My ten unusual things to do in Bankside London showcase the lesser-known side of the area. Off the beaten tourist track, you find the Low Line route, Old Union Arches, Southwark Quarter, Flat Iron Square, Cross Bones Graveyard and more hidden gems.
10 unusual things to do in Bankside London list:
1. Walk the Bankside Low Line route
2. Eat, drink and socialise at Flat Iron Square
3. Dine at the Southwark Quarter restaurants
4. Pay your respects at Cross Bones Remembrance Garden
5. Enjoy culture, performances and food at The Union Yard Arches
6. Visit the site of the original Globe Theatre
7. Get your art fix for free at the Jerwood Space
8. Enjoy car-free alfresco dining on Isabella Street
9. Relax in Red Cross Garden
10. Declare your love with a love lock
Ten Unusual Things To Do In Bankside London Details
Low Line Walking Route: Discover Victorian viaducts and rail arches now occupied by independent businesses. Look for the signs as the route takes via Borough Market, Redcross Way, Flat Iron Square, Metal Box Factory, Ewer Street, Old Union Yard Arches and beyond.
Flat Iron Square: This is a great place to hang out with friends with inside and outside seating. You’ll discover a selection of street food vendors and an on-site Brewery at 45 Southwark Street, London SE1.
Southwark Quarter Restaurants: Southwark Bridge Road, Southwark Street, Union Street, and Omeara Street surround the Southwark Quarter. This area has some delectable dining options like Audrey’s (breakfast and Sunday lunch), Where the Pancakes Are (sweet and savoury pancakes), Bar Douro (Portuguese food and wine), Lupins (seasonal small plates) and In Horto (wood-fired food).
Cross Bones Remembrance Garden: Explore the back streets of Bankside, and you will see an old burial ground known as The Mint, a slum for poor people. Sex workers and paupers were buried there. It is now a remembrance garden, which volunteers run. You can see ribbons and messages tied to the iron railings.
Union Yard Arches: Step into the car-free Union Yard Arches and enjoy quality time with friends. Dine at Bala Baya (Israeli restaurant) or Osteria del Marcellaio (Italian restaurant). Catch a captivating theatre production at Union Theatre. Engage in aerial sports at Flying Fantastic. Or immerse yourself in cultural experiences at The Africa Centre. It is located at 229 Union Street.
Original Globe Theatre Site: Situated close to the new Shakespeare’s Globe is the original site of the Globe Theatre on Park Street (it burnt down in June 1613). You will see a plaque and information boards at the entrance of the new flats.
Jerwood Space: Set in a former school, this building provides rehearsal studios and meeting rooms. On the ground floor, they usually have interesting free art exhibitions. It is located at 171 Union Street SE1 0LN. Some parts of the building are closed for refurbishment until Spring 2024.
Isabella Street: Indulge in the enchanting ambience of Isabella Street. It’s adorned with railway arches housing inviting bars and restaurants. With lush greenery creating a secluded and traffic-free dining experience, you can relish the holiday vibe. Enjoy dining or drinking at EV Delicatessen, Jack’s Bar or Amora Gusto Tapas and Bar.
Red Cross Garden: This feels like a secret garden hidden down a street close to Cross Bones Graveyard and Flat Iron Square. It features beautiful planting, a pond and a row of cottages. Located at 50 Redcross Way SE1 1HA, now closed.
Love Locks Millennium Bridge Railings: If you’re a romantic, secure a padlock to the railings near the Millennium Bridge near the Tate Modern.
Helpful Information About Bankside London
For more information about the area, go to the Bankside London website. You can reach Bankside by travelling to Blackfriars, Southwark, Borough or London Bridge stations.
For more information about the area, please read my articles:
Explore Southwark Via The Low Line Walk
Ten Tourist Things To Do In Bankside London List
Backstreets Of Bankside Historic Walk
Tracking Down Dickens Southwark Walk
Best Restaurants In The Southwark Quarter
Credits: Written by Homegirl London. Photographs by Homegirl London.
