Embankment Place
Postmodern landmark where cinema, commerce, and transport converge on the Thames
Embankment Place is a striking postmodern office and shopping complex in central London, developed between 1986 and 1990 above Charing Cross railway station. Located at the confluence of the River Thames and the city's vibrant West End, this architectural landmark sits at the heart of London's cultural and commercial district. The complex gained additional fame as a filming location in the James Bond film Skyfall, where its entrance served as the exterior of Embankment Underground station. Today, it remains a bustling hub connecting rail, tube, and river transport while offering retail and dining experiences.
A brief summary to Embankment Pl
- London, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the Villiers Street entrance to see the exact spot featured in Skyfall where Silva emerges from the underground. The Playhouse Theatre nearby provides additional context for the filming location.
- Use the complex as a transport hub to access multiple London attractions. Charing Cross station connects to southeast England, while nearby tube stations link to Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Trafalgar Square.
- Explore the retail and dining options within the complex during quieter afternoon hours (2–4 PM) to avoid peak commuter times and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
- Walk along Victoria Embankment to enjoy Thames views and access nearby landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the Golden Jubilee Bridge.
- If arriving by car, note that on-site parking is unavailable. Plan to use the NCP car park at St Martin's Lane Hotel or arrive via public transport, which is more convenient given the location's excellent connectivity.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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London Underground
Embankment Place is directly above Charing Cross Underground station and adjacent to Embankment station. Access via Circle, District, or Northern lines. Travel time from central London locations: approximately 5–15 minutes depending on origin. Service runs from approximately 5:30 AM to midnight daily, with reduced weekend services. No fare required if already holding a valid Travelcard or contactless payment card.
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Charing Cross Railway Station
The complex sits directly above Charing Cross railway terminus. Southeastern trains operate services to Dover, Hastings, and southeast England. Journey times vary from 1–2 hours depending on destination. Trains run from approximately 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM daily. Standard rail fares apply; advance booking typically costs £5–£25 depending on destination and time of travel.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare vehicles can access the main entrance on Villiers Street. Journey times from London airports: approximately 45–90 minutes from Heathrow, 30–60 minutes from Gatwick, depending on traffic. Typical taxi fares range from £40–£80 from central London locations. Rideshare services (Uber, Bolt) typically cost £8–£25 for journeys within central London.
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River Transport
Embankment Pier, located adjacent to the complex, offers Thames river services. Boats operate to Westminster, Tower Bridge, and other riverside destinations. Journey times range from 10–30 minutes depending on destination. Fares typically range from £3–£9 per journey. Service frequency varies seasonally; summer months offer more frequent departures than winter.
Embankment Pl location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Embankment Pl
A Modern Structure Built on Historic Ground
Embankment Place stands at 1 Embankment Place, London WC2N 6RH, occupying a site that once held Hungerford Market. Developed from 1986 to 1990, this postmodern complex represents a significant urban regeneration project that transformed the area above Charing Cross railway station. The building was designed by Terry Farrell as part of a broader redesign of the Charing Cross station complex in the late 1980s. Its distinctive architecture blends modern office space with retail and hospitality facilities, creating a mixed-use destination that serves both commuters and visitors. The main entrance is prominently positioned on Villiers Street, making it easily accessible from the surrounding streets and transport links.Gateway to London's Transport Network
Embankment Place functions as a crucial transportation interchange in central London. The complex sits directly above Charing Cross railway station, which has operated as a major London terminus since 1864, originally serving as the primary gateway for continental traffic via boat trains. The location provides seamless connections to multiple London Underground lines, including the Circle, District, and Northern lines via nearby Embankment and Charing Cross stations. The Embankment Pier, located adjacent to the complex, offers river services along the River Thames, providing an additional transport option for visitors exploring London's waterways. This convergence of rail, tube, and river transport makes Embankment Place an essential hub for navigating the city.Cinematic Fame and Cultural Significance
