Things to do in South Bank: 16 places to spend the day in London's buzziest neighbourhood

If you're looking for things to do in South Bank, you've come to the right place. If you're whiling away an afternoon in London, entertaining the kids, or you're on the hunt for great food, look no further than London South Bank. This ever-busy stretch of riverside London encompasses a wealth of brilliant restaurants, entertainment venues, bars, museums and more, so you’re never short of things to keep you entertained. Aside from many of the attractions you know, there are also lots of great free things to do in South Bank and great activities for kids that won't cost you a penny!

Running along the south bank of the River Thames (hence the name), South Bank extends from Lambeth Bridge to Blackfriars Bridge, and a walk from one end to another takes you through a considerable amount of fascinating London history as well as some of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks. From the south side of Westminster Bridge, for example, South Bank tourist attractions include the famous Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in all their gothic architectural glory. You’ll also walk right underneath the London Eye, past the Sea Life London Aquarium and the iconic Southbank Centre, not to mention the National Theatre - one of the UK’s most historic and important art and culture landmarks.

That’s just a slice of everything you’ll find on the South Bank at most times of the year. You'll also find plenty of things to do at Christmas on South Bank, so we've made sure to include our festive favourites too. There's a whole host of exciting events taking place at South Bank over the coming months, as well as some of our favourite restaurants and other things to do - all you have to do is scroll down, or click the quick links to go to your section of choice.

Things to do in South Bank

The South Bank is packed with a wealth of fun activities. Sure, there's the obvious stuff - a walk along the riverside, a ride on the London Eye, a show at the National Theatre - but we've picked out a few less obvious South Bank activities you shouldn't miss. 

Visit the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden

What: A little oasis of calm in central London, the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden remains one of London’s true hidden gems, despite having been here for many years. Head up to the roof of the Southbank Centre and you’ll find the roof garden, which is open to the public between autumn and spring and os home to over 200 plants. The views over London are pretty special, making it the perfect spot to take a little break from your day out.
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX

Walk around the Hayward Gallery

What: Alongside the National Theatre and Southbank Centre, the Hayward Gallery is an iconic brutalist architecture landmark, with a world-famous contemporary art gallery inside. There are exhibitions throughout the year, including the odd outside exhibition too, and if you get peckish you’ve got the Southbank Centre Food Market a stone’s throw away.
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX

Climb the Garden Museum Tower

What: Between the excellent Garden Museum Cafe and the delightful museum itself, the Garden Museum in Lambeth is one of London’s most underappreciated venues. The museum is well worth a visit, especially for keen gardeners. At the very least, you can head here for a beautiful view over London from the top of the 131-step medieval tower, which dates all the way back to 1377.
Where: Garden Museum, 5 Lambeth Palace Road, SE1 7LB

Grab a drink at 12th Knot

What: You’ve strolled the river bank and taken in the sights, and now you’re looking for somewhere plush and fancy to have a drink - we’ve got just the place. Head up to the roof of the iconic Sea Containers building and grab a cocktail (and something to eat if you fancy) at 12th Knot. It’s a prime spot to soak in a sunset.
Where: Sea Containers, 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD
Book now: 12th Knot at Sea Containers London

Things to do at Christmas in South Bank

Spending time by the river this time of year is bound to get you in the festive mood - partly because there are so many Christmassy things to do in the area at this time of year. Read on to discover the best things to do at Christmas in South Bank.

Browse the South Bank Winter Market

What: Widely considered one of the best Christmas markets in the UK, the festive stalls at South Bank Winter Market blow us away every year. We’re firmly of the opinion that there’s no better way to spread a little Christmas cheer than to promenade along the river visiting the pop-up bars, street food stands, artisan jewellery makers, and festive stalls that occupy the riverfront between the Royal Festival Hall and Jubilee Gardens. Plus, you get to see the Thames in all its twinkling Christmas glory. 
When: 1 November to December 26 2024
Where: The Queen's Walk, London SE1 8XX

See the Winter Light installation

What: Every year the South Bank puts up an installation of winter lighting artworks. The usual pieces by Marinella Senatore and David Batchelor are due to return, along with new pieces by installation artists including Mat Collishaw, Aoife Dunne, and Sophia Al Maria. You can also expect winter-themed neon shapes in the windows of Queen Elizabeth Hall designed in collaboration with local Lambeth school pupils. Come on a Thursday if you fancy a guided tour with lots more information about all the artworks. 
When: 1 November to 2 February 2025
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road London, SE1 8XX

Get cosy at Fire & Fromage

What: Jimmy Garcia has returned to South Bank this Christmas with a cosy homage to Alpine hospitality. Toast marshmallows on the open fire or go for all-you-can-eat raclette cheese with potatoes bread, and charcuterie followed by miniature chocolate doughnuts or hot chocolate. You’ll also find a street food bar serving up wintery favourites like chicken schnitzel, raclette burgers, and pigs in blankets hot dogs. 
When: 31 October to 31 December 2024
Where: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX

