London Guide: Ten Tourist Things to do in Bankside London. This area is located on the south of the River Thames between Blackfriars Bridge and London Bridge in Southwark SE1. There is so much to do, see and explore that my list of Ten Tourist Things to do in Bankside only scratches the surface. The Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral are all featured.
Ten Tourist Things to do in Bankside London List
10 Tourist Things to do in Bankside London
1. View amazing modern art at the Tate Modern
2. Instagram St Paul’s Cathedral from the Millennium Bridge
3. See a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe
4. Eat something delicious at Borough Market
5. Take a tour around Southwark Cathedral
6. Step onboard the Golden Hinde Ship
7. Be an inmate at the notorious Clink Prison
8. Admire the 12th century Winchester Palace Remains
9. Walk the Jubilee Walkway and Jubilee Greenway routes
10. Drink a pint and eat fish and chips in the historic Anchor Pub
Ten Tourist Things to do in Bankside London Details
Tate Modern: Housed in a former power station, this imposing building showcases a stunning collection of British and International modern art. Many of the exhibitions are free so please make a donation if you can. Located at Bankside Se1 9TG. Tate Modern Website
Tate Modern
Millennium Bridge: The Millennium Bridge is fondly known as the Wobbly Bridge because it swayed when it was first constructed. It did open to commemorate the millennium but had to close due to engineering work, it reopened again in 2002. It’s a contemporary design which represents a blade of light. The bridge links Bankside with the City of London. Stand on the bridge to get a breathtaking view of St Paul’s Cathedral on the other side. Located next to Tate Modern.
Millennium Bridge
Shakespeare’s Globe: This Elizabethan replica playhouse, with a thatched roof, was built thanks to the American actor Sam Wanamaker. You can enjoy performances of Shakespeare’s plays and other cultural events. Take a tour around the globe and buy souvenirs in the shop. Dine at the Swan Restaurant or drink at the bar before a show. Read my Shakespeare’s Globe Review. Located at 21 New Globe Walk SE1 9DT. Shakespeare’s Globe Website
Shakespeare’s Globe
Borough Market: London’s oldest food market is a wonderful place to eat a street food lunch. You’ll also find plenty of fresh produce including artisan cakes, doughnuts, bread and cheese to buy. It’s busy, buzzy with wonderful cooking smells and a visual feast of exotic food. Read my Borough Market Review. Located at 8 Southwark Street SE1 1TL. Borough Market Website
Borough Market
Southwark Cathedral: Overlooking Borough Market is the beautiful cathedral with turret towers and arched stained glass windows. You can sit on one of the benches in the garden to escape the crowds at Borough Market (but you can’t eat food in the garden). Located at London Bridge SE1 9DA. Southwark Cathedral Website
Southwark Cathedral
Golden Hinde Ship: This galleon was once captained by Sir Francis Drake. If you don’t want to pay to go onboard, you can admire the ship from outside. Located at St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street SE1 9DG. Golden Hinde Website
Golden Hinde
Clink Prison Museum: This prison is one of England’s oldest. You can experience the sights, sounds and smells (hold your nose!) of the prison and find out what life was really like for the prisoners incarcerated there. Located at 1 Clink Street SE1 9DG. Clink Prison Museum Website
Clink Prison
Winchester Palace Remains: Located next to the Clink Prison is the great hall of Winchester palace which was the townhouse of the Bishop of Winchester. You can see the Rose Window and a series of doors. Located at Pickfords Lane SE1 9DN.
Winchester Palace Remains
Jubilee Walkway and Jubilee Greenway: If you love walking try the Jubilee Walkway or Jubilee Greenway walks which take you past major tourist attractions. Look down and you will see signage on the pavement.
Jubilee Walkway
The Anchor Pub: If you’re visiting London, having a pint with fish and chips in a historic pub is likely to be on your list. There are a few options in the area. The Anchor Bankside dates back to 1615 (Shakespearean era) and serves real ale, Located at 34 Park Street SE1 9EF. Anchor Bankside Website.
The Anchor Pub
Ten Tourist Things to do in Bankside Information
If you start your tour at Blackfriars Station, you can walk along the River Thames and explore in this order: Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, Anchor Pub, Clink Prison, Winchester Palace Remains, Golden Hinde Ship, Southwark Cathedral and then Borough Market.
For more information about the area, please read my Ten Unusual Things To Do In Bankside London List. See pictures of the area on my Love Bankside London Pinterest Board.
Credits: Written by Homegirl London. Photographs by Homegirl London.
