A CHEAP DAY OUT

on the South Bank

london-footprints.co.uk

Defined as the area between York Road/Stamford Street and the river from Westminster Bridge to Blackfriars.
In Victorian times the riverfront was lined with wharves, warehouses and industrial premises. Some of these were replaced with County Hall, designed for the LCC (later the GLC) and built 1911-33. The South Bank was also the site chosen for the Festival of Britain held in 1951. The only building remaining from this is the Royal Festival Hall, built on the site of a bomb-damaged brewery. This now forms part of an arts complex which also includes the Hayward Gallery, BFI Southbank and National Theatre. Coin Street was a community development incorporating the OXO Tower, previously used as a power station then a factory.

WHEN TO GO
The National Theatre is not always open on Sundays.
GETTING THERE
Waterloo Station (mainline and Underground) is central to the area. There are numerous bus services including the RV1 and boats serve the Royal Festival Pier.
Travelcard Zone 1

INFORMATION
South Bank is mainly within the Borough of Lambeth [
website]
Some information on attractions and events in the area can be found at the National Theatre.
Online information [
website]
Research the history of the area at Lambeth Archives at the Minet Library, Knatchbull Road SE5. Tel 020 7926 6076 (booking recommended).

Lambeth Council have a website of images from its archive collection.

WALKS
The riverfront is part of the Thames Path Trail

A series of walk guides are available to download

The foreshore between the Royal Festival Hall and Blackfriars Bridge is accessible at low tide [
more info]

PLACES TO VISIT
NATIONAL THEATRE Tel 020 7452 3400.

Foyers with changing exhibitions. Permanent display on the history of the RNT in the Olivier Circle (rather hidden away - ask if you can't find it!).
OXO TOWER Tel 020 7401 2255.

OXO and Bargehouse Galleries with changing exhibitions. 8th floor public viewing area.
COUNTY HALL

Mainly chargable attractions but some public access.

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS
NATIONAL THEATRE Tel 020 7452 3400.

Foyer Music at 6pm Mon - Sat plus 1pm Sats. Outdoor events programme mid June - September.
SOUTH BANK CENTRE Tel 0871 663 2501.

Foyers stage musical and other events.

EATING OUT
Bernie Spain Gardens
Riverside seating available
The foyers of the National Theatre and South Bank Centre provide shelter if wet or cold.
Toilets in the above buildings plus County Hall and OXO Tower

SHOPPING/MARKETS
Second hand book stalls are set up under Waterloo Bridge.
There are craft shops at Gabriel's Wharf and in the OXO Tower.
The National Theatre shop sells specialist merchandise.
Themed shop in the Royal Festival Hall and often weekend food markets on south side.

GREEN SPACES
JUBILEE GARDENS
Recently upgraded. Children's facilities.
BERNIE SPAIN GARDENS
Named after a local resident and campaigner these occupy the site of the Eldorado Ice Cream Company

WATER FEATURES
THE THAMES - most obviously (see walks)
There is a water feature behind the Festival Hall in Whitehouse Garden. This is private property but public access is permitted.

WORTH SEEING
Views from Golden Jubilee Bridges, OXO Tower (8th floor), National Theatre (upper levels).
The Roof Garden on Queen Elizabeth Hall
The London Eye from Belvedere Road
False buildings painted at Gabriel's Wharf
Dolphin lamps along the Embankment (alternate ones are dated)

streetmap


london-footprints.co.uk 2016

Back to Intro