Things to do in Southbank

Southbank Centre—UK's largest arts centre is along the River Thames in central London.  A vibrant cultural hub that encompasses music, visual arts, literature, and performance. It's worth visiting.   

National Theatre – fancy a Shakespeare play or a modern drama? It is the UK's most prestigious performing arts institution on London's South Bank. It serves as a cornerstone of British theatre, offering a diverse range of productions.    

BFI Southbank – for indie films, international cinema, and all the cult classics you secretly love. BFI Southbank is the destination for film enthusiasts. 

Tate Modern – modern art, weird installations, and free entry. What’s not to like? It has become a cultural landmark,  Tate Modern houses the UK's national, international, modern and contemporary art collection, featuring works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Yayoi Kusama, and Mark Rothko—a must-visit with your mates.   

Riverside Terrace Café—This canteen-style café offers a self-service counter with a selection of sandwiches, soups, light meals, cakes, pastries, and hot and cold drinks. On weekends it is a great place to hang out as the terrace hosts live performances and DJ sets.  

Oxo Tower Café —offers stunning views of the River Thames and the city skyline, making it an excellent place for casual dining with a scenic backdrop. It's low-key, artsy, and offers a relaxed atmosphere.   

Tonight Josephine - a vibrant, Instagram-friendly cocktail bar in London known for its playful, feminist-themed decor and lively party atmosphere. It's a great spot for cocktails, dancing, and fun nights with friends.  

Ministry of Sound- one of the world's most famous nightclubs and a global hub for electronic dance music. It is renowned for its outstanding sound system, legendary DJs, and marathon club nights. If you love clubbing, Ministry of Sound is a must-visit in London. 

The Understudy – an excellent spot for theatregoers, cocktail lovers, and anyone looking for a relaxed vibe with a creative twist. Perfect for a pre-show drink or a casual night out.    

The Mulberry Bush - is well known for its cosy, traditional British feel with wooden interiors and a relaxed vibe. It's popular with locals, theatregoers and tourists exploring the South Bank.   

Founders Arms – nestled between the Tate Modern and Blackfriars. It's known for its uninterrupted city skyline views, making it an excellent spot for brunch, lunch, dinner, or just a few drinks with your mates.   

Skylon –a restaurant in the Royal Festival Hall on the South Bank, offers panoramic views of the River Thames through its floor-to-ceiling windows. It serves modern British cuisine in a relaxed yet elegant setting, making it an excellent spot for a special meal or a pre-theatre dinner.   

Wahaca Southbank –  a Mexican restaurant at the Southbank Centre, . It's known for its fresh and vibrant Mexican small plates, recipes from the famous street food of Oaxaca, Mexico.   

Ping Pong – a modern dim sum restaurant located at Festival Terrace, Southbank Centre. It offers a variety of handmade dim sum, including dumplings, bao buns, and spring rolls, alongside cocktails and Chinese teas.   

The Archduke - is well known for its live jazz performances every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening, which create a lively and atmospheric dining experience. The menu features sirloin and t-bone steaks, burgers, salads, and vegetarian options.

There's so much variety that Southbank dining may become your new personality.   

London Eye – one of the most iconic landmarks in London, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its 135-meter-high observation wheel.    

Sea Life London Aquarium—another must-visit is the aquarium, which features 14 themed zones spread across three floors. It offers immersive experiences like the UK's longest coral reef display and interactive exhibits. You will also see special events, such as SEA LIFE lates, an adults-only evening with a welcome drink and exclusive access to the exhibits.   

London Dungeon – offers over 1,000 years of London's darkest history to life through live actors, special effects, and thrilling rides. Located at Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB, you will experience spine-chilling stories featuring infamous characters like Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd.   

Jubilee Gardens – a beautifully landscaped park on the South Bank of the Thames, right next to the London Eye.  It offers a peaceful escape with plenty of seating..   

Bernie Spain Gardens – well known for its riverside green space on the South Bank, nestled between the Oxo Tower and Gabriel's Wharf. It's a peaceful retreat in the heart of London, offering lush lawns, vibrant flower beds, and seating areas where visitors can relax and enjoy views of the Thames.   

Thames Riverside Walk – one of the most scenic routes in London, offering stunning views of the river and iconic landmarks like Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Tower Bridge. The 4-mile walk looping around the north and south of the river  will take you past cultural hotspots like the Tate Modern, Borough Market, and Shakespeare's Globe, making it a fantastic way to explore the city while enjoying riverside scenery.   

Gabriel's Wharf – a great place to browse unique fashion, handmade jewellery, and affordable artwork while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere away from the busier tourist areas. It is home to quirky eateries, including Limin' Southbank, which serves Caribbean cuisine, and Hola Guacamole, offering Mexican street food. You'll also find Gourmet Pizza Co., known for its terrace views of St. Paul's Cathedral.   

Oxo Tower Wharf – another landmark destination on the South Bank, known for its mix of designer studios, independent boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. If you're planning a visit, you will find the place at Barge House Street, London SE1 9PH, and you can find more details on South Bank London's website Coin Street's page.   

Southbank Book Market – tucked under Waterloo Bridge along the Queen's Walk. It has been a fixture in London for over 40 years, offering a fantastic selection of second-hand books, comics, prints, and maps. It's a great spot to browse for classic literature, contemporary fiction, and rare finds, with knowledgeable booksellers happy to help you track down something special. 

The nearest Scape student accommodation to Southbank is Scape Canada Water. Which offer quick access to the city, King's College, UCL East, Goldsmiths, and Southbank University. You can easily explore London's vibrant offerings from Scape Canada Water, from brunch in Borough Market to nights out in Peckham.   

Scape Canada Water provides a range of amenities to enhance student living, including:   

• All-inclusive bills  

• 24/7 reception and security  

• Fully furnished rooms with super-fast Wi-Fi  

• On-site gym, cinema, and study areas  

• Communal kitchen and bar  

• Outdoor spaces like the roof terrace, basketball court, and mini golf course  

Waterloo Station – major train/tube station with connections everywhere.   

Embankment Station – more tube lines exist for your adventures across the river.   

Bike & e-scooter hire stations – zoom around, eco-style.   

Thames Clippers (River Bus) – hop on a boat instead of the Tube. Why not?