There’s no better place to witness the diverse history of London than the River Thames, strikingly evident at Bankside. From the lurking remanence of the Industrial Revolution, which exuberates from the beloved Tate Modern museum, to catching a play at the historic Shakespeare’s Globe, this fabulous hub of culture, community, and cracking things to do is nestled smack-bang in the centre of the city. So without further ado, here are some of the best things to do in Bankside for your next adventure along the Thames.
1. Witness world-renowned art at the Tate Modern
Housed in the imposing structure of the former Bankside Power Station, the Tate Modern is a cultural gem that offers a visual feast of modern and contemporary art. From thought-provoking installations to must-see exhibitions by renowned artists, there’s always something new to discover at the Tate Modern.
Plus, the building boasts several panoramic views of the London skyline (and one of the best views of St. Paul’s), with a couple of high-rising cafés and terraces to discover. Between the architecture, the art galleries, and the other wonderful things to do at the Tate, it’s a perfect spot for art lovers and casual visitors alike. For their current exhibitions and more information, visit their website.
📍 Find the Tate Modern at Bankside, London SE1 9TG.
2. Snack the day away at Borough Market
Nestled in between Bankside and London Bridge, Borough Market provides a foodie’s paradise that’s bustling with alluring aromas and fantastic flavours from around the world. This legendary food market has been serving Londoners for quite some time now, with a rich history of around 1,000 years.It continues to be a hub of culinary treats to this day, perfect for an early lunch with endless stalls and shops to try out.
From artisanal cheeses and freshly baked bread to world-class street food and drool-worthy desserts, Borough Market is truly a feast for the senses. We recommend trying out a Borough Market tour to get a varied taste of the best of the best. But whatever you decide to do, check out our guide before your visit.
📍 Find Borough Market at 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL.
3. Take in spectacular views from The Shard
Located a stone’s throw away from Borough Market, you can enjoy unmatched views of Bankside and our iconic skyline at The View From The Shard. This magnificent viewing platform will take you sixty-eight stories above the hustle and bustle of the city. A high-speed elevator will take you up to the best view of London, where you can delve into the capital’s history with multimedia exhibits, as well as enjoy some bubbly at Europe’s tallest Moët & Chandon bar. For tickets and more information, click here.
📍 Find View From The Shard at 32 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9SG.
4. Get cultured at the Shakespeare’s Globe
Step back in time at Shakespeare’s Globe, a fantastic reconstruction of the original Elizabethan playhouse where many of Bard’s most famous works were first performed. Located right on the River Thames in Bankside, The Globe offers an unmissable immersive experience for Shakespeare fans with its open-air stage and authentic period details.
However, a lot of the modern-day productions have a contemporary flare, beautifully blending Shakespeare’s timeless storytelling with modern London. Even if you’re not a theatre buff, there’s guided tours, engaging exhibitions, and special events that provide fascinating insight into the capital’s literary heritage. For more information, check out our guide.
📍 Find Shakespeare’s Globe at 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London, SE1 9DT.
5. Cross the iconic Millenium Bridge
The Millenium Bridge, affetionately known as the ‘wobbly bridge’ due to its unique design, is a modern marvel connecting St. Paul’s Cathedral with Bankside’s Tate Modern. This sleek, pedestrian-only suspension bridge offers stunning views of the Thames and the city skyline. Take in the capital’s iconic juxtaposition of historic and contemporaty design, in between two distintively different tourist attractions on this beautiful bridge.
📍 Find Millenium Bridge on the Thames Embankment, with access near the Tate Modern and St. Paul’s
6. Hop aboard the Golden Hinde
Step aboard the Golden Hinde, an authentic replica of Sir Francis Drake’s galleon that circumnavigated the globe in the 16th century. Docked in between London Bridge and Bankside, this floating museum offers a hands-on history lesson for visitors of all ages.
Explore the ship’s decks, learn about life at sea during the Age of Exploration, and hear tales of daring adventures and pirate battles. The Golden Hinde is a the perfect pitstop for history fanatics, offering a fascinating glimpse into maritime lore, bringing the past to life in a vivid and surreal way.
📍 Find the Golden Hinde at St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street, London, SE1 9DE.
7. Enjoy a pint (or two) at Bankside’s best pubs
Bankside is home to some of London’s most charming and historic pubs, perfect for a pint after exploring the ara. The Anchor (pictured above) has a rich history that dates back to the 1600s. It offers a cosy atmosphere and stunning views of the Thames from its riverside terrace and roof beer garden. For a modern twist on the traditional pub, be sure to check out The Rake, known for its good vibes and impressive selection of craft beers.
