Itinerary Tips: Central London South of the River
The south side of the River Thames is so packed full of attractions, in the 2 1/2 miles between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge you could not possibly experience them all in 1 day. However you can enjoy many of them so it is worth planning your day accordingly.
Highlights
Tower Bridge Experience, HMS Belfast, London Bridge Experience, Borough Market, George Inn, Shard, Old Operating Theatre Museum, Golden Hinde, Clink Prison Museum, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Tate Modern, National Theatre, Hayward Gallery, London Eye, London Dungeon, Sea Life London Aquarium. An attraction that is highly rated and free that could be added to this itinerary is the Imperial War Museum.
Important Things to know
- There are many excellent attractions for children on the south side of the river.
- Work out your own must see attractions and then work around the rest with what you would like to do and see.
- Borough Market is closed on Sundays and the tours and exhibition at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre close early on both Saturday and Sunday.
- If Looking to go to the London Dungeons, London Eye try and book a time slot to save time with queuing. Expect to queue at the London Bridge Experience. Those with a London Pass have a fast track queue. Saturday will always be the most crowded day around the attractions.
- Tate Modern often opens late on Fridays and Saturdays, London Eye and the Shard are both attractions you can view in the evening.
- Check times for when the Tower Bridge lifts up if you would like to see the famous bridge perform.
- Catching a river ferry to London Bridge Pier can be the perfect start for the day.
- Depending on what you want to see and do you may want to consider starting at Westminster Bridge instead of Tower Bridge.
Money Saving Tips
- A London Pass is excellent value for the South side of the river. A 1 day Adult pass is around £69 while a 10 day pass is around £184. (The attractions you can get into include Tower Bridge Exhibition, HMS Belfast, View from the Shard, London Bridge Experience, Golden Hinde, Old Operating Theatre and Shakespeare's Globe which for an adult would amount to around £100 so with a day pass you are saving £30 and with a 10 day pass around £80 for the day or getting more than half the passes value with 9 days to use it across other attractions)
- Free Attractions on this side of the river include Borough Market, Tate Modern and the Imperial War Museum
- If you plan to see the London Dungeons, London Eye, Sealife London Aquarium, Shreks Adventure all located near Westminster Bridge it is best to buy these tickets in a bundle as you will get a discount. If at a later date you want to see Madame Tussaud's this can also be done with a combination ticket. When looking at the cost for all 5 attractions the ticket was only £55 saving £90 if looking to visit all and pay individually.
- You can buy a ticket to see a play at Shakespeare's Globe for as little as £10!
Best Restaurants in the Area
Duck and Waffle, Aqua @ the Shard, Roast, Oxo Tower, Hawksmoor Borough
Must Visit Pubs and Bars in the Area
The George Inn, Southwark Tavern, Bunch of Grapes, Market Porter, Anchor Bankside, The Mayflower
Your Adventure
South of the River Walk Overview
Notes
A= Tower Hill Station B= Tower Bridge C= Hays Galleria D= Borough Market E= Tate Modern F= Oxo Tower Wharf G= Banksy's Girl with a Balloon H= Southbank Centre I= London Eye J= Westminster Bridge
Tower Hill to Hays Galleria
Notes:
A= Tower Hill Station; B= Tower Bridge; C= Tower Bridge Exhibition; D= City Hall; E= HMS Belfast; F= Hays Galleria
Notes:
A= Hays Galleria; B= London Bridge Experience; C= Golden Hinde; D= The Clink Prison Museum; E= William Shakespeare Mural; F= Borough Market; G= Old Operating Theatre; H= The Shard; I= The George Inn
Notes:
A= The George Inn; B= The Market Porter; C= Original Shakespeare's Globe Site; D= Shakespeare's Globe;
Notes:
A= Shakespeare's Globe; B= Tate Modern; C= Bankside Gallery; D= Oxo Tower Wharf; E= Banksy's Girl with a Balloon; F= Southbank Centre; G= Hayward's Gallery; H= Royal Festival Hall
A= Royal Festival Hall; B= London Eye; C= The London Dungeon; D= Shrek's Adventure; E= Sea Life London Aquarium; F= Florence Nightingale Museum; G= Westminster Bridge; H= Westminster Station
