London area of South Bank guide
What to do and where to stay in London's South Bank neighbourhood
The Southbank Centre is a classic example of brutal 60s concrete architecture. Everyone has an opinion on its distinctive design - famous detractors include Prince Charles, who once described it as a “monstrous carbuncle”. Yet, if the West End is the centre of popular culture in London, it is the Southbank Centre that is the centre of true excellence in the arts. Comprising The Royal Festival Hall and the Hayward Gallery, the complex consistently produces classical and world music events and fine art exhibitions of international renown. Just next door the BFI Southbank and the National Theatre are the pinnacle of British cinema and theatre. It also offers the very best riverside spots in central London for soaking up the view and a long series of parks and plazas, dominated by the London Eye. This stretch along the Thames is one of the cultural and social hubs of London with nearby hotels in great demand.
See our recommended nearby South Bank Hotels, Entertainment, Sights and Attractions, Shopping, Restaurants, Pubs, Nightlife, Leisure, Education, and Meeting Venues.
South Bank Hotels
in or near South Bank
Corinthia Hotel London
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel
Whitehall Place, SW1A
With 294 bedrooms, multi-level penthouse suites and terraces offering spectacular views of the River Thames, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall - the £300 million restoration of the ... More
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel
Whitehall Place, SW1A
With 294 bedrooms, multi-level penthouse suites and terraces offering spectacular views of the River Thames, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall - the £300 million restoration of the ... More
Rosewood London
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel
252 High Holborn, WC1V
Located in High Holborn, Rosewood London is the most luxurious hotel in the area and is nearby to the capital's main business district and a number ... More
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel
252 High Holborn, WC1V
Located in High Holborn, Rosewood London is the most luxurious hotel in the area and is nearby to the capital's main business district and a number ... More
The Rubens at the Palace Hotel
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
39 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W
This is as close to Buckingham Palace as you can get. It's also nearby Victoria station which is not quite as glamorous but very convenient. There ... More
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
39 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W
This is as close to Buckingham Palace as you can get. It's also nearby Victoria station which is not quite as glamorous but very convenient. There ... More
South Bank Entertainment
in or near South Bank
Old Vic Theatre
London > Entertainment > Theatres
103 The Cut, South Bank, London SE1
With the exception of The Globe, the Old Vic has had a greater influence on the history of drama than any theatre standing today. From John ... More
London > Entertainment > Theatres
103 The Cut, South Bank, London SE1
With the exception of The Globe, the Old Vic has had a greater influence on the history of drama than any theatre standing today. From John ... More
The Vaults
London > Entertainment > 10 Leake Street, South Bank, London SE1
The Vaults under Waterloo are an intriguing venue that play host to a number of underground events. Prime among them is the annual ... More
London > Entertainment > 10 Leake Street, South Bank, London SE1
The Vaults under Waterloo are an intriguing venue that play host to a number of underground events. Prime among them is the annual ... More
The Young Vic
London > Entertainment > Theatres
66 The Cut, South Bank, London SE1
Knocked together out of breeze blocks for a minimal budget in 1970, Lawrence Olivier's experimental theatre was intended to last for five years, and provide an ... More
London > Entertainment > Theatres
66 The Cut, South Bank, London SE1
Knocked together out of breeze blocks for a minimal budget in 1970, Lawrence Olivier's experimental theatre was intended to last for five years, and provide an ... More
South Bank Sights and Attractions
The best museums, galleries, attractions in or near South Bank
St George's Cathedral
London > Attractions > Historic Buildings
Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London SE1
One of two cathedrals in Southwark, St George's Cathedral opened in 1848 as the first Catholic cathedral in the UK after the Reformation. The impressive building ... More
London > Attractions > Historic Buildings
Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London SE1
One of two cathedrals in Southwark, St George's Cathedral opened in 1848 as the first Catholic cathedral in the UK after the Reformation. The impressive building ... More
London Dungeon
London > Attractions > Attractions for Kids
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London SE1
