Flat Iron Square Shop Vintage at Flat Iron Square

Probably one of the lesser known vintage shopping destinations is Flat Iron square. Every Saturday and Sunday they hold a huge vintage and flea market alongside live music and pop-up food vendors.

It’s a great place to find a bargain and the prices are lower than the likes of Portobello Road (which is exactly what we wanna’ hear right?).

Tibetan Peace Garden Find Some Inner Peace in the Tibetan Peace Garden

One of the more unusual spots in Southwark is the Tibetan Peace Garden which was opened by the Dalai Lama in May 1999. The man wanted to create understanding, peace and harmony between different cultures.

If you enter from the North entrance you’ll bump into the stone Language Pillar engraved with a message from the Dalai Lama. At the top of this pillar, you’ll see three carved steps which represent peace, understanding and love.

Visit here at about 2 pm when the garden gets lots of light and is most tranquil. I know, I feel peaceful just thinking about it too. Aaahh…

Garden Museum Work on your green-fingers at the Garden Museum

Next to Lambeth Palace, St Mary’s Church is home to the Garden Museum that tells the history of gardening.

There are items from 16th-century naturalist John Tradescant’s collections, who was Head Gardener to Charles I.

The ticket price may seem steep but it does include entry to climb the 14th-century tower to get the best photos of the Houses of Parliament.

Lambeth Palace Wonder at the majestic Lambeth Palace

This medieval riverside palace is the London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

It’s not open every day but you can book a guided tour to see the Crypt, Chapel and Great Hall (this room has a ‘wow factor’), or go to one of the monthly garden open days in the summer.

And while the new Lambeth Palace Library isn’t expected to be open until 2021, the current Library is open to the public from Tuesday to Friday each week with no appointment necessary.

BFI Imax Take in a movie at the BFI Imax

timelapse photograph of building

The BFI IMAX is a small but immersive cinema that has the largest screen in the UK, at an impressive 20 metres by 26 metres, as well as a 12,000-Watt digital surround system. Highlights Watch a film at the BFI IMAX – that’s all you need to do to be amazed Enjoy a leisurely drink at the licensed bar before or after a screening; there are often film-themed cocktails on offer Take in the stunning views over Waterloo Bridge while you savour an ice cream in the cafe What to see and do Don your 3D glasses and watch a classic The IMAX cinema offers 3D films and so by wearing a pair of special glasses, you can experience the full effect. The IMAX still shows all its older classics such as the Space Station 3D film from 2002, or you can watch a more recent movie such as 1917. Hire out one of the internal spaces for a private function The ground floor can accommodate 450 people, or 200 seated for a dinner, while the first floor can accommodate 320 people standing. Marvel at the architecture of the IMAX building itself Architect Bryan Avery (1944-2017) designed the cinema building and transformed a neglected area into a multiple award-winning hub of creativity which attracts more than 350,000 visitors each year. Did you know? (5 interesting facts) Just to get an idea of how big the IMAX screen is, its height of 20 metres is almost the same height of five double decker buses stacked on top of each other. The cinema has an underground train line just four metres below it, but the architect team designed the structure so it rests on anti-vibration bearings so that there’s no transmission of vibration or noise. More than 350,000 people visit the IMAX cinema each year and they eat more than 30,000kg of popcorn, 10,000 portions of hot dogs and nachos, as well as slurping down more than 7,000 litres of soft drinks. The Waterloo IMAX is well-known for its all-nighter screenings of popular film series, such as the Dark Night Trilogy and Lord of the Rings. The new IMAX screen, which replaced the original one in August 2012, was made in Canada and it took ten riggers to pull up the 800kg of vinyl to its full 20 metres of height. Once in place, it took around 48 hours for all of the creases to straighten out of the new screen. History 1983: The site of the IMAX cinema was a small shanty town known as Cardboard City, which had as many as 200 homeless people living under the pedestrian underpasses of the Bullring. 1998: Cardboard City was closed down by the authorities to make way for the £20million IMAX development, which took just a year to complete. 1999: The cinema opened in May of this year and an estimated 500,000 people visited to see the 3D films on offer. 2000: The cinema won several awards in 1999 and 2000, including the … Read more

The Vaults See a unique show The Vaults

London’s West end is not the only place to head to if you enjoy the theatre, if you want to take in something a little less mainstream then you may want to head to The Vaults.

The Vault’s is London’s home for immersive and alternative theatre, set in a maze of disused railway arches under Waterloo station.

An evening show at The Vault’s encourages the use of imagination, often transporting guests into a different realm or reality.

Southbank Skatepark See a different kind of history at the Southbank Skatepark

The undercroft of the Southbank Centre has been the beating heart of London’s skateboarding scene for the past 40 years.

The tunnelled area underneath Southbank’s buildings has been set aside to allow the skaters to show off their skills.

There is also a railing to prevent the hundreds of tourists who stop to watch from getting too close and potentially in the way.

Jubilee Gardens Relax in the Jubilee Gardens

Situated in front of the London Eye is the Jubilee Gardens, a vibrant green area amongst some of London’s most famous tourist attractions.