Another Bankside favourite is the Old Thameside Inn, housed in a converted warehouse and also offering top-notch river views. This historic pub serves up hearty pub grub classics, as well as an awesome selection of beers and ales. No matter which one you pick (or visit all three on a pub crawl to remember), each pub provides a distintive slice of London’s magnificent pub culture, making them must-visit spots in Bankside.
📍 Find The Anchor at 34 Park St, SE1 9EF. Find The Rake at 14 Winchester Walk, SE1 9AG. Find The Old Thameside Inn at Pickfords Wharf, Clink St, SE1 9DG.
8. Witness the gorgeous Southwark Cathedral
A serene oasis in Bankside, Southwark Cathedral is a great example of Gothic architecture with a history stretching back over 900 years. This beautiful church is great to get away from it all, offering a quiet place for reflection and worship, as well as a remarkable glimpse into the past. Inside, there’s a wealth of historical artifacts and things to do, including the tomb of Shakespeare’s brother and the cathedral’s peaceful gardens.
The church even plays host to stunning Cadlelight concerts, where you can enjoy your favourite songs get the orchestral treatment in some of London’s most beautiful venues, that will be completely drenched in gorgeous candlelight just for the occassion. For more information and tickets, click here.
📍 Find Southwark Cathedral at 6 O Meara Street, London Bridge SE1 1TE.
9. Explore the ruins of Winchester Palace
Uncover a medieval splendor in the heart of modern London by visiting Winchester Palace. Once one of the most important buildings in London, these stiking ruins in Banksike date back to the 12th century, and were previously the grand residence of the Bishops of Winchester.
As you wander past the remnants, including the gorgeous window and arch details, hear the echoes of lavish banquets and gatherings that once took place here. It offers a peaceful respite in the midst of the bustling city, so be sure to check it out the next time you’re around Bankside.
📍 Find Winchester Palace at Clink Street, London SE1 9DG.
10. Dance the night away at Omeara
Tucked underneath a Victorian railway arch, Omeara is a vibrant live music venue that quickly become a favourite in London’s thriving nightlife scene. Founded by Mumford & Sons’ Ben Lovett, this intimate space hosts an eclectic mix of up-and-coming artists, as well as established acts across various genres. Whether you’re there for a gig, a club night, or just a casual drink, Omeara’s electric atmosphere is catching, and guaruntees a good time! Check out what’s on by visiting their website, here.
📍 Find Omeara at 6 O Meara Street, London Bridge SE1 1TE.
11. Have a beautiful dinner at Bankside’s best restaurants
Bankside boasts an array of top-rated restaurants that cater to diverse tastes and offer unforgettable dining experiences. The Oxo Tower Restaurant, located on the eight floor of the iconic building that’s perched on the Thames, serves up exquisite dishes with panoramic views of the Thames and the city skyline, making it perfect for a special occassion.
Another standout is Swan Restaurant, located at previously-mentiond Shakespeare’s Globe. It’s famed for its elevated British cusine and gastro-pub vibes, and is another offering with spectacular views, but this time of the Globe itself. Finally, The Table Cafe is a great option for brunch or lunch, with a seasonal menu that focuses on locally sourced ingredients.
📍 Find Oxo Tower Restaurant at Barge House Street, SE1 9PH. Find Swan at the Globe at 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT. Find The Table Cafe at 83 Southwark Street, SE1 0HX.
12. Pay a visit to Clink Prison Museum
Delve into the darker side of London history at the Clink Prison Museum, located on the site of one of England’s oldest and most notiorious prisons. Operating from the 12th century until 1780, the Clink held a variety of prisoners that were exposed to the harsh realities of medieval and early modern justice. From immersive exhibtions to interactive displays, the Clink Prison Museum provides a captivating journey through the shadowy corners of the capital’s past.
📍 Find Clink Prison Museum at 1 Clink Street London SE1 9DG.
So there we have it – a journey through Bankside, one of London’s vibrant neighbourhoods on the Thames that’s brimming with things to do and steeped in fascinating history. From exploring the rich heritage of The Globe to savuring culinary delights high-up in the sky at the Oxo Tower, Bankside offers a unique blend of old and new, reflecting London at large and its dynamic spirit.