Roupell Street
A perfectly preserved Georgian time capsule where 1820s London lives on amid modern London's bustle.
Roupell Street is a beautifully preserved Georgian conservation area in Lambeth, London, featuring rows of distinctive worker's cottages dating back to the 1820s. This time-capsule enclave of sooty brick terraces with brightly painted doors and period details has miraculously survived the Blitz and modern development. Located just steps from Waterloo Station, it remains one of London's most atmospheric and frequently filmed streets, beloved by photographers and history enthusiasts seeking an authentic glimpse of 19th-century London life.
A brief summary to Roupell St
- London, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. The street's sooty brick and painted doors photograph beautifully in golden hour, and you'll have space to appreciate the period details without jostling other visitors.
- Look closely at the metal insurance plates on house walls—these Victorian-era fire insurance markers are fascinating historical artefacts that reveal the street's past. Boot scrapers at doorsteps and ghost signs on walls add layers of discovery.
- Stop at the King's Arms pub for an authentic experience. The main bar retains its 19th-century character, and the back conservatory offers a more contemporary dining experience with Thai cuisine while maintaining the historic atmosphere.
- Explore the neighbouring streets—Theed Street, Whittlesey Street, Cornwall Road, and Windmill Walk—which form the complete conservation area and offer equally atmospheric views with slightly fewer visitors than Roupell Street itself.
- Check for blue plaques marking historical residents and events. One honours Sarah Halliday, a bonnet-crown seamstress who lodged here in 1861, and another marks the birthplace of modern circus at Cornwall Road in 1768.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground (Tube)
Southwark Station (Northern Line) is approximately 0.6 miles away, roughly a 12–15 minute walk. Exit the station and head north towards the Thames; Roupell Street is located just south of Waterloo Road. Alternatively, Waterloo Station (multiple lines) is 0.5 miles away, approximately a 10–12 minute walk—exit towards the South Bank and follow signs toward Waterloo Road. Both routes are well-lit and straightforward, though Waterloo is busier. No accessibility barriers on either walking route.
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National Rail
London Waterloo East station is the closest rail terminus at approximately 160 yards (2–3 minute walk). Exit the station and head south; Roupell Street is immediately accessible. London Waterloo mainline station is 540 yards away (approximately 7–10 minutes on foot). Both stations are step-free with accessible exits. Services run throughout the day with frequent departures from across the UK.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the Waterloo area, including routes 1, 4, 26, 42, 68, 76, 77, 87, 88, 91, 168, 171, 188, 344, and 507. Journey times from central London vary from 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and origin point. Buses stop on Waterloo Road, approximately 2–5 minutes' walk from Roupell Street. All buses are wheelchair accessible with audio-visual announcements. Fares start at £1.75 for a single journey within London (contactless or Oyster card).
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Walking
Roupell Street is highly walkable from surrounding attractions. From Southwark Cathedral (0.3 miles, 6–8 minutes), head north across London Bridge and follow signs toward Waterloo. From the South Bank Centre (0.4 miles, 8–10 minutes), walk east along the riverside. From Covent Garden (0.6 miles, 12–15 minutes), head south through Soho and cross the Thames at Waterloo Bridge. All routes are on paved urban streets with good lighting and clear signage. The street itself is pedestrianised and accessible to all mobility levels.
