Area Guide - South Bank, SE1

2021-06-02

Running from Lambeth Bridge and down the River Thames to Blackfriars Bridge, South Bank is an area rich in world-famous theatres, historic galleries and divine restaurants. Home to the London Eye, Southbank Centre, National Theatre and Jubilee Park, the area has endless amounts of things to do and places to see.

Stretching roughly across a 2-mile area along the south of the Thames, it was renamed South Bank in the 1950s during the Festival of Britain.

Since the middle ages, the area has housed galleries, theatres and pleasure gardens, but over the last 70 years, it has become arguably one of the main cultural hubs of the capital. From skate parks to museums, South Bank is a great hang out for tourists and locals alike and there is always something going on.

Lifestyle:

Take in the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben before making your way down the tree-lined riverbank, where street performers and skaters entertain passers-by with their unique talents. Stop off at one of London’s best-kept secrets underneath Waterloo Bridge, for a quick peruse at the antique and second-hand outdoor book shop.

Lose yourself in all that the Southbank Centre has to offer, including the Hayward Gallery and Royal Festival Hall, which has had world-famous orchestras and performers grace its stage.

Whether you’re strolling along South Bank on a Tuesday afternoon or Saturday evening, the buzz and excitement of the area is constant. There’s an undeniable sense of being in one of the city’s cultural hotspots, perfectly capturing the magic of London as a whole in a 2-mile space.

Here’s our top recommended list of shops, museums and galleries in the area:

National Theatre
One of the most prominent theatres in London, this publicly funded venue has hosted famous actors and plays alike
Southbank Centre
A complex of artistic venues including the Hayward Gallery and Royal Festival Hall
The London Dungeons
Recreating gory historical events through live theatre, this is a unique London attraction
London Eye
With a 360-degree view of London, this observation wheel is the UK’s most popular attraction
London Aquarium
Discover sea life from all over the world on the banks of the River Thames

Food for thought:

If you want to grab a quick bite to eat from a food truck or fine-dining sit-down meal, South Bank really does have it all.

The most famous restaurant literally has its name in lights above it, shining out across the river and offering incredible views over London: Oxo. Yes, that’s right, as in the famous beef cube. The Oxo Tower Wharf development was purchased by the company in the 1920s and the architect cleverly incorporated the branding into the window design to get around a ban on skyline advertising in London.

Nowadays it is home to not just the Harvey Nichols-owned restaurant Oxo, but also a range of galleries and arts & crafts shops. If you’re looking for delicious food, wonderful service and magnificent views over London, then Oxo is our recommendation.

The Southbank Centre doesn’t just have world-famous theatres and gorgeous galleries, it’s also home to amazing restaurants, including Skylon. Sit back and enjoy a stunning view over the River Thames and North Bank, all whilst enjoying modern European dishes.

Our hot spot list includes:

Skylon
Serving modern European dishes in the frame of floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views across the river
Oxo
Offering exquisite seasonal dishes in an iconic London building
BFI Bar & Kitchen
An industrial restaurant serving classic British dishes and divine cocktails
Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden Bar & Cafe
Cafe, bar and allotment on the roof of the Southbank Centre
Konditor and Cook
A bakery with the aim of spreading joy through cakes

Getting around:

With Waterloo Station on one end and Blackfriars Station on the other, you won’t be short of transport options. Whether you want to promenade along the pedestrian bank or hop on a tube to another part of London, you are spoilt for choice along here.

Waterloo Station is one of London’s busiest, with various tube lines and trains running to the South of England, while Blackfriars services the Thameslink as well as the Circle and District line.

South Bank has various cycle routes as well, including Quietway 1 and lots of docks for Santander bikes and numerous bus options.

Education and business:

The area has a range of schools, colleges and universities, including King’s College London and Southwark College. With great connections to the rest of London and beyond, the area is a hub for business and education alike.

Our properties:

We have a range of properties in amazing developments in this area and beyond, so why not have a look at a few below.

Properties to rent:

One Blackfriars
Manhattan Studio
Zone 1, South Bank, London, SE1

A beautifully appointed Manhattan style apartment situated on the 7th floor in this remarkably luxurious development located on Blackfriars Road and with hotel-style resident's facilities that allows for an effortless and majestic way of truly living the ultimate London lifestyle.

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30 Casson Square
Studio
Zone 1, South Bank, London, SE1

A brand new studio apartment perfectly positioned on the 15th floor to enjoy views of the London Eye in this luxury development of Thirty Casson Square, Southbank Place, SE1.

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