Over the past decade, London’s South Bank has flourished into one of the cities’ tourist hotspots. The South Bank is not only a place to head to for iconic London views, but it has also become a place for a family day out or a place to catch up with friends over a bite to eat.
Shop Vintage at Flat Iron Square
Probably one of the lesser-known vintage shopping destinations is Flat Iron Square. Every Saturday and Sunday they hold a huge vintage and flea market alongside live music and pop-up food vendors.
It’s a great place to find a bargain and the prices are lower than the likes of Portobello Road (which is exactly what we wanna’ to hear right?).
Find Some Inner Peace in the Tibetan Peace Garden
One of the more unusual spots in Southwark is the Tibetan Peace Garden which was opened by the Dalai Lama in May 1999. The man wanted to create understanding, peace, and harmony between different cultures.
If you enter from the North entrance you’ll bump into the stone Language Pillar engraved with a message from the Dalai Lama. At the top of this pillar, you’ll see three carved steps that represent peace, understanding, and love.
Visit here at about 2 pm when the garden gets lots of light and is most tranquil. I know, I feel peaceful just thinking about it too. Aaahh…
Work on your green-fingers at the Garden Museum
Next to Lambeth Palace, St Mary’s Church is home to the Garden Museum which tells the history of gardening.
There are items from 16th-century naturalist John Tradescant’s collections, who was Head Gardener to Charles I.
The ticket price may seem steep but it does include entry to climb the 14th-century tower to get the best photos of the Houses of Parliament.
Wonder at the majestic Lambeth Palace
This medieval riverside palace is the London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
It’s not open every day but you can book a guided tour to see the Crypt, Chapel, and Great Hall (this room has a ‘wow factor’), or go to one of the monthly garden open days in the summer.
And while the new Lambeth Palace Library isn’t expected to be open until 2021, the current Library is open to the public from Tuesday to Friday each week with no appointment necessary.
Take in a movie at the BFI Imax
Step into a world where film is larger than life at the BFI IMAX in Southbank, home to the UK’s biggest cinema screen—20 metres tall and 26 metres wide. It’s not just the size; a state-of-the-art 12,000-Watt digital surround sound system immerses you in the movie like never before.
Experience the thrill of 3D cinema, where classics and latest blockbusters alike come to life with the help of special glasses.
See marine life at The Sea Life London Aquarium
If you are looking for a fun family day out then look no further than Europe’s largest collection of global marine life.
At the Sea Life London Aquarium, children of all ages can learn about the wonderful marine life that lives in our oceans and seas.
Colorful displays, shows, and interactive stands make for an engaging day out for all.
See a unique show The Vaults
London’s West End is not the only place to head to if you enjoy the theatre, if you want to take in something a little less mainstream then you may want to head to The Vaults.
The Vault’s is London’s home for immersive and alternative theatre, set in a maze of disused railway arches under Waterloo station.
An evening show at The Vaults’ encourages the use of imagination, often transporting guests into a different realm or reality.
See a different kind of history at the Southbank Skatepark
The undercroft of the Southbank Centre has been the beating heart of London’s skateboarding scene for the past 40 years.
The tunneled area underneath Southbank’s buildings has been set aside to allow the skaters to show off their skills.
There is also a railing to prevent the hundreds of tourists who stop to watch from getting too close and potentially in the way.
Relax in the Jubilee Gardens
Situated in front of the London Eye is the Jubilee Gardens, a vibrant green area amongst some of London’s most famous tourist attractions.
The gardens provide a space to sit and relax during the summer months and there is even a play area to keep children entertained.
Learn about a true hero at the Florence Nightingale Museum
Located on the banks of the River Thames opposite the Houses of Parliament, The Florence Nightingale Museum celebrates the life and works of the World’s most famous nurse.
In honour of her legacy, the museum invites children and adults alike to learn about her influence on nursing today and the continuing relevance of her work.
Have a dinner with a view from The Oxo Tower
You will find another fabulous view at the Oxo Tower, however this one also comes with a fabulous price tag to match.
Since its opening in 1996, the Oxo Tower has been a space for some of London’s best restaurants, where you can dine alongside breathtaking views of London’s skyline.
On the levels below you will find space created for artists and multiple exhibitions.
Find something unique at Gabriel’s Wharf
London’s Southbank is not necessarily known for its shopping, however, it is a good shout if you are looking for something unique.
