A riverside walkway along the south bank of the Thames linking the London Eye, Southbank Centre, Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe, with the Millennium Bridge, a steel pedestrian footbridge, crossing to St Paul's Cathedral on the north bank. The bridge briefly closed after opening in 2000 due to noticeable swaying under crowds before engineers fitted dampers to fix it. The riverside path is lined with second-hand book stalls, street performers and food stands, especially around the Southbank Centre.
The South Bank is a riverside promenade running along the Thames in Southwark, London, roughly between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge, and forms one of the city's principal cultural and pedestrian corridors. The Millennium Bridge, a slender steel pedestrian footbridge opened in 2000, links the South Bank directly to St Paul's Cathedral on the opposite bank, framing one of London's most photographed views of the cathedral's dome across the river. Along the promenade, the Southbank Centre and National Theatre host performances and free public events, while a second-hand book market operates most days under Waterloo Bridge. Street performers and food stalls line the walkway, particularly busy in the stretch near the London Eye and Royal Festival Hall further west. A walk along the full promenade takes one to two hours, longer with stops at galleries, market stalls or riverside cafes. The path is flat and paved throughout, making it a popular route for both daytime sightseeing and evening strolls, with sunset offering particularly striking views of St Paul's and the City skyline reflected on the water.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Always open (outdoor area) |
| Typical visit | 1–2 hours |
| Best time | Sunset walks from Westminster Bridge to London Bridge take in the best of the South Bank; second-hand book market under Waterloo Bridge is open most days |
| Getting there | Tube: Waterloo (Northern/Jubilee/Bakerloo/Waterloo & City lines) or Southwark (Jubilee line) |
| Address | South Bank, London SE1 (between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge) |
Location
South Bank, London SE1 (between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge)
51.5072, -0.1014 View on map
Highlights
- Millennium Bridge with views of St Paul's dome
- Southbank Centre and National Theatre
- Second-hand book market under Waterloo Bridge
- Street food and performers along the riverside walk
- Views toward the London Eye and Royal Festival Hall
Tips for visiting
- Walk the full stretch from Westminster Bridge to London Bridge for the best riverside views
- The Millennium Bridge is free to cross and one of the best spots for photographing St Paul's
- The book market under Waterloo Bridge operates most days, weather permitting
- Arrive early for uncrowded photos, as the path gets busy on weekend afternoons
- Combine with a visit to Tate Modern or Shakespeare's Globe further along the path
When to visit
Sunset walks from Westminster Bridge to London Bridge take in the best of the South Bank; the book market runs most days under Waterloo Bridge.
Accessibility
The riverside path is flat, paved, and step-free for its full length, including across the Millennium Bridge.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a walk along the South Bank take?
A walk along the full promenade takes one to two hours, longer with stops.
Is the South Bank worth it for kids?
Yes, the open riverside path, street performers and nearby London Eye make it family-friendly.
Is photography allowed on the South Bank and Millennium Bridge?
Photography is allowed throughout, and the area is a popular spot for skyline and river shots.
Tours and tickets
Southbank and the Millennium Bridge
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