The gardens provide a space to sit and relax during the summer months and there is even a play area to keep children entertained.

Florence Nightingale Museum Learn about a true hero at the Florence Nightingale Museum

Located on the banks of the river Thames opposite the Houses of Parliament, The Florence Nightingale museum celebrates the life and works of the World’s most famous nurse.

In honour of her legacy, the museum offs children and adults alike to learn about her influence on nursing today and the continuing relevance of her work.

Oxo Tower Have a dinner with a view in The Oxo Tower

You will find another fabulous view at the Oxo Tower, however this one also comes with a fabulous price tag to match.

Since its opening in 1996, the Oxo Tower has been a space for some of London’s best restaurants, where you can dine alongside breathtaking views of London’s skyline.

On the levels below you will find space created for artists and multiple exhibitions.

Gabriel’s Wharf Find something unique at Gabriel’s Wharf

London’s Southbank is not necessarily known for its shopping, however, it is a good shout if you are looking for something unique.

Towards the end of the Southbank parade is an arty enclave offering a treasure trove of independent boutique stores.

At Gabriel’s Wharf you will find vintage stores nestled between handmade gift stores, as well as plenty of independent cafes and restaurants – making it the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon.

Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel Discover urban London at the Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel

Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel is a free-for-all brick canvas tucked away in the heart of London’s street art scene.

Leake Street had its first introduction to spray cans in May 2008, when renowned street artist Banksy himself launched the Cans Festival and while there is not much left of Banksy’s work today, it is, in my opinion, one of the best places to see street art in the whole of London.

Royal Festival Hall Bring music to your ears at the Royal Festival Hall

The Royal Festival Hall is London’s leading classical music venue located on the banks ofthe River Thames at the heart of Southbank Centre.

Built in 1951 as part of the festival of Britain, the main auditorium is big enough to host 2500 people, so if you are looking to indulge in British culture of the classical type then you will want to pick up tickets to a show here.

Udderbelly Festival Belly laugh at the Udderbelly Festival (Summer Only)

In my opinion there is not much better than London is the sunshine and one of my favourite places to spend it is alongside the Southbank at the Udderbelly Festival.

The outdoor seating area is the perfect place to grab a glass of Pimms with a friend before taking in one of the many rib tickling comedy shows which take place there over the summer months.

Southbank Beach Visit the Southbank Beach

Beaches do not automatically come to mind when you think of London – but we have one and it resides along the Southbank.

Between the months of May and September you do not need to leave London to get to visit the seaside, as 85 tonnes of golden play sand is provided for the public, all you need to do is bring your bucket and spade.

Southbank Centre Enjoy Music and Art at the Southbank Centre

London / UK - 05/08/2020:  London's busy area, popular destination empty as people self isolate during COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Southbank Centre on sunny day with blue sky

The Southbank Centre is a complex of artistic venues, forming the largest art centre in the UK. It includes the Royal Festival Hall and the Queen Elizabeth Hall. The centre is also home to four orchestras including the London Philharmonic as well as the National Poetry Library.

The centre was born out of the Festival of Britain in 1951. Since 1968 it has also been home to the Hayward Gallery one of the capitals most important contemporary art galleries. There are lots of options for refreshments at the centre including the Riverside Terrace Cafe, which offers great views across the Thames.

National Theatre Catch a Performance at the National Theatre

Royal National Theatre London UK

The world-renowned National Theatre stages a diverse range of performances within its three auditoriums. Since its opening night in 1963, the National Theatre has put on world-class plays with world-class actors. It continues to support and encourage emerging talent from all backgrounds.

From the gallery level, the Sherling Backstage Walkway provides visitors with behind the scene views down on to the production workshops. Theatre tours also show you around areas previously graced by the likes of Sir Laurence Olivier, letting you in on the secrets behind staging a show.

The London Dungeon Test your bravery at the London Dungeon

London / Elgland, UK - September 8, 2008: The famous London Dungeon exhibition. Enter at your peril.

London is known worldwide for its centuries of history, a lot of that history is also quite dark and gruesome.

The London Dungeon recreates various gory and macabre historical events in a gallows humour style with the use of live actors and special effects.

Due to its dark side The London Dungeons are suitable for older children and adults, all of which will be guided through 19 live shows and 2 thrilling rides, where they will learn about everything from The Plague to Jack The Ripper.

Tate Modern Be amazed at the Tate Modern

man standing on pavement near building during daytime

Renowned for some of its more bizarre pieces, The Tate Modern is the home of contemporary and modern art in London.

While it may not be for everyone, having your art displayed in the Tate Modern is a life dream of many artists and creators across the world.

Entry to the gallery is free, however, on occasion some exhibitions require a small fee.

London Eye Visit London’s most popular tourist attraction – The London Eye

london, london eye, attraction

Previously known as the Millennium Wheel, due to its launch in 2000, The London Eye has become as Iconic to London as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

The Coca Cola London Eye takes guests on a sightseeing journey 135m over the city, making it Europe’s largest ferris wheel.

Advance booking is advised, as The London Eye is currently the most popular paid tourist attraction in the whole of the United Kingdom!