Background

Westminster Bridge Road

Historic east-west thoroughfare linking Westminster and Lambeth through London's vibrant South Bank district.

Westminster Bridge Road is a historic east-west thoroughfare in central London, stretching through the boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark. This iconic street connects Westminster on the west side to Lambeth on the east, serving as a vital artery in London's South Bank district. The road passes beneath Waterloo station's railway viaduct and intersects with major transport hubs including Lambeth North Underground station. Home to significant landmarks including the Florence Nightingale Museum at St Thomas' Hospital and the historic Westminster Bridge itself, the street offers excellent access to cultural attractions, restaurants, and shops. The area is characterized by its blend of historic architecture and modern development, with numerous office spaces, co-working facilities, and hospitality venues lining the route.

A brief summary to Westminster Bridge Rd

  • London, GB
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting across the Thames and unobstructed views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament from Westminster Bridge.
  • Explore the Florence Nightingale Museum at the western end of the street to discover the fascinating history of modern nursing and healthcare reform.
  • Use the excellent transport connections at Lambeth North and Waterloo stations to access other London attractions; the street is within walking distance of the Tate Modern and National Theatre.
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes and a camera; the pedestrian walkway across Westminster Bridge is wide and accessible, offering some of London's best photo opportunities.
  • Discover the historic London Necropolis railway station entrance at 121 Westminster Bridge Road, a surviving relic of Victorian-era transport innovation.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Underground (Tube)

    Lambeth North Underground station is approximately 4 minutes' walk from Westminster Bridge Road, offering direct access via the Bakerloo Line. Waterloo station is approximately 7 minutes' walk away, serving the Bakerloo, Northern, Jubilee, and Waterloo & City lines. Journey times from central London vary; from King's Cross St Pancras expect 15–20 minutes via the Northern Line to Waterloo. Single fares within London zones 1–2 cost £1.75–£2.80 depending on time of day and payment method.

  • National Rail

    Waterloo station, a 7-minute walk from Westminster Bridge Road, is London's busiest railway terminus with connections to destinations across southern England, including Southampton, Bournemouth, and Exeter. Journey times from major UK cities vary: from Manchester expect 2 hours 15 minutes, from Birmingham 1 hour 45 minutes, and from Bristol 1 hour 30 minutes. Standard off-peak return fares typically range from £25–£80 depending on destination and advance booking.

  • River Bus (Thames Clipper)

    London Eye Waterloo Pier is approximately 6 minutes' walk from Westminster Bridge Road, offering river bus services along the Thames to destinations including Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, and Greenwich. Journey times vary by destination; to Tower Bridge expect 15–20 minutes. Single fares cost £4.50–£9.90 depending on distance and time of day, with daily caps available for frequent travelers.

  • Bus

    Multiple bus routes serve Westminster Bridge Road and surrounding streets, including routes 1, 3, 26, 59, 76, 77, 87, 88, 109, 159, 168, 171, 188, 211, 344, 381, and 507. These routes connect to destinations across London with typical journey times of 20–45 minutes depending on traffic and destination. Single bus fares cost £1.75 off-peak or £2.80 peak, with daily caps at £4.65 and weekly passes available.

Westminster Bridge Rd location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

Unlock the Best of Westminster Bridge Rd

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Westminster Bridge Rd

A Historic Passage Through London's South Bank

Westminster Bridge Road is a historic east-west thoroughfare that forms one of central London's most significant transport corridors. Running through the boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark, this street has served as a crucial link between Westminster and the areas south of the Thames for nearly three centuries. The road's origins trace back to the 1740s, when the Commissioners of Westminster Bridge acquired land from the Archbishop of Canterbury and ground in Lambeth Marsh to create the approach to Westminster Bridge on the southern side. This ambitious infrastructure project laid the foundation for what would become one of London's most important urban arteries.

Architectural Heritage and Notable Structures

The street showcases a fascinating blend of historical and contemporary architecture. The Florence Nightingale Museum, located at the western end within the grounds of St Thomas' Hospital, stands as a testament to the area's medical and social heritage. Between 1964 and 1994, the office block at 100 Westminster Bridge Road, formerly known as Century House, housed the UK's overseas intelligence agency, MI6. This building has since been refurbished and converted into the residential Perspective Building, designed by Assael Architecture. The street also contains the entrance to the London Necropolis railway station, rebuilt in 1902 and damaged during the London Blitz in 1941, with its entrance remaining visible at 121 Westminster Bridge Road as a poignant reminder of wartime history.

Modern Transport and Connectivity

Today, Westminster Bridge Road functions as a vital transport hub connecting multiple modes of transit. The street passes beneath the railway viaduct south of Waterloo station and intersects with Lambeth North Underground station, one of the area's primary transit points. The road continues as the A3202 and enters the St George's one-way system before terminating at St George's Circus, where it meets Waterloo Road, Blackfriars Road, Borough Road, London Road, and Lambeth Road. This strategic location makes the street exceptionally accessible for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, with numerous bus routes serving the area and the Thames providing additional river transport options via the London Eye Waterloo Pier.

Contemporary Commercial and Cultural Life

Westminster Bridge Road has evolved into a vibrant mixed-use district combining office space, hospitality, and cultural attractions. The street hosts numerous co-working spaces and serviced offices catering to professionals in architecture, planning, development, and design sectors. The area surrounding the road features an array of restaurants, bars, pubs, and shops, creating a buzzy atmosphere throughout the day and evening. Street theatre, busking, and nearby attractions such as Borough Market contribute to the dynamic character of the South Bank. The proximity to major cultural institutions including the Tate Modern, National Theatre, and Royal Festival Hall further enriches the district's reputation as a centre for arts and entertainment.

Gateway to Iconic Landmarks

Westminster Bridge Road serves as the gateway to some of London's most recognizable sights. The street provides direct access to Westminster Bridge itself, the iconic green-painted structure that has appeared in countless films and television productions. From the bridge, visitors enjoy unobstructed views of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben on the western side, while the London Eye and the sweep of the South Bank dominate the eastern perspective. The street's location places it within walking distance of Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, and the Houses of Parliament, making it an essential route for those exploring central London's political and historical heart.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Westminster Bridge Rd

Popular Hotels near Westminster Bridge Rd

Select Currency