The Queen’s Walk: Iconic Riverside Promenade Along London’s South Bank
A scenic riverside promenade along the Thames linking London’s top landmarks with vibrant culture and stunning city views.
The Queen’s Walk is a scenic pedestrian promenade stretching along the southern bank of the River Thames in London, from Lambeth Bridge to Tower Bridge. This vibrant walkway offers stunning views of London’s skyline, iconic landmarks such as the London Eye, Big Ben, and the Tower of London, and a lively atmosphere filled with street performers, art installations, and riverside cafes. It is a popular route for both locals and tourists seeking a leisurely stroll with rich cultural and historic surroundings.
A brief summary to The Queen’s Walk
- Eye Pier, London, SE1 7PB, GB
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit at sunset for breathtaking views of the city skyline and iconic landmarks bathed in golden light.
- Explore the nearby Oxo Tower Wharf for riverside dining and unique art installations.
- Use Waterloo or Westminster Underground stations for convenient access with step-free routes.
- Take a break at Jubilee Gardens to relax on the lawns or enjoy street performances.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Tube
Take the London Underground to Waterloo Station, served by Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines. From there, it’s a 5-minute flat walk to the Queen’s Walk. Alternatively, Westminster Station (Jubilee, District, Circle lines) is a 7-minute walk across Westminster Bridge. Both stations offer step-free access. Tube fares are best paid with contactless or Oyster cards, with daily fare caps.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve stops near the Queen’s Walk, including routes 211, 77, and 381. Night buses such as N155 also operate nearby. Key stops are County Hall and St Thomas’ Hospital. Buses provide a practical option for those preferring surface transport, with frequent service during the day.
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River Boat
Arrive via Thames river services at London Eye Pier, located directly on the Queen’s Walk. The pier is served by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and City Cruises, connecting to Embankment, Greenwich, and Tower Bridge. Riverboat tickets can be purchased separately or combined with London Eye experiences.
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Walking
The Queen’s Walk is a flat, pedestrian-friendly promenade ideal for walking. It links major landmarks along the South Bank and is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Walking from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge takes about 30–40 minutes at a leisurely pace, with plenty of places to rest and refresh en route.
The Queen’s Walk location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about The Queen’s Walk
A Riverside Path Through London’s Historic Heart
The Queen’s Walk is a celebrated pedestrian route that follows the south bank of the River Thames, linking Lambeth Bridge in the west to Tower Bridge in the east. Conceived as part of the Jubilee Walkway in 1977 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee, it was fully completed by the early 1990s. The walkway serves as a vital connection between some of London’s most renowned landmarks, including the London Eye, the Southbank Centre, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and the Tower of London. This stretch of the Thames Path provides an accessible and continuous riverside experience that showcases London’s historic and modern identity.Vibrant Atmosphere and Cultural Highlights
Walking along the Queen’s Walk, visitors encounter a lively cultural scene. The promenade is dotted with numerous art installations and sculptures, including notable bronze animal figures by artists Gillie and Marc. Street performers and musicians frequently animate the path, creating an engaging and entertaining environment. The route passes Jubilee Gardens, a green space adjacent to the London Eye, offering spots for relaxation and panoramic views. The nearby Oxo Tower Wharf adds a distinctive architectural landmark with its rooftop restaurant and riverside terraces, perfect for refreshments while enjoying the river views.Unrivaled Views and Iconic Photo Opportunities
The Queen’s Walk is renowned for its spectacular vistas of London’s skyline. From the walkway, you can admire the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben across the river, the towering Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the historic Tower Bridge. Westminster Bridge offers a particularly famous vantage point for photography, especially at sunset when the cityscape glows warmly. The promenade also allows access to lesser-known gems such as Ernie’s Beach, where visitors can explore the riverbank at low tide, and the Covid Memorial Wall on the Albert Embankment, a poignant tribute to pandemic victims.A Convenient and Accessible Urban Escape
The Queen’s Walk is fully pedestrianized and mostly flat, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. It is well-served by public transport, with Waterloo and Westminster Underground stations within a short walking distance. The London Eye Pier provides riverboat connections, offering an alternative scenic route along the Thames. The area includes amenities such as cafes, restrooms, seating areas, and information boards, enhancing visitor comfort. This accessibility and infrastructure make the Queen’s Walk a favored choice for both quick strolls and extended explorations.Seasonal and Social Vibrancy
Throughout the year, the Queen’s Walk hosts a variety of events and seasonal activities, from open-air performances to festive markets, contributing to its dynamic character. The riverside terraces and cafes buzz with activity, especially during warmer months, while the winter months offer a quieter, reflective ambiance. The promenade’s location within the South Bank cultural district means visitors can easily combine their walk with visits to theatres, galleries, and restaurants, enriching the overall experience.Connecting London’s Past and Present
The Queen’s Walk elegantly bridges London’s historic past with its contemporary cultural life. It traces the evolution of the Thames from a working river to a celebrated public space. The route’s proximity to landmarks like the Tower of London and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre alongside modern attractions like the London Eye encapsulates London’s layered history and vibrant present. For visitors seeking a quintessential London experience, the Queen’s Walk offers a scenic, cultural, and immersive journey along one of the city’s most iconic riverbanks.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
County Hall
0.2 km
Historic Edwardian Baroque landmark on London’s South Bank with iconic river views, cultural venues, and rich civic heritage.
