Travel blog & tips on a budget from a 30 year old blogger

6 Attractions To See Along The Southbank, London

England Europe London
Posted: August 2, 2012

The Southbank is an area by Waterloo which has seen redevelopment in the past 10 years. There is plenty to keep you busy, here are just 6 attractions I visited when I last went up to London.

1) London Eye

The EDF London Eye was built along the South Bank to welcome in the new millennium.  It is now one of the most visited attractions in London.  The London Eye costs £18.70 per adult, children under the age of 4 are free and they also offer child discounts until the age of 16.  A 40 minute journey on the Eye, on a clear day allows to see for miles.  It is certainly worth it for the spectacular views of the city.

London Eye

2) Eat out

There are several restaurants along the South Bank such as Strada, Wagamama, Eat and Giraffe.  All offer good value for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  It can get very busy and if you do not want to wait in line to get a seat, head further down to Gabriel’s Wharf where there are also restaurants and some boutique shops.

 

3) Royal Festival Hall and National Theatre

The Royal Festival Hall and The National Theatre are both along The SouthBank. Although the National Theatre has been voted the ugliest building along the Thames, inside it has 3 different theatre rooms and in the summer offer an outdoor “green” seating area. The Shakespeare Theatre is a few metres down the SouthBank, closer to London Bridge and you can see plays in the open air theatre acted out in the way they were in Shakespeare’s time.

South Bank

4) City Cruise

For under £10, take a cruise down the river Thames to The Tower of London and back. If you have a travel card, there is a discounted rate. It cost me £8.38 (with my travel card) to take the 1 hour city cruise.

5) Festivals

The annual “Udder Belly” takes place every year on the grass area behind the London Eye.  This year, there is the rides and attractions park for children with a mini roller coaster.  If you do not want to pay the entrance fee, there is an old fashioned merry go round on the footpath and newly manicured gardens where you can have a picnic.

UdderBelly

6) Sand

The Southbank is the center of culture in London. It is also home to the BFI Southbank which has a four cinema film center. There are a range of independent, British and foreign films. The BFI also has free access to film and TV titles from the archive. If you don’t want to see a film, there are a bar on the ground floor that serves pub food and out the back hosts live music events. In front of the BFI, there are a book stalls selling second hand books for a bargain.

SouthBank
What is your favorite place to visit along the Southbank? Get in touch with me on Twitter or leave your comments below.

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