Southbank & Bankside

Officially called the Southwark this area is more commonly known as the South Bank and Bank Side. Top attraction is the London Eye built to celebrate the new Millennium.  Originally this observation wheel, the largest in the world at 130 meters was meant to be temporary but it proved such a hit that it was allowed to stay and is now as iconic as Big Ben. As you walk across Embankment bridge and over the Thames it's hard to imagine the South Bank had a bad reputation up to the mid 90's. 

If you walk towards Tower Bridge and Bank Side you'll find the Millennium Bridge and opposite a former power station now home to a major art gallery. This imposing building was converted into a museum and is now among the leading art galleries in the world. Admission is free and it's worth visiting just to admire the architecture and walk through the great Turbine Hall. There's a magnificent view over the Thames from the seventh floor. Walk a little further on and you'll find Shakespeare's Globe Theatre  There's also Borough Market under the railway at London Bridge, famous for its gourmet and organic food. It's held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

If you haven't seen enough take the 'Thames Walk' walk to famous Tower Bridge, City Hall and the Design Museum. You'll see the old warehouses of Butler's Wharf on the river where there's some very good restaurants. Bankside is home to two fun attractions, the London Bridge Experience (2-4 Tooley Street) and the famous London Dungeon (28-34 Tooley Street. The Thames Walk is pedestrianised and runs from Lambeth Bridge to Tower Bridge. The quay is a great spot from which to view Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral and Tower of London.

Best time to visit: South Bank and Bankside are busiest at the weekends so woit. With the exception of Borough Market (this is the best on Saturday) visit this area therefore better one day during the week. The weekends are especially in the morning are most enjoyable. The queue for the London Eye can greatly increase especially in the afternoon. t is therefore our recommendation taken into consideration in your planning. Tip: Buy your advance tickets for London Eye and save the Line!