambeth Palace

Another special location on the South Bank is the Archbishop of Canterbury’s London residence, Lambeth Palace – which is one of the oldest buildings in London and is open for tours on certain days of the week. Inside you can visit the Tower, Crypt, Great Hall and even Cramner’s study – where Thomas Cramner plotted during the reign of King Henry VIII. In the grounds of Lambeth Palace you will also find Lambeth Palace Library, which houses the largest religious collection outside of the Vatican.

The Queen’s Walkway

The Queen’s walkway is a walking route which runs alongside the Thames river’s south bank. It is absolutely stunning and my favourite route to walk in London. It runs all the way from Tower Bridge round to Lambeth Palace, so join the walk at any point to suit you, stopping off along the way at any attractions that take your fancy. I particularly love the section between Westminster Bridge and Lambeth Bridge for its views of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

Witness for the Prosecution at County Hall

Another unique thing to do on the South Bank is to watch a special play called Witness for the Prosecution. It’s a detective play, but is performed in a real life court house – so you effectively act as the jury and make up your own mind on the character’s guilt, before all is revealed. It’s so brilliant; I went with one of my closest friends earlier this year and we had the absolute best evening.

Thames River Cruise

Taking to the water is well worth it when in London, and there are many boat trip departure points along the South Bank. You could combine your ticket with the London Eye to get a reduced rate, or try to find a less touristy option. You could even go for a lunch time cruise, or a dinner, drinks and sunset cruise which makes for a special evening out.

Florence Nightingale Museum

Another really interesting spot on the South Bank is the Florence Nightingale Museum, telling the story of her life and work. She was the founder of modern nursing and is a Victorian female icon transcending her own life time.

The Museum takes us through her childhood, how she fought against her parent’s wishes, nursed injured soldiers during the Crimean War and how she campaigned for better healthcare for ordinary people. You can even see the actual lamp she carried to become known as The Lady with the Lamp. Plus did you know she owned over 60 cats during her life and had a pet owl called Athena? Nope – me neither.

Graffiti Tunnel (Leake Street)

The graffiti tunnel on Leake Street is cool for a little stroll through. It’s just another off the beaten track kind of cool place to explore which most tourists aren’t aware of.

South Bank Centre

The South Bank Centre is a really unique venue, being Europe’s largest centre for the arts – home to the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, Hayward Gallery, National Poetry Library and Arts Council Collection. Come here to just have lunch in the lovely café and soak it all in, head to the rooftop garden, or come to watch the National Orchestra perform – whatever takes your fancy.

Other

There are also a number of other things to do on the South Bank which I haven’t yet explored that you might be interested in, including:

• Sealife Aquarium
• Shrek’s Adventures
• National Theatre
• Old/Young Vic
• BFI iMax Cinema

Where to stay on London’s South Bank

The South Bank is my favourite area of London in which to stay, and for me there’s only one choice – the wonderful Sea Containers.

I love this hotel because the rooms are bright and modern, the bar is lovely, and nothing beats waking up to a sunrise out over the River Thames with the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral glowing in the morning light from across the river.