Embankment Place gained international recognition as a filming location for the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall. In the film, the exterior of the complex near the Playhouse Theatre and Northumberland Avenue served as the entrance to Embankment Underground station, where the character Silva emerges from the London underground tunnels during a dramatic chase sequence. This cinematic moment has made the location a destination for film enthusiasts and Bond fans exploring London's movie locations. The surrounding area is rich with additional Bond filming locations, including nearby Whitehall to the west, where scenes from both Skyfall and Spectre were shot, and Trafalgar Square to the north, adding to the cultural significance of the district.Urban Landscape and Surrounding Character
The location sits in the heart of London's West End, positioned between the Strand and Hungerford Bridge, with Trafalgar Square to the northeast and Whitehall to the west. The area is characterized by a blend of historic and contemporary architecture, with the complex itself representing the postmodern design movement of the 1980s. Victoria Embankment runs alongside the site, offering views of the River Thames and connections to Westminster and other central London landmarks. The neighborhood is densely populated with cultural institutions, restaurants, shops, and offices, making it one of London's most vibrant and visited areas. The proximity to Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Piccadilly Circus places Embankment Place within easy reach of London's major entertainment and shopping districts.Accessibility and Practical Amenities
Embankment Place is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a street-level entrance on Villiers Street that is fully accessible to visitors with mobility requirements. A small number of pre-bookable disabled parking spaces are available in the building's basement. However, there is no general on-site parking; the nearest car park is located at St Martin's Lane Hotel on St Martin's Lane, operated by NCP. The complex houses various retail outlets, dining options, and services that cater to the thousands of commuters and visitors who pass through daily. The building's integration with Charing Cross station means that facilities typical of a major transport hub are readily available, including restrooms, information services, and multiple food and beverage options.Historical Context and Urban Development
The site's history extends back to the 19th century when Hungerford Market occupied the location. The construction of Charing Cross railway station in 1864 marked a turning point in London's transport infrastructure, and the station became a symbol of the city's connection to continental Europe. The station was damaged during World War II bombing raids and was subsequently rebuilt, reopening in 1951. The late 1980s redesign by Terry Farrell created the modern Embankment Place complex as part of a comprehensive redevelopment that preserved the railway function while introducing contemporary commercial and office space. This transformation exemplifies how historic London sites have been adapted to meet modern urban needs while maintaining their importance as transport and cultural hubs.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Royal Tank Regiment Memorial Statue
0.1 km
A commanding bronze tribute in Whitehall honoring the bravery and teamwork of the Royal Tank Regiment’s WWII Comet tank crews.
Eleanor Cross
0.2 km
A Victorian Gothic Revival monument marking the final resting place of Queen Eleanor’s funeral procession, blending medieval legacy with London’s historic heart.
The Gurkha Soldier Statue
0.2 km
A solemn tribute to the fearless Gurkha soldiers guarding Britain’s legacy on Horse Guards Avenue.
Major-General Lord Cheylesmore Monument
0.3 km
A serene stone tribute in Victoria Embankment Gardens honoring Major-General Lord Cheylesmore’s military and civic legacy.
Cleopatra's Needle
0.3 km
An ancient Egyptian obelisk on London's Thames Embankment, bridging millennia of history and mystery in the heart of the city.
George Duke of Cambridge statue
0.3 km
A commanding bronze tribute to Prince George, Duke of Cambridge, standing proudly on Whitehall amidst London’s historic military heart.
Henry Fawcett Monument
0.3 km
A serene Victorian fountain memorializing Henry Fawcett’s pioneering spirit in social reform and women’s suffrage, nestled in tranquil Embankment Gardens.
16-18 Whitehall
0.3 km
Explore 16-18 Whitehall, the historic site of England’s grandest royal palace and home to the stunning Banqueting House, a masterpiece of classical architecture.
John Adam St & Adam St
0.3 km
Explore John Adam Street & Adam Street, heart of the Adam brothers’ neoclassical Adelphi development, blending Georgian elegance with modern London vibrancy.
St Martin-in-the-Fields Church Path
0.3 km
Georgian masterpiece and spiritual anchor of Trafalgar Square, influencing church architecture worldwide.
Nelson's Column
0.4 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Nelson’s naval triumph, standing proudly at the heart of London’s historic Trafalgar Square.
Richard D’Oyly Carte Monument
0.4 km
A sculptural homage to Richard D’Oyly Carte’s theatrical and hospitality legacy, nestled in the serene Victoria Embankment Gardens.
Obelisk Charles James Napier
0.4 km
A contested monument to a complex military figure in London's most iconic public square.
Old Admiralty Building
0.4 km
Historic heart of Britain’s naval command, blending grand architecture with pivotal moments in London’s maritime legacy.
Dover House
0.4 km
Historic neoclassical mansion on Whitehall, home to the Scotland Office with a unique rotunda entrance and rich aristocratic past.
Unmissable attractions to see
Embankment station
0.1 km
Historic and bustling central London Tube station connecting four major lines near the Thames and iconic landmarks.
