South Bank

Overview

The South Bank is a massively popular pedestrianized promenade stretching magnificently along the southern edge of the River Thames. It acts as London's premier riverside playground precisely packed with cultural institutions.

Highlights

• The National Theatre: The intensely iconic, massive labyrinth of raw concrete terraces and three independent auditoriums showcasing British drama.
• The Skatecroft: The deeply historic undercroft of the Queen Elizabeth Hall, functioning globally as the spiritual home of British skateboarding since the 1970s.
• BFI Southbank: The brilliant completely independent British Film Institute, housing multiple completely stunning cinemas specifically for classic world cinema.

History

Historically incredibly swampy and severely industrial, heavily packed with deep mud, massive breweries, and incredibly noxious factories. In 1951, the brilliant Festival of Britain miraculously transformed the post-war landscape precisely into a modern cultural hub.

Visitor Tips

• Book Fair: The deeply charming, highly extensive outdoor secondhand book market sits precisely directly under Waterloo Bridge every single weekend.
• Sunset Walk: The absolute purest, finest way to experience the area is an uninterrupted golden-hour stroll directly from Westminster Bridge sweeping entirely to Tower Bridge.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.