Roupell St location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Roupell St
A Pocket of Preserved History
Roupell Street stands as one of London's most remarkable urban survivors—a complete conservation area of late Georgian worker's cottages that has endured over two centuries largely unchanged. Built beginning in 1824 by John Palmer Roupell, a gold refiner and property developer, the street and its neighbouring thoroughfares (Theed Street, Whittlesey Street, Cornwall Road, and Windmill Walk) were constructed on reclaimed marshland south of the Thames. What makes this enclave extraordinary is not merely its age, but the fact that it has weathered the railway expansions of the Victorian era, the devastating bombs of the London Blitz during World War II, and the relentless appetite of modern developers—all while remaining virtually untouched. The original residents were working-class Londoners: builders, joiners, printers, furniture makers, saddlers, blacksmiths, clothing makers, butchers, bakers, teachers, and nurses. These modest two-storey terraces, constructed of solid London brick with distinctive butterfly roofs and sturdy wooden frames, were designed for practicality rather than luxury. Remarkably, as many as 20 people once crowded into four-room houses, sharing communal spaces and outdoor facilities. Yet despite their humble origins and dense occupation, the buildings were well-constructed and have proven remarkably durable.Architectural Character and Period Details
Walking through Roupell Street today feels like stepping through a portal into the 19th century. The streetscape is defined by uniform rows of sooty brick cottages punctuated by brightly painted front doors in jewel tones—deep blues, burgundies, and mauve hues that add unexpected colour to the austere facades. Period details abound: traditional cast-iron street lamps, boot scrapers embedded in doorsteps, ghost signs painted on walls, and metal insurance plates affixed to house walls—remnants of Victorian fire insurance schemes. The sawtooth rooflines, a signature feature of the conservation area, create a distinctive silhouette that has become instantly recognisable to filmmakers and photographers worldwide. The King's Arms pub, a Grade II listed Victorian establishment positioned at the junction of Roupell Street and Windmill Walk, anchors the community with its traditional village-pub atmosphere despite its proximity to central London's bustle. The pub retains nine real ale pumps and a back conservatory that has housed a Thai kitchen for over two decades. Corner shops and local businesses maintain the intimate, neighbourhood feel that distinguishes this enclave from the modern South Bank district surrounding it.A Magnet for Cinema and Television
Roupell Street has become one of London's most prolific filming locations, with production crews returning dozens of times annually to capture its timeless aesthetic. The street's pristine period appearance requires minimal dressing for period dramas, making it an economical choice for filmmakers. Major productions filmed here include Call the Midwife, Doctor Who, Whitechapel, New Tricks, Slow Horses, EastEnders, Legend (the Kray twins film), and even James Bond's No Time to Die, in which Daniel Craig's 007 visits gadget-master Q at his home on the street. Mrs Harris Goes to Paris, though set in Battersea, was filmed on Roupell Street and at the King's Arms. The street's photogenic qualities have also made it a sensation on social media platforms, with its colourful doorways and vintage aesthetic generating countless Instagram and TikTok posts.From Marshland to Modern Prosperity
The transformation of this location from swampland to thriving community reflects broader changes in London's geography and economy. The area was originally marshland until drainage in the 18th century. By 1767, the site was known as Halfpenny Hatch, a minor toll gate serving as a convenient cut-through between north-south routes. When John Roupell began development in the 1820s, he initially named the surrounding streets after himself and family members—John Street, Catherine Street, and Richard Street—though these were changed in the late 19th century to avoid postal confusion. Today, only Roupell Street retains the developer's name. What began as modest working-class housing has transformed dramatically. Contemporary property values have soared, and the street now houses millionaires in homes that once sheltered multiple families of ordinary labourers. This gentrification, while changing the social composition of the street, has paradoxically ensured meticulous maintenance and preservation of the historic fabric that might otherwise have deteriorated.Resilience Through Crisis
The survival of Roupell Street through major historical disruptions underscores the durability of its construction and the determination of its community. A fire in 1829 threatened the nascent development but did not destroy it. The London Blitz of 1940–1941, which devastated much of South London, somehow spared this enclave entirely. Post-war redevelopment pressures, which transformed much of Lambeth and the South Bank, left Roupell Street untouched. This remarkable resilience has made the street a living museum of working-class London life, offering insights into how ordinary Londoners lived, worked, and built community in the 19th century.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
South Bank Community Area
0.4 km
A vibrant riverside cultural and historic district in central London, home to iconic landmarks, arts venues, and scenic Thames views.
Blackfriars Bridge
0.6 km
Historic and widest Thames crossing in London, blending Victorian engineering with medieval heritage and stunning river views.
King's Reach commemoration memorial
0.7 km
Historic riverside memorial honoring King George V’s Silver Jubilee and the naming of London’s Thames stretch as 'King’s Reach'.