Gordon's Wine Bar
0.1 km
Experience the charm of London at Gordon's Wine Bar, the city's oldest wine bar, offering a delightful selection of wines and traditional British cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
Victoria Embankment Gardens
0.1 km
A historic and tranquil riverside garden in central London, blending Victorian heritage with peaceful green spaces and cultural memorials.
York Watergate
0.1 km
Explore York Watergate, a serene historical landmark on the River Thames, rich in maritime heritage and stunning views perfect for tourists.
Benjamin Franklin House
0.2 km
Step inside the only surviving home of Benjamin Franklin and experience 18th-century London through immersive tours and rich history.
Bustronome London
0.2 km
Savor gourmet dining aboard a panoramic double-decker bus while cruising past London’s iconic landmarks in unmatched style and comfort.
Charing Cross
0.2 km
Charing Cross and the Strand: a historic London gateway blending culture, theatre, and vibrant city life along a legendary riverside street.
Victoria Embankment Gardens: Whitehall Gardens
0.2 km
A peaceful riverside garden in central London blending historic monuments, vibrant blooms, and tranquil green spaces along the Thames.
The Ghost Bus Tours
0.2 km
Dark comedy meets London history on a theatrical double-decker bus tour through the capital's most sinister stories.
Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges
0.2 km
Iconic Thames crossing blending Victorian railway heritage with sleek cable-stayed footbridges and stunning panoramic London views.
Grand Building
0.3 km
A grand Victorian landmark on the Strand, transformed from a luxury hotel into a vibrant cultural and community hub in the heart of London.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
0.3 km
Experience the best of London's nightlife with laughter and drinks at The Boat Show Comedy Club, set in the unique Tattershall Castle.
Banqueting House
0.3 km
Explore London's Banqueting House, a Palladian masterpiece with Rubens' ceiling and the historic site of King Charles I’s execution.
St Martin-in-the-Fields
0.3 km
An iconic neoclassical church at Trafalgar Square blending rich history, architectural brilliance, and vibrant cultural life in central London.
Adelphi Theatre
0.4 km
Experience world-class musicals and rich theatrical history in the elegant Art Deco setting of London’s Adelphi Theatre on the iconic Strand.
Essential places to dine
The Northall
0.1 km
Refined British dining with seasonal flair in a grand, elegant setting at Corinthia London’s distinguished restaurant.
The Garden
0.1 km
A Mediterranean-inspired garden oasis offering refined seafood and elegant dining in the heart of London’s Corinthia Hotel.
Ekstedt at The Yard
0.2 km
Experience Nordic wood-fired cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Niklas Ekstedt in the historic Great Scotland Yard Hotel, blending ancient fire cooking with British seasonal ingredients.
wagamama southbank
0.4 km
Lively riverside pan-Asian dining with fresh, bold flavors and stunning Thames views at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Strada Southbank
0.4 km
Authentic Southern Italian flavors served with vibrant riverside views in the heart of London’s Southbank.
Rules
0.4 km
London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Flat Iron Covent Garden
0.4 km
Savor expertly crafted flat iron steaks in a historic Covent Garden setting, complete with rustic charm and a signature ice cream treat.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
0.4 km
Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Wahaca Southbank
0.5 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
0.5 km
Elegant modern British dining in Covent Garden with iconic chips, soulful vibes, and a nod to a glamorous past.
Ping Pong Southbank
0.5 km
Lively Southbank dim sum and cocktail bar blending traditional Chinese flavors with modern Asian fusion in a bustling riverside setting.
Southbank Centre Food Market
0.5 km
A lively weekend street food market on London’s South Bank offering diverse global cuisines in a vibrant riverside setting.
The Archduke
0.5 km
Lively steakhouse and wine bar in Waterloo with superb Scotch beef, classic desserts, and live jazz in a buzzy, inviting atmosphere.
Chez Antoinette
0.5 km
Authentic Lyon-inspired French bistro serving classic tartines and cozy café fare in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Clos Maggiore
0.5 km
Experience London’s most romantic French restaurant with enchanting blossom-filled conservatory and an award-winning wine cellar in Covent Garden.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Gifts of London
0.1 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Gifts of London, your perfect shopping destination.
Crest of London Ltd
0.3 km
Discover authentic London souvenirs and local crafts at Crest of London Ltd, your premier gift shop in historic Whitehall.
Custom Gifts By Jupiter
0.4 km
Unleash creativity with bespoke gifts and custom decor from this South Bank artisan haven near the Thames and iconic landmarks.
Southbank Centre Shop, Mandela Walk
0.4 km
Discover creative gifts, sustainable homewares, and arts-inspired souvenirs on vibrant Mandela Walk, opposite Royal Festival Hall—a stylish treat amid South Bank's cultural heartbeat.
