_Culture Corner: eight reasons why South Bank is the best district to live in London

Encompassing a corner of land south of the Thames, most commonly defined by the area between Westminster Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge, South Bank is a dynamic and vibrant area of London packed with some of the capital’s top cultural destinations. 

South Bank has evolved from a once neglected, low-lying area of the capital to one of London’s most prominent districts that attracts a diverse crowd, from theatre-goers and gallery-lovers to foodies and shopaholics alike. There’s no denying that South Bank also has one of the most beautiful riverside views in London, spanning landmarks such as the London Eye, Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, with St Paul’s Cathedral and the City peaking over the horizon towards the east.

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There are certainly enough reasons to never leave South Bank in terms of leisure activities, however, its prime location and transport links make it an incredibly accessible base for exploring the rest of the city, while life beyond the city is easily reachable thanks to Waterloo Station. Whatever your motive, It’s a good time to make the move to south of the river, here’s why: 

Above: South Bank river promenade in the snow 

There’s a reason why South Bank is known as the culture capital of London…

Theatre 

South Bank is home to a number of London’s  finest theatres, showcasing some of the newest and most innovative drama as well as Shakespearean classics and musicals. Perched right on the bank of the river is the unmissable Brutalist structure that is the National Theatre, containing three separate auditoriums. A little further inland, and you will find both the Young and Old Vic, as well as the Royal Festival Hall within the Southbank Centre. Shakespeare’s iconic Globe Theatre is also just a short walk further east along the river. 

Above: Signpost outside of the National Theatre 

Cinema

Of course, there are cinemas throughout London, but South Bank presents the UK’s largest screen at the unique circular BFI IMAX, reaching over 20 metres high and 26 metres wide. There’s also the BFI Southbank, operated by the British Film Institute, specialising in independent and non-English language films. For something a little different, you can head to the Curzon Sea Containers, located within the Sea Containers hotel, and enter its luxurious 56 seat screening room, offering an eclectic mix of classics, new releases and family favourites. 

Galleries 

A host of galleries fill the area of South Bank, from well-known exhibition spaces such as the Hayward Gallery within the Southbank Centre to a number of independent smaller venues within the two popular wharfs, Oxo and Gabriel’s. Just a short walk past Blackfriars Bridge and you will reach the  Tate Modern and Bankside Gallery. 

Above: Tate Modern just a short walk along South Bank 

Wharfs 

South Bank has two fabulous wharfs to browse and enjoy, Oxo Tower Wharf and Gabriel’s Wharf. Both wharfs are filled with an array of exciting boutiques, craft studios, independent exhibition spaces, mouth-watering  cafés and restaurants and buzzing bars. If you’re tired of London’s mainstream shops, then the wharfs have a fantastically eclectic mix of homeware, interiors, jewellery and fashion.  

Outdoor Space 

As well as boasting one of London’s best views, South Bank offers visitors and residents the space to enjoy said view. The wide, open area that runs along the side of the river is perfect for strolling along, with the option to venture into either the Bernie Spain Gardens, a landscaped garden that regularly hosts festivals and events, or the larger public park, Jubilee Gardens. For an area that is densely packed with things to see and do, South Bank has a refreshing amount of open space for relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere. 

Location – Exploring London by foot 

South Bank is one of the best located areas in London for reaching other parts of the city by foot. Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and Covent Garden are all within a 10-minute walk of the district, with places such as Hyde Park and the City reachable in 20 minutes. South Bank itself is also an easy and compact district to navigate, however if you do need to use public transport - the links are excellent.  

Accessibly and Transport 

Centrally located in zone 1, you can get anywhere you need to go in London, either by train, tube, bus or boat. The area is served by five piers, Westminster, London Eye, Embankment, Festival and Bankside, with TFL offering river services throughout London, as well as the River Thames Clippers offering cruise and commuter routes. The main station for the district is Waterloo, the busiest station in the country according to the Office of Rail and Road, serving routes through to the south and east of the UK, with connections to the rest of the country. Waterloo is on the Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo and Waterloo and City underground lines, with nearby Southwark tube station serviced by the Jubilee line. 

Food, Restaurants - and Books! 

South Bank is a top destination for foodies, with a great variety and choice of restaurants and markets. From a variety of chain restaurants that line the bank of the river with outstanding views such as Wahacas (its unique structure created by recycled shipping containers), quirky gourmet pie restaurant Pieminister in Gabriel’s Wharf, to more formal destinations such as The Library at County Hall or the Oxo Tower Restaurant. Not to be missed is the Southbank Centre Food Market that runs every Friday – Sunday inclusive, offering seasonal treats, fresh produce and delicious street food, as well as a fantastic range of beers, wines and cocktails. 

In addition to the Southbank Centre Food Market, you can also explore the daily Southbank Centre Book Market that takes places under the cover of Waterloo Bridge until around 7pm, seven days a week. As one of the only outdoor second hand and antique outdoor book markets in southern England, it truly is one of South Bank’s defining features. 

Above: Southbank Centre outdoor book market under Waterloo Bridge 

Thinking about moving to South Bank? Visit our brand-new office on 18 York Road, Lambeth or contact us today.