Waterloo Bridge
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Waterloo Bridge, London’s elegant Thames crossing, famed for its wartime women builders and breathtaking panoramic city views.
Victoria Embankment
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County Hall
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Historic Edwardian Baroque landmark on London’s South Bank with iconic river views, cultural venues, and rich civic heritage.
South Bank Lion
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Majestic 1837 Coade stone lion guarding Westminster Bridge, symbolizing London’s resilience and rich heritage.
King's College Chapel
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Victorian Gothic grandeur hidden above the Great Hall—a masterpiece of engineering and ecclesiastical artistry.
Cleopatra's Needle
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Michael Faraday Statue
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Memorial wall
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Discover the Memorial Wall in London, a touching tribute that honors the sacrifices of heroes throughout history, inviting reflection and remembrance.
National Trust - Strand Lane "Roman Bath"
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Explore the Strand Lane Roman Bath, a fascinating glimpse into London's ancient Roman history amidst modern attractions.
The Old Watch House
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A quaint early 18th-century parish watch house on London’s Strand, offering a rare glimpse into pre-Metropolitan Police community policing.
Temple Church
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Medieval fortress of faith where crusading knights shaped English law and history.
Hidden London - Aldwych Station
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Discover Aldwych Station, a hidden gem in London that unveils the city’s rich transport history through guided tours and captivating stories.
Unmissable attractions to see
South Bank
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Discover South Bank, London’s vibrant riverside district where iconic landmarks, world-class arts, and scenic Thames views converge in a cultural celebration.
The Old Vic
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Historic London theatre renowned for Shakespearean heritage and vibrant contemporary performances since 1818.
Big Belly Bar & Comedy Club London
0.4 km
Experience top-tier comedy, delicious street food, and lively drinks at Southbank’s Big Belly Bar & Comedy Club, a hub for laughter and creativity.
BFI IMAX
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Experience Britain’s largest cinema screen and immersive film events at the iconic BFI IMAX on London’s vibrant South Bank.
Bargehouse
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Explore Bargehouse at Oxo Tower Wharf, a raw industrial space on London’s South Bank, hosting cutting-edge art exhibitions and immersive creative events.
56 Gabriel's Wharf
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A vibrant riverside enclave blending creative shops, art, and dining on London’s iconic South Bank.
Observation Point
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Breathtaking panoramic views of London's iconic skyline from a vibrant riverside vantage on the South Bank.
Thames Beach
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Discover Thames Beach, a tranquil urban riverside escape with sandy shores, iconic views, and family-friendly charm in the heart of London SE1.
National Theatre
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A Brutalist masterpiece on the South Bank, home to world-class theatre and dramatic river views.
Southbank Boardwalk
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Experience London's vibrant riverside culture, festive markets, and stunning Thames views along the lively Southbank Boardwalk.
BFI Southbank
0.5 km
Discover the heart of film culture at BFI Southbank, London’s iconic venue for classic and contemporary cinema experiences.
Southbank Centre Food Market
0.6 km
A lively weekend street food market on London’s South Bank offering global flavors behind the Royal Festival Hall.
Southbank Centre
0.6 km
A vibrant riverside cultural complex in London offering world-class music, art, and festive experiences year-round.
Leake St
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Dive into London’s vibrant Banksy Tunnel, where ever-changing legal graffiti transforms a forgotten underpass into a dynamic urban art sanctuary.
Royal Festival Hall
0.6 km
A historic riverside concert hall and cultural beacon on London’s South Bank, blending iconic architecture with world-class performances.
Essential places to dine
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
0.4 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Sea Containers Restaurant
0.4 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
0.5 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
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.
Ping Pong Southbank
0.6 km
Lively Southbank dim sum and cocktail bar blending traditional Chinese flavors with modern Asian fusion in a bustling riverside setting.
Wahaca Southbank
0.6 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
Strada Southbank
0.6 km
Authentic Southern Italian flavors served with vibrant riverside views in the heart of London’s Southbank.
wagamama southbank
0.7 km
Lively riverside pan-Asian dining with fresh, bold flavors and stunning Thames views at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Troia Southbank
0.7 km
Experience authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine with halal options in a vibrant riverside setting near the London Eye.
