Strolling along the South Bank of the River Thames is the perfect way to see some iconic sights, soak up culture and enjoy riverside views all at your own pace. Officially known as the Queen’s Walk, you can walk along it in either direction, just reverse the step-by-step instructions. If your time is limited in London, then this is a great way to see as many sights as possible in your visit. You will see the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London to name but a few!
Allow an hour if you are not stopping anywhere as it is just over 4 kilometres on mainly wide, flat pedestrianised walkways. If you want to stop and explore as you see things, then allow a whole morning or afternoon. I also like to walk along here at night, especially at Christmas. With the lights twinkling, it can be very romantic.
Westminster Bridge
This is the start (or end) of your walk. This is the best view of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. As you walk across the bridge you will see the Covid Memorial Wall on your right. This is where people drew or painted a heart to represent those who died in the pandemic. Now, there are hundreds of thousands of then. It is very moving. At the start of the Memorial Wall, just down the steps you will find an uninterrupted view of Westminster. Perfect for a photo opportunity.
London Eye
You will need to cross the road to continue the walk. If the bridge isn’t busy, then just cross where you are but you can also cross at the pedestrian crossing just a few metres down the road. Here there are some steps down onto the path. If steps are a problem, then you can walk around the block towards Waterloo taking a left then left again to meet up at the London Eye.
Be careful of the crowds here as the pavement in front of the London Eye gets extremely busy. You will also pass the London Aquarium and Shrek’s Adventure which are in the County Hall complex. The crowds start to ease as you walk past the Jubilee Gardens on your right.
Southbank Centre
If you’re doing this walk in the winter months, then you will pass many winter food stalls and a mini Christmas market. There are better markets around, so it is worth a brief look but I would recommend Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square for Christmas markets.
At the Southbank Centre, there are quite a few restaurants and cafés if you wanted a meal. The restaurant inside the Festival Hall has a lovely view of the Thames and I would recommend their Weekend Brunch.
Around the Festival Hall and Southbank Centre you will find a skate park and second hand book market under Waterloo Bridge. It is normally open every day but not in bad weather. If you have time to explore a little, then the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden is worth a look if you climb the bright yellow steps where you’ll find a little garden and café. Behind the back of the Southbank Centre you will find the Hayward Gallery. It is free to visit so is worth popping in.
Just past here, you will find the National Theatre. There is so much going on here, I would take a look at the official website to see What’s On. You can also pop in to the Wolfson Gallery as there is are ever-changing exhibitions on display.
Gabriel’s Wharf
I love this stretch of the South Bank. The wide, tree-lined walkways with benches to take a rest and look at the view. You will soon come to the Thames Beach, where at low tide you can actually go down the steps and have a wander. There are a couple of piers going out over the River which are perfect for a photo opportunity and you get a great view up and down the River.
Just by the beach on your right is Gabriel’s Wharf a cosy shopping area with food options and a public toilet. There are some independent fashion and gift shops with benches in the middle for a quick snack and rest.
Oxo Tower
Continue walking but be aware that as you pass the Oxo Building, the path narrows so it will be busier. There are a few Art Galleries in this old wharf building which are worth a look in. The Oxo Restaurant is also a great place for a meal. The views are fabulous from both the restaurant and the brasserie. The brasserie has a more relaxed feel. If you book, ask for a table on the balcony.
Keep following the path and you will go through the tunnel under Blackfriars Bridge. Pause to look at the mosaics on the wall.
Tate Modern and St. Paul’s Cathedral
Once you’re through the tunnel, you will see the Founder’s Arms pub on your left, next to Bankside Beach with Bankside Gallery on your right. The pub has a lovely terrace facing the River Thames with a great view of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge.
You will then see the imposing ex power station that has been transformed into Tate Modern. One of London’s most famous Art Galleries, this is worth stopping for. If not for the Art, then for the view from the Coffee Shop on the top floor. It has the best view of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The Millennium Bridge is directly outside the Tate Modern so if you have time, you could walk over the bridge, made famous in the Harry Potter films and visit St. Pauls.
Shakespeare’s Globe
You will now see Shakespeare’s Globe theatre on your right. This is a replica of the original Elizabethan theatre. If you want to catch a play, then book ahead or just do a tour. If you have time, have a drink in the Swan Pub next door where a percentage of your spend supports the running of Shakespeare’s Globe. There are yet more restaurants coming up but if you would like to have a drink or meal in a more historical setting, then I would recommend visiting The Anchor.
The Anchor, Bankside is the last remaining riverside tavern from Shakespeare’s time. It was rebuilt in 1676 after the Great Fire and has a fabulous beer garden right on the Riverbank.
The South Bank walk continues past the pub and through a railway tunnel.
Borough Market
You will find a few walkways off to the right to explore with independent shops. If you keep walking down Clink Street however, you will find the Clink Prison museum and the remains of Winchester Palace. Don’t miss the Golden Hinde, the replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship which is a museum definitely worth visiting if you have children. They have actors dressed up in period costumes to bring the ship to life.
Past the Golden Hinde, you will walk up past Southwark Cathedral and enter Borough Market. This is the most famous food market in London.
Pick up a doughnut from Bread Ahead or some cheese to have later. You can have a meal in one of the permanent restaurants lining the market or you can just wander around experiencing the hustle and bustle.
If you visit close to lunchtime, you will struggle to walk anywhere quickly and find somewhere to sit and eat. There are a couple of seating areas but it is very tricky to find a space.
If you want to avoid Borough Market all together, then take a sharp left as you see Southwark Cathedral to walk down Montague Close and under the tunnel onto Tooley Street.
If you walk through Borough Market, then pick up the walk by walking to London Bridge and either walking down the steps next to the River or walking down past London Bridge station and walking through Hays Galleria.
Tower Bridge
Hays Galleria is an imposing warehouse renovated into a stylish gallery of shops and cafes. It is worth popping in to see the amazing space and grab a coffee.
Outside Hays Galleria, the Southbank walk continues past HMS Belfast. Part of the Imperial War Museum, you can just turn up to visit or book beforehand. It is very impressive even just to walk past.
Here, the South Bank walking path widens again and you have the perfect view of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. On your right, there is The Scoop, a venue used mainly in the summer months. Check out their website for What’s On when you’re visiting.
You will get a great photo of you with Tower Bridge from this angle. Find your space amongst the many doing the same as you!
This is where your self-guided walk ends. You can now decide whether to cross over Tower Bridge and explore the inside or head back to London Bridge, the nearest transport hub and rest your feet!
