DK Travel : London : Westminster, the South Bank and Southwark

Here there is a rich mix of things to do. Sights range from Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament to the Tate’s stunning art institutions, the South Bank Complex and Shakespeare’s Globe. In between there’s the spectacular London Eye and other entertainments around County Hall, former headquarters of the Greater London Council. Two new footbridges have opened – one at Hungerford Bridge, the other at Tate Modern – helping to bring the two sides of the river together.

Page
1
2
3
4
5
6

A Day By the River

Morning

Start at Waterloo with breakfast and a self-guided tour of the Marriott Hotel, based in the splendid former headquarters of the Greater London Council. Cross Westminster Bridge to visit Westminster Abbey and nearby St Margaret’s Church.

Continue along Abingdon Street to Lambeth Bridge and re-cross the river. Have a coffee at the delightful little café at Lambeth Pier, passing Lambeth Palace on your way. Walk along the Albert Embankment for a stunning view of the Houses of Parliament across the river.

For lunch, you might like to try the Japanese restaurant YO! Sushi or the innovative fish! . Both are in Belvedere Road, behind the London Eye.

Afternoon

Walk along the embankment to the South Bank Complex, browsing the second-hand bookstalls outside the National Film Theatre. Continue past the craft shops of Gabriel’s Wharf to the Oxo Tower’s designer galleries just beyond and take the lift to the tower’s viewing platform for a great view of the city.

Afterwards, head along the embankment to Tate Modern - a wonderful place to spend the rest of the afternoon. Have a drink with more views in the Espresso Bar: Level 4.Further downriver, the Anchor pub is a good place to relax and have dinner.
Atrium

This light, airy restaurant serves such modern European dishes as risotto and Thai noodles. There is also a tempting selection of deserts. A good place to spot political faces.
Bankside Gallery

The gallery for the Royal Watercolour Society and Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers has work for sale, as well as a shop.
BFI London IMAX

Giant-screen cinema that shows exciting movies set in the natural world.
Borough Café

One of the few remaining workmen’s cafés in central London, where friendly waitresses serve hearty “fry-ups” and industrial-strength cups of tea.
Borough Market

Good food from all over the country comes to this traditional covered market near Southwark Cathedral. Try some cheeses, breads, chocolate and local beer.
British Airways London Eye

The highest observational wheel in the world, offering amazing views of the city and beyond. While waiting for a flight, visit the attractions in nearby County Hall –Saatchi Gallery, London Aquarium, Namco Station and Dalí Museum.
Cabinet War Rooms

During the dark days of World War II, Winston Churchill and his War Cabinet met in these rooms beneath the Government Treasury Chambers. They have been kept just as they were left in 1945, with sandbags piled up outside and colour-coded phones. Take a guided audio tour through the rooms where ministers plotted the course of the war or visit the Churchill Museum which opened here in 2005.
Cantina Vinopolis

Huge, vaulted dining room serving excellent Mediterranean food.
Chez Gerard

Between Waterloo Station and the London Eye, this is one of a chain of French restaurants whose simple steak and fries are unbeatable.

Jump to top

Restaurant price categories

For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes, and extra charges.
- under £15
- £15–£25
- £25–£35
- £35–£50
- over £50