OKAN South Bank
0.8 km
Experience authentic Osaka-style okonomiyaki and Japanese street food in a cozy, lively South Bank eatery with friendly service and a nostalgic vibe.
Mercato Metropolitano
1.0 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
Ikoyi Restaurant
1.0 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Bustronome London
1.0 km
Dine in luxury aboard a panoramic double-decker bus while touring London’s iconic landmarks with gourmet cuisine and fine wines.
The Northall
1.1 km
Refined British dining with seasonal flair in a grand, elegant setting at Corinthia London’s distinguished restaurant.
The Garden
1.1 km
A Mediterranean-inspired garden oasis offering refined seafood and elegant dining in the heart of London’s Corinthia Hotel.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
j-me original design ltd
0.4 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
0.4 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
0.4 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.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
0.4 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Bankside Arches Boutique
0.6 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Southbank Centre Shop, Mandela Walk
0.6 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.
Custom Gifts By Jupiter
0.7 km
Unleash creativity with bespoke gifts and custom decor from this South Bank artisan haven near the Thames and iconic landmarks.
The Giftree London
0.8 km
Discover London's soul in souvenirs, crafts, and conveniences at this Lambeth gem—unique gifts, luggage storage, and local flair await.
Gift Shop - London Eye Shop
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Capture London's magic at the London Eye Gift Shop: exclusive souvenirs, Thames views, and iconic keepsakes from the wheel's base.
Browns of London
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Explore Browns of London for unique handcrafted gifts and local treasures in the heart of the city, perfect for memorable souvenirs from your travels.
The Store X
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A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
Twinings - The Strand
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Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
Gifts of London
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Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Gifts of London, your perfect shopping destination.
Borough Yards
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Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
London Transport Museum - Shop
1.2 km
Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Lyaness
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Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
0.5 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 Understudy
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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.
Waterloo Lost Property Office Speakeasy
0.6 km
Discover a hidden 1920s-inspired speakeasy in Waterloo serving expertly crafted cocktails in a seductive, vintage setting.
Bar @ 26 Leake Street
0.6 km
Experience London’s vibrant street art and nightlife culture at 26 Leake Street, a unique cocktail bar and event venue in Waterloo’s iconic graffiti tunnels.
honestfolk Cocktail Bar (Southbank Centre Food Market)
0.6 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.
Southbank Centre, Members Bar
0.6 km
Elevated wine bar with Thames panoramas and cultured calm atop Royal Festival Hall—perfect for drinks amid London's arts heartbeat.
Slug & Lettuce - County Hall
0.6 km
Chic South Bank cocktail haven in County Hall: bottomless brunches, 2-for-1 sips, pub classics, and Thames views for London's liveliest lunches and nights out.
All Bar One Waterloo
0.7 km
Sophisticated South Bank bar serving creative cocktails, sharing plates, and wines in a lively spot near Waterloo Station and the London Eye.
Primo Bar, London
0.7 km
Sophisticated South Bank cocktails and live jazz with Big Ben views—Primo Bar blends daytime lounge ease with electrifying nightly performances in stylish 60s-inspired surrounds.
The Thirsty Farrier Cocktail Bar
0.7 km
A vibrant London cocktail bar offering expertly crafted seasonal drinks with scenic riverside views and a welcoming atmosphere.
Le Champagne Bar
0.8 km
A compact riverside champagne lounge beside the London Eye—perfect for a celebratory flute and framed Thames views.
Black Parrot
1.0 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
The Old Bank of England
1.0 km
Historic Victorian pub on Fleet Street housed in a former Bank of England branch with grand interiors and legendary London tales.
American Bar
1.1 km
Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
0.6 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
0.6 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
0.6 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Proud Late
0.9 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.
Ministry of Sound
1.0 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
1.0 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Heaven
1.2 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.
The Steel Yard
1.4 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
Corsica Studios
1.4 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Carwash Nightclub
1.5 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
TSQ Club
1.5 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.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
1.5 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
1.6 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.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
1.6 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
Zoo Bar & Club
1.6 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