Chindit Memorial
0.3 km
A solemn tribute in London honoring the daring Chindit special forces and their leader Major General Orde Wingate’s legacy.
South Bank Lion
0.3 km
Majestic 1837 Coade stone lion guarding Westminster Bridge, symbolizing London’s resilience and rich heritage.
The Gurkha Soldier Statue
0.4 km
A solemn tribute to the fearless Gurkha soldiers guarding Britain’s legacy on Horse Guards Avenue.
Royal Tank Regiment Memorial Statue
0.4 km
A commanding bronze tribute in Whitehall honoring the bravery and teamwork of the Royal Tank Regiment’s WWII Comet tank crews.
The Women of World War II
0.5 km
A powerful bronze tribute in Whitehall honoring over seven million British women’s vital roles during World War II.
Cleopatra's Needle
0.5 km
An ancient Egyptian obelisk on London's Thames Embankment, bridging millennia of history and mystery in the heart of the city.
The Cenotaph
0.5 km
Britain’s national war memorial in Whitehall, a solemn tribute to the fallen of the World Wars and later conflicts.
York Watergate
0.5 km
Discover the York Watergate, a rare 17th-century gateway marking the old Thames riverside and London's vanished aristocratic waterfront.
Dover House
0.5 km
Historic neoclassical mansion on Whitehall, home to the Scotland Office with a unique rotunda entrance and rich aristocratic past.
Big Ben
0.5 km
Discover the iconic Elizabeth Tower and its famous bell, Big Ben, a timeless symbol of London's heritage and British culture.
Waterloo Bridge
0.5 km
Waterloo Bridge, London’s elegant Thames crossing, famed for its wartime women builders and breathtaking panoramic city views.
George Duke of Cambridge statue
0.5 km
A commanding bronze tribute to Prince George, Duke of Cambridge, standing proudly on Whitehall amidst London’s historic military heart.
Major-General Lord Cheylesmore Monument
0.5 km
A serene stone tribute in Victoria Embankment Gardens honoring Major-General Lord Cheylesmore’s military and civic legacy.
Bridge St
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant heart of London at Bridge Street, where history meets modernity in a lively cultural hub.
Unmissable attractions to see
Jubilee Gardens
0.1 km
A peaceful, family-friendly green sanctuary on London’s South Bank with stunning views and a vibrant community spirit.
lastminute.com London Eye
0.1 km
Experience breathtaking 360-degree views of London’s iconic skyline from the towering lastminute.com London Eye on the South Bank.
London Eye Ticket Office
0.1 km
Discover London's skyline from the iconic London Eye, an unmissable experience offering breathtaking views of the city's landmarks and vibrant atmosphere.
Build-A-Bear Workshop - Westminster Bridge
0.2 km
Create your own cuddly companion in this vibrant, family-friendly toy workshop by the Thames at County Hall.
The London Eye Millennium Pier
0.2 km
A modern riverside gateway beside the London Eye, connecting you to iconic London landmarks and vibrant Thames river journeys.
The London Dungeon
0.2 km
Step into London’s darkest history with live actors, thrilling rides, and immersive storytelling in the heart of the South Bank.
30 The Queen's Walk
0.2 km
South Bank's riverside food and entertainment hub beneath Hungerford Bridge, where street food, craft beer, and live music meet the Thames.
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.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
0.2 km
Experience the best of London's nightlife with laughter and drinks at The Boat Show Comedy Club, set in the unique Tattershall Castle.
Shrek's Adventure London
0.2 km
Step into a magical world of fairy tales and fun with Shrek and friends on London’s South Bank, perfect for families and kids aged 6 to 12.
Royal Festival Hall
0.3 km
A historic riverside concert hall and cultural beacon on London’s South Bank, blending iconic architecture with world-class performances.
Southbank Centre Food Market
0.3 km
A lively weekend street food market on London’s South Bank offering global flavors behind the Royal Festival Hall.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
0.3 km
Dive into London’s premier marine world with over 500 species, immersive underwater tunnels, and inspiring conservation efforts at SEA LIFE London Aquarium.
Southbank Centre
0.3 km
A vibrant riverside cultural complex in London offering world-class music, art, and festive experiences year-round.
The Battle of Britain Monument
0.3 km
A powerful bronze and granite tribute on London’s Victoria Embankment honoring the heroic RAF pilots of the 1940 Battle of Britain.
