South Bank and Waterloo

There's a wealth of heritage and innovation dotted along the Thames at South Bank. Just across the river from the Houses of Parliament, the South Bank area of London was energised during the 1951 Festival of Britain by the iconic modern architecture of the Southbank Centre, featuring the Royal Festival Hall, Hayward Gallery, the Purcell Room and Queen Elizabeth Hall. The South Bank is situated close to London Waterloo, so you can easily travel to and from the area.

The South Bank remains a focus of modern design thanks to the elegant London Eye, the BFI Imax and the designer boutiques in the OXO Tower and Gabriel's Wharf. The riverside walkway is perfect for people watching, spending lazy afternoons in a pavement café or browsing in one of the area's many book and art shops, or regular markets.