Seven stops along Southbank

Skip the Underground and walk along Southbank

I still get excited arriving to London via Surrey on Southwest Trains. Within minutes of leaving Waterloo Station by foot, I am at Southbank. When the weather is nice and I have left myself enough time, walking along the bank of the Thames towards Tower Bridge is one of my favorite things to do. Seven stops along the way:

Real Food Festival — Open every Friday to Sunday, the Market has over 40 small producers and independent traders providing fresh, quality food at affordable prices. What’s great about this is that no pre-booking is required, queues go quickly and everyone gets to pick what they like to eat. The Market recently celebrated its one-year anniversary and imagine it will remain for years to come.
www.realfoodfestival.co.uk
Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX

Skylon — Located in Royal Festival Hall, the decor maintains its 50s history vibe having served as the ‘People’s Palace’ during the 1951 Festival of Britain. Renamed ‘Skylon’ after the iconic structure from that time, the restaurant features 6 meter high floor to ceiling windows facing the Thames. With tables for two close to the window and ones for four a bit further back, it is a perfect place for a pre-theatre* drink or night cap before heading home.
www.skylon-restaurant.co.uk ✆ +44 2076 5478000
Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 8XX

Upper Level — There is a water structure between Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall for the kids and kids-at-heart (this is really great on the occasional hot summer London day).

Lower Level — There is an iconic skate park and a shaded sandbox, both along the Thames River. And often, there are themed festivals and varied food trucks and stalls to keep everyone happy and entertained.

National Theatre — This is one of my favorite theatre* complexes and now ranks as one of the top theatres in the world. One of the founding principles is to exhibit excellent theatre. Unlike West End theatres that can have one show running for years, National Theatre features 20 new plays a year. With three theatres under one roof, it is possible to see several shows in one week.
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk ✆ +44 2074 523000
Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PX

OXO Tower — The Not Afternoon Tea has a great view overlooking Thames with a good selection of creative desserts accompanied by cocktails. Enough said.
www.oxotower.co.uk ✆ +44 2078 033888
Barge House Street, London SE1 9PH

Tate Modern — It is hard to imagine what will fill the newly opened 10-story extension of the Tate Modern. The gallery space of the New Wing is the first of its kind dedicated to film, installations and live art. The Level 10 roof terrace boasts 360-degree views of the London skyline including, the river Thames and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
www.www.tate.org.uk ✆ +44 2078 878888
Bankside, London SE1 9TG, England

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