South Bank, a district in London, offers plenty of spaces where locals and tourists can enjoy themselves. Situated beside the historic River Thames, it is lined with galleries, pubs, restaurants, and attractions that keep the dynamic area lively during the day and night. In the 1800s, only ferrymen would go to this district. Eventually, County Hall was built in the early 20th century, and South Bank became a place of celebration in 1951. From then on, plenty of buildings and attractions were opened in the area. Today, there are numerous activities one can do here. To find out more, check out the top things to do in South Bank, London.
1. Go on an underwater adventure at SEA LIFE Centre (from USD 35.0)
If you’re seeking a family-friendly adventure, head over to SEA LIFE Centre. This enormous facility, found on the ground floor of County Hall, houses different animals, ranging from marine life to rainforest crocodiles. You can meet sharks, different species of fish, and jellyfishes, octopuses, and even turtles. There are penguins here, too. This aquarium is also home to the country’s largest living coral reef.
For a reasonable price, you can book tickets to access the center’s various zones. Drop by SEA LIFE Centre for a colorful adventure.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium Admission Ticket
Duration: 2 hours
2. Join a magical search in DreamWorks’s Shrek's Adventure (from USD 26.54)
If you’re planning a fun day with the kids, then DreamWorks’s Shrek’s Adventure! tour is the place to be. Search for Shrek in this interactive attraction. Enter the enchanted land of Far Far Away and meet some of its residents. Experience riding a flying bus, looking for magical ingredients, and going through a maze.
Book tickets to this 70-minute tour online to avoid the long line. Its venue is very accessible, just a five-minute walk from both Waterloo Station and Westminster Station.
London: DreamWorks Shrek's Adventure Tour
Duration: 70.0 minute
3. Have a gastronomical tour at Southbank Centre Food Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
For food lovers out there, Southbank Centre Food Market is the place for you. This outdoor eatery offers a wide variety of food choices, including Indian, Chinese, Polish, and even Vegan fares. Those who love wine and beer will find plenty of options here, too. Need some dessert? Have some crepes or pastries on site. The options are limitless.
Food trucks and stalls are open on the weekends, making it the perfect retreat after a busy week.
Southbank Centre Food Market
Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX, United Kingdom
Website: Southbank Centre Food Market
Opening hours: Fri: 12pm - 8pm; Sat: 11am - 8pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
4. Experience a serene afternoon in Hayward Gallery
A short walk from Waterloo Station, Hayward Gallery has been around since the 1960s. Outside, it has a Brutalist structure. Inside, it features temporary exhibitions all year round. These exhibitions mostly revolve around contemporary art in the form of different media. A few of their exhibitions in the past include an outdoor appreciation piece for everyday heroes and Among the Trees, which explore nature through various installations, photographs, and more.
The exhibitions are thoughtfully curated and smoothly organized to allow visitors to walk through the different sections comfortably.
Hayward Gallery
Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX, United Kingdom
Website: Hayward Gallery
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: Visitors under 12: Free; Visitors under 30: 5 GBP (6.70 USD)
5. See magical performances at National Theatre
Royal National Theatre, or National Theatre, showcases internationally renowned performances. It first opened in 1963 and was based in The Old Vic before moving to its current location in 1976. With its three theatres, namely Olivier Theatre, Lyttelton Theatre, and Dorfman Theatre, it is the perfect avenue for those who want to explore different genres.
National Theatre aims to nurture its talents, making each performance here magical and worth the wait. It also welcomes writers, actors, and directors of all ages. While you’re here, don’t forget to check out the various restaurants, cafes, and bars surrounding the area.
National Theatre
Address: Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX, United Kingdom
Website: National Theatre
6. Go sightseeing on London Eye River Cruise (from USD 19.0)
Marvel at London’s timeless scenery on London Eye River Cruise. Catch a glimpse of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, and Tower of London among many others on this 40-minute cruise that sails on the historic River Thames. You’ll also get to learn more about London while a live commentary plays throughout the trip.
Once you’ve booked a ticket, all you have to do is head over to the pier at The Queen’s Walk, where you will be boarding the vessel.
London Eye River Cruise
Duration: 40 minutes
7. Travel back in time at The London Dungeon (from USD 37.0)
Go back in time when you try this interactive and sensory attraction. Located just a few minutes’ walk from Waterloo Station, The London Dungeon is a dark yet informative show. It’s the ideal activity for those interested in mysteries and horror stories.
Not only will you see Jack the Ripper or meet the barber of Fleet Street, but you will also hear, smell, and feel the places where their victims met their doom. You will also get the chance to learn more about London during the Great Plague.
The London Dungeon Admission Ticket
Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes
8. Spend an evening of entertainment at Royal Festival Hall
Enjoy an evening of entertainment at Royal Festival Hall. Built in the 1950s as part of a national celebration, Royal Festival Hall is a popular venue for performances and exhibitions. It also hosts concerts and ceremonies.
An air of elegance will greet you as you enter the hall. There are a few eateries on site where guests can meet up before the show starts. Aside from a spacious auditorium that can seat 2,700 persons comfortably, this Grade I-listed building is home to a library and a shop.
Royal Festival Hall
Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX, United Kingdom
Website: Royal Festival Hall
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 10am - 6pm; Wed - Sun: 10am - 11pm
9. Have a picnic at Bernie Spain Gardens
Prepare your picnic baskets and frisbee when you visit this paradise located just beside the River Thames. Bernie Spain Gardens is a 26,000-sq. ft. (2415.5 sqm) space next to the colorful boutiques and cafes of Oxo Tower. Since 1988, it has been welcoming visitors of all ages to unwind.
Keep an eye out for possible events here, since it’s also known to host festivals and other activities.
Bernie Spain Gardens
Address: London SE1 9PH, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
10. Discover various art at Oxo Tower Wharf
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Oxo Tower Wharf, an exhibition space with beautiful Art Deco architecture, towers over the River Thames. Located in the eastern part of South Bank, it houses gallery@oxo, which will surely excite any art lover. Gallery@oxo’s exhibits tackle timely and thought-provoking subjects through photography, contemporary design, and installations among other art forms.
There are also restaurants and cafes in the building. Visit the different designer shops for lovely trinkets and the chance to meet their creators.
OXO Tower Wharf
Address: Barge House St, London SE1 9PH, United Kingdom
Website: OXO Tower Wharf
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 11pm (closed on Mon)
Have a cultural trip at South Bank, London
It is a must to walk through the different galleries, watch the many performances, and participate in the various events South Bank has to offer. Whether you are alone or with family and friends, you will surely have fun getting lost in the art scene. Make sure to try the many things to do in South Bank, London, listed above.
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