Towards the end of the Southbank parade is an arty enclave offering a treasure trove of independent boutique stores.
At Gabriel’s Wharf, you will find vintage stores nestled between handmade gift stores, as well as plenty of independent cafes and restaurants – making it the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon.
Discover urban London at the Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel
Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel is a free-for-all brick canvas tucked away in the heart of London’s street art scene.
Leake Street had its first introduction to spray cans in May 2008, when renowned street artist Banksy himself launched the Cans Festival and while there is not much left of Banksy’s work today, it is, in my opinion, one of the best places to see street art in the whole of London.
Bring music to your ears at the Royal Festival Hall
The Royal Festival Hall is London’s leading classical music venue located on the banks of the River Thames at the heart of Southbank Centre.
Built in 1951 as part of the festival of Britain, the main auditorium is big enough to host 2500 people, so if you are looking to indulge in British culture of the classical type then you will want to pick up tickets to a show here.
Belly laugh at the Udderbelly Festival (Summer Only)
In my opinion, there is not much better than London is the sunshine and one of my favourite places to spend it is alongside the Southbank at the Udderbelly Festival.
The outdoor seating area is the perfect place to grab a glass of Pimms with a friend before taking in one of the many rib-tickling comedy shows that take place there over the summer months.
Visit the Southbank Beach
Beaches do not automatically come to mind when you think of London – but we have one and it resides along the Southbank.
Between May and September you do not need to leave London to get to visit the seaside, as 85 tonnes of golden play sand is provided for the public, all you need to do is bring your bucket and spade.
Enjoy Music and Art at the Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre is a complex of artistic venues, forming the largest art centre in the UK. It includes the Royal Festival Hall and the Queen Elizabeth Hall. The centre is also home to four orchestras including the London Philharmonic as well as the National Poetry Library.
The centre was born out of the Festival of Britain in 1951. Since 1968 it has also been home to the Hayward Gallery one of the capital’s most important contemporary art galleries. There are lots of options for refreshments at the centre including the Riverside Terrace Cafe, which offers great views across the Thames.
Catch a Performance at the National Theatre
The world-renowned National Theatre stages a diverse range of performances within its three auditoriums. Since its opening night in 1963, the National Theatre has put on world-class plays with world-class actors. It continues to support and encourage emerging talent from all backgrounds.
From the gallery level, the Sherling Backstage Walkway provides visitors with behind-the-scenes views down on to the production workshops. Theatre tours also show you around areas previously graced by the likes of Sir Laurence Olivier, letting you in on the secrets behind staging a show.
Test your bravery at the London Dungeon
London is known worldwide for its centuries of history, a lot of that history is also quite dark and gruesome.
The London Dungeon recreates various gory and macabre historical events in a gallows humour style with the use of live actors and special effects.
Due to its dark side, The London Dungeons are suitable for older children and adults, all of whom will be guided through 19 live shows and 2 thrilling rides, where they will learn about everything from The Plague to Jack The Ripper.
Be amazed at the Tate Modern
Renowned for some of its more bizarre pieces, The Tate Modern is the home of contemporary and modern art in London.
While it may not be for everyone, having your art displayed in the Tate Modern is a life dream of many artists and creators across the world.
Entry to the gallery is free, however, on occasion, some exhibitions require a small fee.
Treat the family to a day at Shrek’s Adventure
Take the kids to Far Far Away to meet all their favourite characters from the Shrek movies we all know and love.
The one-of-a-kind immersive walkthrough includes live shows, actors, special effects, and incredible animation.
Your children will also get the chance to meet some of their favourite DreamWorks heroes including Kung-fu Panda as well as the Ogre himself – Shrek!
See a class at Shakespeare’s Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe is undoubtedly London’s most beautiful theatre.
Standing just a few hundred yards from its original site, the globe takes pride daily in remembering William Shakespeare and all of his plays.
Alongside seeing a play, you can also book tickets for guided tours and any current exhibitions.
Visit London’s most popular tourist attraction – The London Eye
Previously known as the Millennium Wheel, due to its launch in 2000, The London Eye has become as Iconic to London as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.
The Coca-Cola London Eye takes guests on a sightseeing journey 135m over the city, making it Europe’s largest Ferris wheel.
Booking in advance is advised, as The London Eye is currently the most popular paid tourist attraction in the whole of the United Kingdom!