Stretching between Lambeth Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge, London’s South Bank is a popular pedestrianised riverside walk featuring attractions, eateries and famous sights. Here are some of the very best:
LONDON EYE
This giant Ferris wheel – the tallest of its kind when it first opened – is quite the landmark. Constructed for the millennium celebrations, this attraction was initially intended to remain open for five years. Almost 25 years later, 3.5 million visitors a year continue to ride its capsules 443ft above the skyline in a 30-minute journey.
OXO TOWER RESTAURANT

Another lofty experience, but this time accompanied by modern British cuisine. Enjoy fine dining as you enjoy dome-level views across the river to St Paul’s Cathedral. The tower’s famous O-X-O windows were designed to circumvent an advertising ban along the South Bank – Oxo’s famous beef stock cubes may no longer be stored in the building, but it remains an iconic British brand. No appetite? There’s also a free, if somewhat small, viewing platform. Just ride the lift to the 8th floor restaurant and ask a member of staff.
NATIONAL THEATRE
The UK’s most impressive theatre complex, the National Theatre opened in 1976 and features three separate performance spaces where actors and directors such as Laurence Olivier, Michael Gambon and Maggie Smith wowed audiences in plays and musicals, which once included a memorable Anthony and Cleopatra featuring Anthony Hopkins and Judy Dench. Not here for a show? The shop, restaurants, bars and roof terraces are also well worth a visit.
GABRIEL’S PIER AND THAMES BEACH
Jutting several metres out over the murky Thames water, Gabriel’s Pier is a peaceful place to watch the bustling river, it feels especially romantic at night when myriad twinkling lights are reflected in the water. Beneath the pier is Thames Beach, accessible via steps from the South Bank when the tide is low. Here you may spot mudlarkers searching for fragments of history – coins, pipes and even swords have been discovered along the river’s shore.

HAYWARD GALLERY
Fans of brutalism will love this gallery’s textured concrete exterior – those who seek something more colourful should head inside. Part of the Southbank Centre – the UK’s largest arts centre – the Hayward Gallery has both free and paid-for exhibitions of contemporary works, with spacious rooms providing the perfect backdrop for larger pieces. The shop is a cornucopia of well-curated crafts, curios, books and merchandise.
LONDON AQUARIUM
The UK’s largest coral display is just across the river from the Houses of Parliament. Located in the old County Hall building, in addition to colourful coral, you’ll find penguins, turtles and sharks. Vast glass walls of tanks up to 40ft long allow you to walk beside – or under – aquatic creatures large and small.
LAMBETH PALACE
The Archbishop of Canterbury’s London residence is built where a monastery was established in 960AD on what was once an island. Parts of Lambeth Palace date to the 13th century, you can even see stained glass windows from 1496. Bookings for tours of the palace re-open in 2025.

ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL
Back to the Southbank Centre and we’re now visiting a concert venue that has critics divided on its acoustics but agreeing on its superb 1950s grandeur. Built as part the 1951 Festival of Britain, dance, drama and concerts are performed to audiences of around 2700 people and tickets are often available from as little as £12.
BFI SOUTHBANK
This is one of the British Film Institute’s main cinemas and squats glamorously below Waterloo Bridge. Come for the classic films on the big screen, stay for new indie releases, stay even longer for the regular filmmaking workshops.
BOOK MARKET
As you enter the BFI from the South Bank you’ll pass a small market that’s been selling books since 1983. There’s an eclectic collection of genres and a good few vintage editions. Take time browsing through the maps and prints (which make for an excellent souvenir), but don’t come too late – the stalls start packing up from 5:30pm every day.
GABRIEL’S WHARF
Apart from the line of riverside restaurants beneath Royal Festival Hall (La Gamba is the cream of this crop), your best bet for South Bank dining is the clutch of eateries at Gabriel’s Wharf, behind the aforementioned pier. It’s a busy, buzzy place with plentiful outdoor seating. Hola Guacamole and Fed by Plants are great value, for cooler days indulge in a treat from Gabu Chocolatier, where Caribbean cocoa is turned into rich hot chocolates, chocolates shaped like old telephone boxes, and more – all made on site.