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South Bank Area Guide

The South Bank is the area on the south side of the River Thames between Waterloo station and London Bridge.

View a map of the South Bank area

History

In medieval times the area was full of theatres, brothels and gambling dens. In the 19th and early 20th century it was mainly an industrial centre, but heavy bombing during World War II and the decline in manufacturing led to the area’s downturn. It’s since undergone a regeneration following the extension of the Jubilee underground line in 1999.

Places of interest within walking distance

  • The River Thames
  • The Southbank Centre
  • The London Eye
  • Tate Modern
  • Shakespeare’s Globe
  • Borough Market
  • Imperial War Museum

Accommodation information

There’s not a huge choice of budget accommodation in the area. There are a few budget hotel chains but no traditional B&B hotels.

Book a hotel on the South Bank

Shopping

It’s not really an area for shopping, although wherever you stay you’ll find shops to serve your everyday needs. Borough Market, open Thursday to Saturday, is a foodies paradise.

Transport

Underground stations

There are three tube stations in the area:

  • Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee & Northern lines)
  • Southwark (Jubilee line)
  • London Bridge (Northern & Jubilee lines)

View the stations on a Tube Map

Local buses