Discover the Charm of Bankside: A Cultural Gem in London
Explore Bankside in London for a perfect mix of history, culture, and stunning riverside views amid a vibrant city atmosphere.
Bankside is a vibrant district in London known for its rich history, stunning riverside views, and a cultural scene that attracts visitors from all over the world. From the iconic Shakespeare's Globe to the modern Tate Modern gallery, there’s something for everyone.
A brief summary to Bankside
- London, GB
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy a quieter experience at popular attractions like the Tate Modern.
- Don't miss the Borough Market for a taste of local and international cuisine.
- Take a leisurely walk along the Thames Path to soak in the scenic views of the river and the city.
- Check the schedule for performances at Shakespeare's Globe for an authentic theatrical experience.
- Explore the hidden gems and small galleries tucked away in the side streets for unique art and culture.
Getting There
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Tube
To get to Bankside, start by finding the nearest London Underground station. If you are near London Bridge station, take the Northern Line (black line) towards Morden. Get off at the next stop, which is Borough. From Borough station, exit onto Borough High Street. Walk straight for approximately 10 minutes, crossing over the River Thames using the Southwark Bridge, and you will arrive at Bankside.
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Bus
If you prefer to travel by bus, look for a bus stop near your current location. Catch a bus heading towards the London Bridge area. The 344 or 381 buses frequently pass through central London and will take you close to Bankside. Get off at the 'Southwark Street' stop. From there, walk along Southwark Street towards the River Thames, and you will reach Bankside in about 5 minutes.
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Walking
If you are nearby, you can simply walk to Bankside. Look for the River Thames, and head towards the south bank. You can follow the riverside walk, which is scenic and leads directly to Bankside. Look out for landmarks like the Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre, which are located in close proximity. It should take about 15-20 minutes to reach Bankside from the central areas like the Southbank Centre.
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Cycle
For those who enjoy cycling, you can hire a Santander Cycle (also known as Boris Bikes) from one of the docking stations around London. Look for a docking station near you. Once you have a bike, cycle towards Bankside by following the riverside path along the Thames. This route is bike-friendly and offers beautiful views of the river and the city. It is approximately a 20-minute ride depending on your starting point.
Discover more about Bankside
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Southwark Bridge
0.1 km
A graceful steel-arched Thames crossing with a rich history, distinctive green-and-yellow detailing, and a key role in London’s illuminated river landscape.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
0.4 km
Historic Anglican church on College Hill, rebuilt by Wren and linked to Dick Whittington, featuring stunning stained glass and a Hawksmoor spire.
Historic England
0.4 km
Discover the rich tapestry of England's history at Historic England, a key organization dedicated to preserving the nation’s architectural treasures.
London Stone (remaining part)
0.5 km
Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
113 Cannon St
0.6 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
The National Firefighters Memorial
0.6 km
A solemn tribute in London honoring the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who served during the Blitz and beyond.
Blackfriars Bridge
0.7 km
Historic and widest Thames crossing in London, blending Victorian engineering with medieval heritage and stunning river views.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.7 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
Queen Anne Statue
0.7 km
Historic statue commemorating Queen Anne’s reign and the completion of St. Paul’s Cathedral, symbolizing Britain’s royal heritage and resilience.
Temple Bar London
0.7 km
Explore Temple Bar, London’s historic ceremonial gateway rebuilt by Christopher Wren, rich with royal heritage and striking 17th-century architecture.
Statue of James Henry Greathead
0.8 km
Discover the statue honoring James Henry Greathead, the engineer whose invention shaped London's iconic Underground tunnels.
Victoria Embankment
0.8 km
A historic riverside promenade in London blending Victorian engineering, scenic gardens, iconic monuments, and stunning Thames views.
Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture
0.8 km
Discover London’s tiniest public sculpture—two bronze mice locked in a timeless tussle over cheese, steeped in legend and Victorian charm.
Guildhall Library
0.8 km
Discover London's rich history at Guildhall Library, a treasure trove of knowledge with rare manuscripts and engaging exhibitions for all.
Custom House
0.8 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
Unmissable attractions to see
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
0.1 km
Experience Shakespearean drama by candlelight in this intimate, Jacobean-inspired indoor playhouse on London’s historic Bankside.
Rose Theatre Trust
0.1 km
Explore the historic Rose Theatre Trust site, London's first Bankside playhouse where Shakespeare's early works came to life.
Shakespeare's Globe
0.1 km
Experience the timeless magic of Shakespeare’s plays in the iconic open-air Globe Theatre on London’s historic South Bank.