Essential places to dine
Ping Pong Southbank
0.2 km
Lively Southbank dim sum and cocktail bar blending traditional Chinese flavors with modern Asian fusion in a bustling riverside setting.
wagamama southbank
0.2 km
Lively riverside pan-Asian dining with fresh, bold flavors and stunning Thames views at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
The Archduke
0.2 km
Lively steakhouse and wine bar in Waterloo with superb Scotch beef, classic desserts, and live jazz in a buzzy, inviting atmosphere.
Troia Southbank
0.2 km
Experience authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine with halal options in a vibrant riverside setting near the London Eye.
OKAN South Bank
0.2 km
Experience authentic Osaka-style okonomiyaki and Japanese street food in a cozy, lively South Bank eatery with friendly service and a nostalgic vibe.
Strada Southbank
0.2 km
Authentic Southern Italian flavors served with vibrant riverside views in the heart of London’s Southbank.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
0.3 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
Wahaca Southbank
0.4 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
The Garden
0.4 km
A Mediterranean-inspired garden oasis offering refined seafood and elegant dining in the heart of London’s Corinthia Hotel.
The Northall
0.4 km
Refined British dining with seasonal flair in a grand, elegant setting at Corinthia London’s distinguished restaurant.
Ekstedt at The Yard
0.6 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.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
0.8 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
0.8 km
Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Rules
0.8 km
London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Flat Iron Covent Garden
0.8 km
Savor expertly crafted flat iron steaks in a historic Covent Garden setting, complete with rustic charm and a signature ice cream treat.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Custom Gifts By Jupiter
0.1 km
Unleash creativity with bespoke gifts and custom decor from this South Bank artisan haven near the Thames and iconic landmarks.
Gift Shop - London Eye Shop
0.1 km
Capture London's magic at the London Eye Gift Shop: exclusive souvenirs, Thames views, and iconic keepsakes from the wheel's base.
Southbank Centre Shop, Mandela Walk
0.2 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.
Browns of London
0.4 km
Explore Browns of London for unique handcrafted gifts and local treasures in the heart of the city, perfect for memorable souvenirs from your travels.
Gifts of London
0.5 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Gifts of London, your perfect shopping destination.
Houses of Parliament Shop
0.6 km
Discover parliamentary pride in souvenirs, books, and gifts at this cozy Bridge Street boutique, steps from Westminster's iconic halls.
Jubilee Shop (Houses of Parliament Gift Shop)
0.6 km
Discover exclusive British political gifts and souvenirs inside the historic Westminster Hall at the Jubilee Shop, Houses of Parliament.
Crest of London Ltd
0.6 km
Discover authentic London souvenirs and local crafts at Crest of London Ltd, your premier gift shop in historic Whitehall.
Sugar And Style
0.7 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
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.
Westminster Abbey Shop
0.8 km
Discover exclusive Abbey-inspired gifts and souvenirs that support Westminster Abbey’s heritage and conservation efforts.
j-me original design ltd
0.8 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
London Transport Museum - Shop
0.9 km
Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
0.9 km
Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Le Champagne Bar
0.1 km
A compact riverside champagne lounge beside the London Eye—perfect for a celebratory flute and framed Thames views.
The Thirsty Farrier Cocktail Bar
0.1 km
A vibrant London cocktail bar offering expertly crafted seasonal drinks with scenic riverside views and a welcoming atmosphere.
All Bar One Waterloo
0.2 km
Sophisticated South Bank bar serving creative cocktails, sharing plates, and wines in a lively spot near Waterloo Station and the London Eye.
Slug & Lettuce - County Hall
0.2 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.
Bar @ 26 Leake Street
0.3 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)
0.3 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
0.3 km
Elevated wine bar with Thames panoramas and cultured calm atop Royal Festival Hall—perfect for drinks amid London's arts heartbeat.
Waterloo Lost Property Office Speakeasy
0.3 km
Discover a hidden 1920s-inspired speakeasy in Waterloo serving expertly crafted cocktails in a seductive, vintage setting.
Primo Bar, London
0.4 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 Red Lion, Parliament Street
0.5 km
A venerable Westminster corner pub — late‑Victorian fittings, political atmosphere and a long history beside Downing Street and Parliament.
Gordon's Wine Bar
0.5 km
Step into London's oldest wine bar, where history, candlelight, and award-winning wines create an unforgettable cellar experience.
The Spy Bar
0.5 km
Step into London’s secret subterranean bar where espionage history meets masterful cocktails and exclusive, no-photos privacy.
The Understudy
0.6 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.
Old Shades
0.6 km
Historic Whitehall pub pouring cask ales and pub classics since 1898, steps from Trafalgar Square—a true taste of London tradition.
American Bar
0.7 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
Cirque Du Soul
0.3 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
0.3 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
0.3 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Heaven
0.6 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
0.7 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
0.8 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
1.0 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
1.0 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
1.1 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Tiger Tiger London
1.1 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
1.1 km
Step into London’s iconic West End nightclub where history, glamour, and electrifying cabaret create unforgettable nights.
Luxe Club
1.1 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
The Ivy Club
1.2 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
1.2 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
The Roxy
1.2 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
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
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
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
