Defined as the area between York Road/Stamford Street and the river from Westminster Bridge to Blackfriars.
In Victorian times the riverfront was lined with wharves, warehouses and industrial premises. Some of these were replaced with County Hall, designed for the LCC (later the GLC) and built 1911-33. The South Bank was also the site chosen for the Festival of Britain held in 1951. The only building remaining from this is the Royal Festival Hall, built on the site of a bomb-damaged brewery. This now forms part of an arts complex which also includes the Hayward Gallery, BFI Southbank and National Theatre. Coin Street was a community development incorporating the OXO Tower, previously used as a power station then a factory.

	WHEN TO GO The National Theatre is not always open on Sundays.
	GETTING THERE Waterloo Station (mainline and Underground) is central to the area. There are numerous bus services including the RV1 and boats serve the Royal Festival Pier. Travelcard Zone 1
	INFORMATION South Bank is mainly within the Borough of Lambeth [website] Some information on attractions and events in the area can be found at the National Theatre. Online information [website] Research the history of the area at Lambeth Archives at the Minet Library, Knatchbull Road SE5. Tel 020 7926 6076 (booking recommended). Lambeth Council have a website of images from its archive collection.
	WALKS The riverfront is part of the Thames Path Trail A series of walk guides are available to download The foreshore between the Royal Festival Hall and Blackfriars Bridge is accessible at low tide [more info]
	PLACES TO VISIT NATIONAL THEATRE Tel 020 7452 3400. Foyers with changing exhibitions. Permanent display on the history of the RNT in the Olivier Circle (rather hidden away - ask if you can't find it!). OXO TOWER Tel 020 7401 2255. OXO and Bargehouse Galleries with changing exhibitions. 8th floor public viewing area. COUNTY HALL Mainly chargable attractions but some public access.
	ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS NATIONAL THEATRE Tel 020 7452 3400. Foyer Music at 6pm Mon - Sat plus 1pm Sats. Outdoor events programme mid June - September. SOUTH BANK CENTRE Tel 0871 663 2501. Foyers stage musical and other events.
	EATING OUT Bernie Spain Gardens Riverside seating available The foyers of the National Theatre and South Bank Centre provide shelter if wet or cold. Toilets in the above buildings plus County Hall and OXO Tower
	SHOPPING/MARKETS Second hand book stalls are set up under Waterloo Bridge. There are craft shops at Gabriel's Wharf and in the OXO Tower. The National Theatre shop sells specialist merchandise. Themed shop in the Royal Festival Hall and often weekend food markets on south side.
	GREEN SPACES JUBILEE GARDENS Recently upgraded. Children's facilities. BERNIE SPAIN GARDENS Named after a local resident and campaigner these occupy the site of the Eldorado Ice Cream Company
	WATER FEATURES THE THAMES - most obviously (see walks) There is a water feature behind the Festival Hall in Whitehouse Garden. This is private property but public access is permitted.
	WORTH SEEING Views from Golden Jubilee Bridges, OXO Tower (8th floor), National Theatre (upper levels). The Roof Garden on Queen Elizabeth Hall The London Eye from Belvedere Road False buildings painted at Gabriel's Wharf Dolphin lamps along the Embankment (alternate ones are dated)

london-footprints.co.uk 2016

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