I like being by the river in London. From the enduring views to the leisure, thereโs at all times one thing to get enthusiastic about. Iโve spent loads of time by the Thames since I moved to London, and right this moment I wish to share my information to Bankside. This space is without doubt one of the most beloved spots alongside the river, and thereโs so much occurring right here. Learn on for the highlights. Iโve included a map as effectively.
Bankside, London
Simply east of the South Financial institution, Bankside sits alongside the Thames in Southwark. Loosely outlined, itโs comprised of the realm round a road known as Bankside. The pedestrianized street runs between Blackfriars Bridge within the west and the railway arches operating to London Bridge station within the east.
Bankside is house to all the things from cultural heavyweights like Tate Trendy to beloved riverside pubs just like the Anchor. With waterfront surroundings and gorgeous views, itโs a well-liked space with locals and guests alike.
Whether or not you wish to discover a museum, go to a play, have fish and chips by the Thames, or simply stroll round and absorb the scene, thereโs one thing for everybody on this a part of London.
Easy methods to Get Right here
If you wish to discover the realm in individual, itโs simple to get right here. Bankside is served by a number of types of public transport, together with riverboats. Bankside Pier is correct within the coronary heart of the realm, and itโs enjoyable to reach through the water. You possibly can ebook tickets right here.
The world can be a brief stroll from London Bridge station. Itโs on the Northern and Jubilee traces of the London Underground. A lot of mainline and native trains cease right here, too.
You too can get to Bankside from Blackfriars, Southwark, Borough, Mansion Home, Monument, and Cannon Road stations.
Moreover, native buses serve the realm. You possibly can arrive on foot or by bike or scooter as effectively. Briefly, thereโs no excuse to remain away.
Bankside Space
Bankside is in an important location on the Thames. Near common locations like Borough Market, London Bridge Metropolis, and Bermondsey Road, itโs a simple space to go to and discover.
Tate Trendy
Probably the most well-known place on this a part of London is Tate Trendy. This iconic artwork museum is without doubt one of the most visited of its form on the planet. Thereโs free entry, and itโs price popping in even in case you solely have a short while to see it.
Housed within the former Bankside Energy Station, Tate Trendy has an enormous assortment of artwork and glorious non permanent exhibitions. The Turbine Corridor is awe-inspiring, and the views from the higher flooring are gorgeous.
Shakespeareโs Globe
One other of my favourite locations in Bankside is Shakespeareโs Globe. This eye-catching constructing is a reconstruction of an Elizabethan playhouse first constructed in 1599. William Shakespeare wrote his performs within the unique theater.
Right now locals and guests can come to Shakespeareโs Globe for quite a lot of excursions and performances. Whether or not you wish to see one among The Bardโs performs on stage, take a guided tour of the constructing or native space, or simply admire it from the skin, there are many choices.
Subsequent door is Swan, a bar and restaurant with views of the river and iconic buildings like St Paulโs Cathedral. A portion of what you spend on food and drinks right here goes to help Shakespeareโs Globe, too.
Riverside Pubs
Talking of locations to eat and drink, this space is house to one of the crucial well-known riverside pubs in London. The Anchor Bankside is a historic watering gap with a warren of wood-paneled rooms and a buzzing riverside backyard.
The Anchor was rebuilt in 1676 after the Nice Fireplace of London. Itโs the one surviving riverfront tavern of its period, and stepping inside appears like going again in time. You possibly can see my video of the inside right here.
Lately the pub has turn into referred to as a filming location for Mission: Unimaginable. On the finish the film, Ethan Hunt (performed by Tom Cruise) enjoys a well-deserved pint right here. The well-known actor frolicked on the Anchor through the filming, too.
To the west of the Anchor, the Founderโs Arms is one other common riverside pub. It sits above Bankside Seashore, and it has an important out of doors space with views throughout the water.
Locations to Keep
If you wish to base your self on this a part of London, there are many locations to remain. Whether or not youโre searching for a lodge or an condo rental, youโre spoiled for alternative.
Bankside is house to all the things from a Premier Inn (itโs proper behind The Anchor) to the highly-rated Native Bankside aparthotel and the Hilton London Bankside. Simply west of the realm, Sea Containers and the Autograph Assortmentโs Bankside Lodge are nice choices as effectively.
My high decide is the Native Bankside aparthotel. Not solely is it in a really perfect location close to the river, but it surely additionally provides an important mix of lodge facilities and an apartment-style keep. If that appeals, you’ll be able to ebook right here.
Different Highlights
Itโs price staying an evening or two within the space, as there are tons extra issues to do right here. The enduring Millennium Bridge is a well-liked construction to stroll throughout and soak up views of the river.
If you happen toโre into artwork, Bankside Gallery is a superb place to browse and purchase. Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1980, this artwork gallery and academic charity is house to the Royal Watercolour Society and Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers.
If you happen to love historic homes as a lot as I do, you gainedโt wish to miss the row on Cardinalโs Wharf. Simply west of Shakespeareโs Globe, the houses come full with colourful doorways and commemorative plaques.
If you wish to absorb the solar, Bankside Seashore is a superb place to discover. At low tide, you’ll be able to stroll alongside this pebbly stretch of the Thames foreshore. There are glorious views of the skyscrapers within the Metropolis of London from right here, to not point out steps that make it simple to get all the way down to.
Gardens & Inexperienced Areas
There are gardens and inexperienced areas right here, too. Theyโre nice locations to sit down and absorb the scene on the river. The Tate Trendy Backyard is a giant space in entrance of the well-known museum. Not solely is it a very good place to relaxation your legs, however there are sometimes artwork installations right here.
Simply east of the museum, the Tate Neighborhood Backyard is open to native residents. If you happen to dwell within the space, itโs a peaceable place to discover. The backyard encompasses a pond, orchard, herb planters, flower beds, and furnishings made by native designers.
Hidden Gems
If you happen toโre curious about hidden gems, there are a couple of to find right here. One is a French cannon bollard. Simply west of Southwark Bridge, this distinctive piece of heritage was captured through the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
Together with different enemy cannons from the battle, itโs mentioned to have been positioned on the street as a strategy to flaunt the British victory. Cannons like these have been then used as inspiration for future road bollards in London.
One other intriguing website in Bankside is The Ferrymanโs Seat. Simply west of the French cannon bollard, this unassuming piece of rock stands out of a wall on the aspect of a restaurant.
It was as soon as used as a perch for ferryman, who would sit and watch for paying prospects. Seats like this might be discovered all alongside the Thames earlier than the bridges put the ferrymen out of enterprise, however that is the one one left.
Walks
If you wish to see extra of this a part of London, you’ll be able to go on one among my free self-guided walks within the space. From my Thames stroll to my London Bridge stroll, there are a number of that may take you round and present you one of the best of this a part of the UK capital.
If you happen to choose a guided tour, there are loads to select from. Along with the aforementioned excursions of Shakespeareโs Globe, there are meals excursions that may take you to Borough Market and themed strolling excursions of the realm. You possibly can see choices and ebook one right here.
Space Map
If you happen toโd prefer to see all of the locations I wrote about on this weblog put up, you’ll find an interactive Google map I created right here. You should utilize it to plan your individual go to to Bankside.
Bankside
I hope youโve loved this information to Bankside. Itโs one among my favourite locations on the Thames in London, and Iโm positive in case you go to youโll find it irresistible as a lot as I do.
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