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The South Bank has spent centuries entertaining London.
Before there were West End theatres, before immersive experiences and rooftop bars, people were crossing the Thames looking for excitement. Back then it was playhouses, taverns and slightly dubious forms of entertainment. Today it's theatres, galleries, food markets, festivals and some of the best people-watching in the city.
The beauty of the South Bank is that it doesn't demand a plan. You can arrive with a theatre ticket, an exhibition booking or absolutely nothing at all. Chances are you'll still find yourself lingering for hours.
It's one of those rare bits of London where something is always happening.
For once, London kept things simple.
The South Bank is quite literally the south bank of the River Thames. But the name doesn't tell the whole story.
For hundreds of years this side of the river existed beyond the control of the City of London. That made it the perfect home for theatres, taverns and entertainment that wouldn't always have been welcomed across the water.
Londoners came here to escape the rules.
Some things never change.
Long before tourists queued for the London Eye, crowds were crossing the river to watch Shakespeare.
The original Globe Theatre stood just a short walk from where today's reconstruction now welcomes audiences. This was London's entertainment quarter; noisy, lively and full of characters. Playwrights, actors, merchants, sailors and mischief-makers all mixed together here.
The area has reinvented itself many times since then, but its purpose remains remarkably similar.
People still come to the South Bank for a good story.
Come here if you like…
One of London's greatest stories brought back to life. Whether you're seeing a performance or taking a tour, it's a reminder that this stretch of river has been entertaining London for over 400 years.
Part cultural powerhouse, part concrete icon. Home to world-class productions and some surprisingly good places to sit with a coffee and watch the river roll by.
Music, literature, festivals, exhibitions and creative events all packed into one of London's busiest cultural hubs.
Just beyond the heart of the South Bank, but impossible to ignore. One of the world's most visited modern art galleries housed inside a former power station.
A constantly changing canvas beneath Waterloo Station where street artists are actively encouraged to leave their mark.
Tucked beneath Waterloo Bridge, this riverside collection of second-hand books feels wonderfully old-fashioned.
Independent shops, waterside cafés and a slightly slower pace than the rest of the riverfront.
One of the world's most famous skate spots, hidden beneath the Southbank Centre and still going strong.
Very much so. Few parts of London pack so much into such a short stretch of river. Whether you're here for theatre, art, food, books, live music or simply a good walk, the South Bank rewards curiosity. It's one of those places where the best moments are often the ones you didn't plan.
Entertainment. It has been London's place for culture and performance for centuries, from Shakespeare's Globe to the National Theatre, the Southbank Centre and countless street performers who set up beside the river every day. London comes here to be entertained.
It's one of London's best date locations. You can wander beside the river, discover hidden corners, stop for a drink, catch a show, browse a market or watch the city lights come on after dark. No complicated planning required.
Explore a graffiti tunnel beneath Waterloo, discover a hidden book market, watch skateboarders beneath a Brutalist arts centre or step inside a recreation of Shakespeare's original theatre. The South Bank specialises in unexpected discoveries.
