London Rambling: The South Bank
If it’s one thing that the English like, it’s a good ramble (an fancy English term for walk). One of my favourites is the South Bank ramble. The area just bordering the Thames is filled with art, history, design and great food, so it’s no wonder that it’s often packed with both tourists and locals. I often do this walk on a nice sunny or even cloudy London day. Just as long as there is no rain you’re set. Here are the best pit stops to make while on the South Bank Ramble:
Often mistaken for its less attractive sister, London Bridge, Tower Bridge connects the South Bank to the City. It is a beautiful structure that is not to be missed.
Shaped like a tilted half egg, London's City Hall is as cool as the city itself. Designed by Foster & Partners, it was designed to be a distinctive landmark in the city. Mission accomplished.
The mother museum of modern art in London. The collection is impeccable and you can expect to be occupied for hours in this architectural and artistic highlight along the South Bank.
Yes, it's extremely touristy looking, but there are a surprising amount of Londoners who spend many a Saturday afternoon at Vinopolis. Take a break from your ramble with a sampling of wine, spirits and even absinthe.
The famous bard never fails to pull in the punters along the South Bank. Stop in for a quick tour of a part of London's cultural history.
A foodie's paradise, Borough has been feeding Londoners for 250 years. It is the perfect place to stop by for a chorizo sandwich or a spicy chicken pie during your South Bank ramble.
It began a little wobbly at first, but has now become a sturdy fixture along the South Bank. A pedestrian-only footbridge, you can cross over to St. Paul's cathedral if you're tired of the South Bank at this point.
The perfect place to end your ramble. Filled with restaurants that suit every need (sushi, latin american, Chinese, British), you will have earned the right to drink and eat the night away.
A venue for the arts, you can catch a dance performance, see some art, watch a band play or do a workshop with the kids. There is something for everyone at the South Bank Centre.
Filled with posh shops and restaurants, it's where the stylish SE1 residents go for an evening drink at Tamesa or a full-blown meal at the Oxo Tower Brasserie.