Gift Shop - London Eye Shop
0.5 km
Capture London's magic at the London Eye Gift Shop: exclusive souvenirs, Thames views, and iconic keepsakes from the wheel's base.
Floral Street
0.5 km
Contemporary floral fragrances crafted with purpose, sustainability, and joy in the heart of London.
Alice Through The Looking Glass
0.5 km
Step into a whimsical world of antiques, art, and literary treasures inspired by Alice in Wonderland in the heart of London’s Cecil Court.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
0.5 km
Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
The Moomin Shop London
0.6 km
Step into the enchanting world of Moominvalley at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden, London’s magical haven for fans of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.
London Transport Museum - Shop
0.6 km
Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
Unique Britain
0.6 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and artistic keepsakes in the heart of London’s lively West End on historic Cranbourn Street.
St Martin's Courtyard
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and relaxation at St Martin's Courtyard in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Houses of Parliament Shop
0.7 km
Discover parliamentary pride in souvenirs, books, and gifts at this cozy Bridge Street boutique, steps from Westminster's iconic halls.
Cool Britania
0.7 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories at Cool Britannia, Leicester Square’s premier gift and photography shop.
The LEGO® Store Leicester Square
0.7 km
Explore the world’s largest LEGO® Store in Leicester Square, London—two floors of interactive fun, iconic models, and endless creativity.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Old Shades
0.3 km
Historic Whitehall pub pouring cask ales and pub classics since 1898, steps from Trafalgar Square—a true taste of London tradition.
The Spy Bar
0.3 km
Step into London’s secret subterranean bar where espionage history meets masterful cocktails and exclusive, no-photos privacy.
Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration
0.3 km
Step into a Victorian explorer’s world with inventive cocktails, immersive storytelling, and a mechanical mixologist in Covent Garden’s unique speakeasy.
The Thirsty Farrier Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
A vibrant London cocktail bar offering expertly crafted seasonal drinks with scenic riverside views and a welcoming atmosphere.
The Harp, Covent Garden
0.4 km
A historic Covent Garden pub famed for award-winning ales, traditional ciders, and a timeless, welcoming atmosphere.
American Bar
0.4 km
Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
Southbank Centre, Members Bar
0.4 km
Elevated wine bar with Thames panoramas and cultured calm atop Royal Festival Hall—perfect for drinks amid London's arts heartbeat.
Beaufort Bar
0.4 km
Step into the Beaufort Bar’s jet-black and gold Art Deco glamour for exquisite cocktails, live sultry music, and a timeless London night out.
Upstairs At Rules
0.4 km
Discover Upstairs At Rules, a refined cocktail bar above London’s oldest restaurant, where Edwardian elegance meets expertly crafted drinks in Covent Garden.
All Bar One Covent Garden
0.4 km
Stylish Covent Garden wine bar serving shareable plates, extensive wines, and cocktails in a lively West End setting—ideal for pre-theatre drinks or group gatherings.
Eve Bar Covent Garden
0.4 km
Subterranean Covent Garden cocktail bar tempting with zero-waste elixirs, decadent snacks, and Eden-inspired glamour beneath a Michelin-starred haven.
Blame Gloria - Cocktail Bar in Covent Garden
0.5 km
Dive into Blame Gloria’s neon-lit retro cocktail haven in Covent Garden, where legendary rock vibes and wild themed brunches electrify your night.
Mrs Riot
0.5 km
Covent Garden's technicolor riot: punk-pop cocktails, drag brunches, live DJs, and Kitty Clive's rebellious legacy in one explosive venue.
Blind Spot London
0.5 km
Discover a secretive speakeasy with globally inspired cocktails and intimate ambiance tucked inside St Martin’s Lane Hotel, Covent Garden.
honestfolk Cocktail Bar (Southbank Centre Food Market)
0.5 km
Seasonal cocktails and classics from a cozy mobile bar at Southbank Centre Food Market, where Thames breezes mingle with market buzz and craft libations.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Heaven
0.1 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
Proud Late
0.5 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
TSQ Club
0.5 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.6 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
0.6 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
The Penthouse London
0.7 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Cirque Du Soul
0.7 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
0.7 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Tiger Tiger London
0.7 km
Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
Café de Paris
0.7 km
Step into London’s iconic West End nightclub where history, glamour, and electrifying cabaret create unforgettable nights.
Luxe Club
0.7 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
0.7 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
The Ivy Club
0.8 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
0.8 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
The Roxy
0.9 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Unique
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Postmodern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
