Eye on London - Guide to the South Bank Part II

London from the inside Monday 9th - Sunday 15th October 2017

A couple of weeks ago we walked you along the South Bank from Westminster Bridge to Blackfriars Bridge in our Guide to the South Bank Part I. Now we’re back to take you all the way to Tower Bridge with the best bits to look out for and explore on the way…

Blackfriars Bridge to Millennium Bridge

Blackfriars Bridge is a foot, road and rail bridge over the River Thames and Blackfriars Station is the only one to span both sides of the river. It’s only a very short walk to Millennium Bridge from here and you have spectacular views of St Paul’s before coming to the Tate Modern which is housed in the former Bankside Power Station. This was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott who was also the architect for Battersea Power Station. Stop for refreshments in riverside pubs Doggetts Coat and Badge or The Founders Arms.

Millennium Bridge to Southwark Bridge

The main attraction on the way to Southwark Bridge (the area called Bankside), is definitely Shakespeare’s Globe. Shakespeare was believed to be born and to have died on 23rd April and 401 years after his death, this Shakespeare’s Globe (the third construction of the Elizabethan theatre) is celebrating it’s 20th birthday. The first Globe actually only lasted 14 years when it burnt down after a cannon that was fired during a play sent it up in flames three years before Shakespeare died. The Globe site also encompasses the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, a smaller, indoor theatre named after the Globe’s founder. There’s daily half hourly tours of the theatre and an exhibition or, of course, you can go and see one of the plays. Groundling (standing) tickets are only £5. All’s Well That Ends Well is now booking for January - March 2018.

Southwark Bridge to London Bridge

Probably the foodies favourite part of the South Bank, packed with good restaurants, bars and none other than Borough Market. If you start with breakfast or lunch in the SC Food Market or around the Southbank Centre then finish with lunch or dinner in or around Borough Market. Before you reach Borough Market, you’ll walk past the Golden Hinde - a replica of the first English vessel to circumnavigate the globe. Next to Borough Market is Southwark Cathedral which has been there for over 1000 years.  

London Bridge to Tower Bridge

The final part of our South Bank walk and guide takes you past the World War II warship turned museum - HMS Belfast, City Hall (the offices of the Mayor of London and the London Assembly). Next to City Hall is The Scoop - an outdoor amphitheatre that stags free entertainment - plays, music and movie screenings. If your thirst needs quenching again, walk a tiny bit past Tower Bridge to Butler’s Wharf where you can mull over your of South Bank adventure with a cup of tea or a pint of ale.

 

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