The London Dungeon closed its doors on its old Tooley Street home on 31st January 2013 (while London Bridge station is being redeveloped) and the new ... More
London > Attractions > Attractions for Kids
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London SE1
The London Dungeon closed its doors on its old Tooley Street home on 31st January 2013 (while London Bridge station is being redeveloped) and the new ... More
Sea Life London Aquarium
London > Attractions > Attractions for Kids
County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London SE1
The Sea Life London Aquarium features hundreds of varieties of fish and sea life from around the world. Here you'll come face-to-face with sharks and watch ... More
London > Attractions > Attractions for Kids
County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London SE1
The Sea Life London Aquarium features hundreds of varieties of fish and sea life from around the world. Here you'll come face-to-face with sharks and watch ... More
South Bank Shopping
The best shops and markets in or near London's South Bank
Lower Marsh Market
London > Shopping > Markets
Lower Marsh, South Bank, London SE1
On weekdays a street food market runs along Lower Marsh displaying a diverse range of global food for all tastes, from Italian ... More
London > Shopping > Markets
Lower Marsh, South Bank, London SE1
On weekdays a street food market runs along Lower Marsh displaying a diverse range of global food for all tastes, from Italian ... More
Greensmiths Market
London > Shopping > Food and Drink Shops
27 Lower Marsh, South Bank, London SE1
Greensmiths combines an excellent butcher's (The Ginger Pig), artisan baker's (The Old Post Office Bakery) and Covent Garden Market greengrocer's (Solstice) under one roof - all ... More
London > Shopping > Food and Drink Shops
27 Lower Marsh, South Bank, London SE1
Greensmiths combines an excellent butcher's (The Ginger Pig), artisan baker's (The Old Post Office Bakery) and Covent Garden Market greengrocer's (Solstice) under one roof - all ... More
Crockatt and Powell
London > Shopping > Books
119-120 Lower Marsh, South Bank, London SE1
If you hate the commercial, branded feel of mega bookshops like Waterstones and Borders this one's a treat. Crockatt and Powell is an independent bookshop that ... More
London > Shopping > Books
119-120 Lower Marsh, South Bank, London SE1
If you hate the commercial, branded feel of mega bookshops like Waterstones and Borders this one's a treat. Crockatt and Powell is an independent bookshop that ... More
South Bank Restaurants
What are the best dining options in or near South Bank London?
The Fire Station
London > Restaurants > British restaurants
150 Waterloo Road, South Bank, London SE1
Modern British cuisine ... More
London > Restaurants > British restaurants
150 Waterloo Road, South Bank, London SE1
Modern British cuisine ... More
Inshoku
London > Restaurants > Japanese restaurants
23 Lower Marsh, South Bank, London SE1
Japanese cuisine. Booking advised. ... More
London > Restaurants > Japanese restaurants
23 Lower Marsh, South Bank, London SE1
Japanese cuisine. Booking advised. ... More
Scooterworks Bar and Cafe
London > Restaurants > Cafes and Delis
132 Lower Marsh, South Bank, London SE1
Scooterworks may sound like a place to pick up a two wheeled motorised vehicle but the smell of coffee soon suggests there's something more. "We never ... More
London > Restaurants > Cafes and Delis
132 Lower Marsh, South Bank, London SE1
Scooterworks may sound like a place to pick up a two wheeled motorised vehicle but the smell of coffee soon suggests there's something more. "We never ... More
South Bank Pubs
The best pubs in or near London South Bank.
The Duke of Sussex
London > Nightlife > Pubs
23 Baylis Road, South Bank, London SE1
Part of Hippo Inns, The Duke of Sussex overlooking Waterloo Millennium Green gives locals a warm and welcoming place to enjoy ... More
London > Nightlife > Pubs
23 Baylis Road, South Bank, London SE1
Part of Hippo Inns, The Duke of Sussex overlooking Waterloo Millennium Green gives locals a warm and welcoming place to enjoy ... More
King's Arms
London > Nightlife > Pubs
25 Roupell Street, South Bank, London SE1
A short walk from the South Bank Centre, The Old Vic and The National Theatre this traditional old watering hole is a good place to have ... More
London > Nightlife > Pubs
25 Roupell Street, South Bank, London SE1
A short walk from the South Bank Centre, The Old Vic and The National Theatre this traditional old watering hole is a good place to have ... More
The Anchor & Hope
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
36 The Cut, South Bank, London SE1
The Anchor & Hope is a gastropub that takes both parts of its name seriously, and you can certainly have a good evening just popping in ... More
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
36 The Cut, South Bank, London SE1
The Anchor & Hope is a gastropub that takes both parts of its name seriously, and you can certainly have a good evening just popping in ... More
South Bank Nightlife
South Bank clubs, bars, cabaret nights, casinos and interesting nightlife.
Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden
London > Nightlife > Bars
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1
Designed by the Eden Project, the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden is the place to be on a summer's evening for stunning sundown views over the ... More
London > Nightlife > Bars
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1
Designed by the Eden Project, the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden is the place to be on a summer's evening for stunning sundown views over the ... More
Oxo Tower Bar & Brasserie
London > Nightlife > Bars
Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, South Bank, London SE1
Boasting one of the best views in town, the Oxo Tower Bar is perfect for combining a spot of leisurely (if static) sightseeing with some classy ... More
London > Nightlife > Bars
Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, South Bank, London SE1
Boasting one of the best views in town, the Oxo Tower Bar is perfect for combining a spot of leisurely (if static) sightseeing with some classy ... More
Union Street Bar
London > Nightlife > Bars
47-51 Union Street, South Bank, London SE1
A local urban living room found beneath Union Street Cafe in Borough, Union Street Bar is Gordon Ramsay's first destination bar. Open until 2am on Thursday, ... More
London > Nightlife > Bars
47-51 Union Street, South Bank, London SE1
A local urban living room found beneath Union Street Cafe in Borough, Union Street Bar is Gordon Ramsay's first destination bar. Open until 2am on Thursday, ... More
South Bank Leisure
South Bank gyms, sporting activities, health & beauty and fitness.
London Marriott Hotel County Hall Spa
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London SE1
Fancy detoxing in the building where the Greater London Council used to run the city? The Spa at the London Marriott County ... More
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London SE1
Fancy detoxing in the building where the Greater London Council used to run the city? The Spa at the London Marriott County ... More
Jubilee Gardens
London > Leisure > Parks and Gardens
3 Belvedere Road, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1
The concrete promenade along the South Bank greatly benefits from this large patch of green grass for striders, strollers and sightseers to relax on. Not ... More
London > Leisure > Parks and Gardens
3 Belvedere Road, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1
The concrete promenade along the South Bank greatly benefits from this large patch of green grass for striders, strollers and sightseers to relax on. Not ... More
Bernie Spain Gardens
London > Leisure > Parks and Gardens
Upper Ground, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1
Located between Oxo Tower Wharf and Gabriel's Wharf, Bernie Spain Gardens is a pleasant green space to stop off on a riverside walk along the South ... More
London > Leisure > Parks and Gardens
Upper Ground, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1
Located between Oxo Tower Wharf and Gabriel's Wharf, Bernie Spain Gardens is a pleasant green space to stop off on a riverside walk along the South ... More
South Bank Education
in or near South Bank
Courtauld Institute of Art
London > Education > Arts and Drama
Somerset House, South Bank, London WC2R
The Courtauld is one of the most prestigious art schools in the country, affiliated with the Oxbridge system and boasting a huge private location and prime ... More
London > Education > Arts and Drama
Somerset House, South Bank, London WC2R
The Courtauld is one of the most prestigious art schools in the country, affiliated with the Oxbridge system and boasting a huge private location and prime ... More
Straight Up Bartending School
London > Education > Universities and Colleges
2nd Floor Dover House, 170 Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London SE1
Learn to make a Martini like a pro at one of the top schools in the world. Bartenders trained here have popped up in some fabulous ... More
London > Education > Universities and Colleges
2nd Floor Dover House, 170 Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London SE1
Learn to make a Martini like a pro at one of the top schools in the world. Bartenders trained here have popped up in some fabulous ... More
London City College
London > Education > Universities and Colleges
Royal Waterloo House, 51 Waterloo Road, South Bank, London SE1
... More
London > Education > Universities and Colleges
Royal Waterloo House, 51 Waterloo Road, South Bank, London SE1
... More
South Bank Meeting Venues
Where to have your meeting, conference, exhibition, private dining or training course in or near South Bank.
London County Hall
London > Business > Venue Hire
Riverside Building, Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London SE1
... More
London > Business > Venue Hire
Riverside Building, Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London SE1
... More
Skylon
London > Business > Venue Hire
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1
The Royal Festival Hall's refurbishment has done away with 'The People's Palace', the marvellously 1950s restaurant that used to occupy this space, and replaced it with ... More
London > Business > Venue Hire
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1
The Royal Festival Hall's refurbishment has done away with 'The People's Palace', the marvellously 1950s restaurant that used to occupy this space, and replaced it with ... More
Southbank Centre: Royal Festival Hall
London > Business > Venue Hire
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1
Located by the River Thames, with sweeping views of the capital from the London Eye to St Paul's Cathedral, the Southbank Centre is a unique metropolitan ... More
London > Business > Venue Hire
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1
Located by the River Thames, with sweeping views of the capital from the London Eye to St Paul's Cathedral, the Southbank Centre is a unique metropolitan ... More
London Hotels
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