The Clink Prison Museum
0.3 km
Step back into England’s darkest prison history at The Clink Prison Museum, where medieval justice and infamous inmates come alive.
Millennium Bridge
0.3 km
Explore the Millennium Bridge, a modern architectural gem in London, linking iconic landmarks with stunning river views and cultural experiences.
Tate Modern
0.3 km
Discover groundbreaking modern and contemporary art in London's iconic former power station, featuring world-class collections and stunning river views.
Winchester Palace
0.3 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Winchester Palace, a medieval bishop’s grand London residence with a stunning rose window by the Thames.
Borough Yards
0.3 km
Discover Borough Yards, London’s vibrant fusion of historic railway arches and contemporary shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
St James Garlickhythe
0.3 km
Discover the historical significance and architectural beauty of St James Garlickhythe, a serene Anglican church in the heart of London.
St Mary Overie's Dock
0.4 km
Historic Thames dock in London’s Southwark, home to the Golden Hinde II and steeped in medieval and maritime heritage.
Menier Chocolate Factory
0.4 km
Experience cutting-edge theatre in a historic 19th-century chocolate factory with intimate performances and rich industrial charm in Southwark, London.
Southwark View Point
0.4 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of London’s iconic skyline from the vibrant South Bank’s premier open-air viewpoint.
Borough Market
0.4 km
Discover Borough Market, London's historic food haven blending ancient tradition with vibrant culinary delights near London Bridge.
Queen Victoria St
0.4 km
A historic and vital City of London street linking iconic landmarks with Victorian-era urban vision and modern financial life.
Southwark Cathedral
0.4 km
Discover Southwark Cathedral’s rich history, stunning Gothic architecture, and cultural ties in the heart of London’s historic South Bank.
Essential places to dine
Madison
0.6 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Sea Containers Restaurant
0.8 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.0 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
14 Hills
1.1 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Mercato Metropolitano
1.1 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
La Dame de Pic London
1.2 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Restaurant Story
1.3 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
1.4 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
St. John
1.4 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Ikoyi Restaurant
1.5 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Wahaca Southbank
1.5 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
Southbank Centre Food Market
1.5 km
A lively weekend street food market on London’s South Bank offering diverse global cuisines in a vibrant riverside setting.
The Archduke
1.5 km
Lively steakhouse and wine bar in Waterloo with superb Scotch beef, classic desserts, and live jazz in a buzzy, inviting atmosphere.
Ping Pong Southbank
1.5 km
Lively Southbank dim sum and cocktail bar blending traditional Chinese flavors with modern Asian fusion in a bustling riverside setting.
Strada Southbank
1.6 km
Authentic Southern Italian flavors served with vibrant riverside views in the heart of London’s Southbank.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bankside Arches Boutique
0.5 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
The Royal Exchange
0.8 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Hay's Galleria
0.9 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
0.9 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
0.9 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
j-me original design ltd
0.9 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
Sugar And Style
1.0 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
Tower of London Shop
1.1 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
1.1 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Smithfield Market
1.3 km
London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.
Barbican Shop
1.3 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Twinings - The Strand
1.4 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
1.4 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
The Store X
1.4 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
Bermondsey Antique Market
1.5 km
Uncover vintage treasures at London’s oldest antiques market, where history meets haggling every Friday morning in Bermondsey Square.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Doggett's Coat and Badge
0.7 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.7 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
Lyaness
0.8 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
The Bootlegger
0.9 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
Black Parrot
0.9 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
Punch Tavern
0.9 km
Historic Victorian Gin Palace on Fleet Street, famed for its Punch magazine heritage and vast gin selection in the heart of London.
Demon, Wise & Partners
1.0 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Old School Yard
1.0 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
1.0 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
Nine Lives
1.1 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
The Understudy
1.3 km
Riverside craft beers, KERB street food, and Thames views at the National Theatre's lively bar – perfect for pre-show bites or late-night hangs on London's South Bank.
The Old Bank of England
1.3 km
Historic Victorian pub on Fleet Street housed in a former Bank of England branch with grand interiors and legendary London tales.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
1.3 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Moonshine Saloon
1.4 km
Step into London’s Moonshine Saloon for an immersive Wild West cocktail adventure with live actors, games, and bespoke drinks made from your own spirits.
Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn
1.4 km
Discover Ye Olde Mitre, a hidden Tudor-era pub in Holborn where history, legend, and cozy charm converge in a secret London alley.