Immerse yourself in Winter Flowers Week

What: Set inside the Garden Museum, this installation is an ode to British-grown winter flowers. It’s a beautiful building already, with gorgeous environmentally friendly festive installations this Grade II listed 14th-century building has been transformed in the name of sustainability. By using homegrown florals and foliage, the exhibition aims to celebrate more sustainable approaches to Christmas decorations. Who knows? You may find a little inspiration to help decorate your own home.
When: 5 December to 9 December 2024
Where: Garden Museum, Lambeth Palace Road, London, UK

Things to do with kids in South Bank

Keep the little ones fuelled and entertained at these fun, interactive spots, including London's only aquarium, a huge adventure playground, and an Instagrammable graffiti-laden Banksy spot. 

Sea Life London Aquarium

What: London Aquarium sits right by the Thames near Westminster Bridge, and houses a staggering spectrum of aquatic life from sharks to jellyfish, penguins, turtles, and hundreds upon hundreds of fish species. There are regular events too, particularly over school holidays, and you can buy an anytime entry ticket in advance so you can rock up and head straight in whenever you like.
Where: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB

Explore the Jubilee Gardens adventure playground

What: If you’ve taken the opportunity to get an ice cream for the kids, chances are they’re charged up and in need of a good run-around. Head on over to Jubilee Gardens and you’ll find an enormous adventure playground where they can let off some steam and you can sit under the gaze of the London Eye.
Where: Belvedere Road, SE1 7PG

Take selfies in the Leake Street Tunnel

What: If you’ve ever seen pictures of a long, graffiti-strewn tunnel, chances are it’s the Leake Street Tunnel near Waterloo Station. It was Banksy himself that first turned these former railway arches into a modern art exhibition back in 2008, and it’s a great spot for selfies - there are often artists there during the day and you can explore the length of the tunnel and snap a few pics for the ‘gram.
Where: Leake Street, SE1 7NN

Meet Shrek at Shrek’s Adventure

What: This fun interactive adventure takes you through a range of locations from the Shrek movies, from Shrek’s Swamp to Farqueaad’s Dungeon and The Muffin Man’s Bakery! You’ll get to interact with all your favourite Shrek characters too, and walk away with some great pictures and memories. You can book multi-attraction tickets for Shrek’s Adventure alongside The London Eye and London Aquarium to save a bit of cash too.
Where: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB

Places to eat in South Bank

The South Bank boasts an incredibly diverse range of great restaurants, from iconic, highrise spots with gorgeous views over London to great street food and fantastic, easy-going bistros. You can check out more of the best restaurants in South Bank here. 

OXO Tower Restaurant & Brasserie

What: For dramatic, highrise London dining with incredible views over the city skyline, you won’t find much better than the iconic OXO Tower. The smart, white tablecloth restaurant is more suited to fine dining and occasions, whilst the Brasserie features a more relaxed vibe, live music, and equally stunning vistas.
Where: OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, SE1 9PH
Book now: OXO Tower Restaurant; OXO Tower Brasserie

Hannah Restaurant

What: A criminally underrated Japanese spot, Hannah Restaurant is up there with the best London has to offer. It specialises in Kaiseki cuisine, a multi-course approach to omakase fine dining focused on exemplary skills and seasonal plates. As such, guests can expect dishes made of local fresh produce to change throughout the year, reflecting the best quality available. Menus vary from five to eleven courses, with highlights like charcoal grilled Wagyu with autumn truffles.
Where: County Hall, Belvedere Road, SE1 7PB
Book now: Hannah Restaurant

Lasdun

What: A relative newcomer to the South Bank dining scene, Lasdun has arrived with a bang, bringing classic, heart-warming British cooking to the National Theatre. Finding the restaurant is a bit of a challenge but it’s worth the journey - the interiors are a beautiful, minimal tribute to National Theatre architect Denys Lasdun, and the food (from the team behind The Marksman in Hoxton) is superb. Snack on a beef and barley bun, then share a pie and a lovely bottle of wine. 
Where: National Theatre Upper Ground, SE1 9PX
Book now: Lasdun

Limin

What: Limin brings the spirit (and occasionally the sunshine) of the Caribbean to the South Bank, with vibrant Caribbean food, juicy cocktails and real sand! In the summer, Limin goes full beach club chic, so you can relax with a glass of something cold in hand. The menu has lots of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and child-friendly options too, making this another great family option.
Where: 56 Upper Ground, SE1 9PP
Book now: Limin

Do you live or work around the South Bank? Maybe you should check out Star Card - South Bank’s loyalty card scheme, which offers some tasty discounts on food and drink, retail, art and culture, and more.