The Ultimate London South Bank Walk: A Self-Guided Tour

There is nothing quite like a sunny day in London. When the sun shines, the city comes alive, and there’s no better way to soak it all in than with a walk along the iconic River Thames.

The South Bank buzzes with a unique energy, a blend of historic grandeur and contemporary culture that captures the very essence of the capital.

This self-guided tour will take you on an unforgettable journey from the political heart of Westminster to the historic majesty of Tower Bridge.

We’ll cover all of London’s must-see riverside landmarks, blending famous sights with hidden gems. I’ll share my own experiences and some photos from this walk, showing you not just what to see, but how it feels to be there. Let’s begin.

Stop 1: Starting Your Walk at Westminster and the London Eye

Our walk begins on the south side of Westminster Bridge, with one of London’s most famous vistas laid out before you.

Across the river, the magnificent Houses of Parliament and the iconic Elizabeth Tower (home to Big Ben) create a postcard-perfect scene.

This spot is a hub of activity. To your right stands the London Eye, the giant Ferris wheel offering breathtaking 30-minute rotations with epic views over the city.

Adjacent to it, you’ll find the SEA LIFE London Aquarium and the London Dungeon, a thrilling (and slightly spooky) journey through the city’s darker history. It’s a vibrant, bustling start to our riverside adventure.

Stop 2: The Heart of the South Bank: Culture and Street Food

As you walk east from the London Eye, you enter the cultural core of the South Bank. This stretch is home to the Southbank Centre, a complex of world-class arts venues including the Royal Festival Hall and the Hayward Gallery.

Just beyond it is the striking brutalist architecture of the National Theatre.  

This is where the soul of the South Bank truly reveals itself. The wide promenade is often filled with the sounds of street performers and the delicious smells of food stalls.

I always love seeing the entertainers on the South Bank, drawing crowds and adding to the lively atmosphere. Under Waterloo Bridge, you’ll find a charming second-hand book market, a perfect spot for a quiet browse.

Stop 3: From Tate Modern to Shakespeare’s Globe

Continuing on, you’ll pass under Blackfriars Bridge and arrive at a modern icon, the Tate Modern. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, this world-renowned gallery showcases international modern and contemporary art.

Entry to the main collection is free, and the view of St. Paul’s Cathedral from its upper floors is one of the best in London.  

Just outside the Tate Modern, you’ll find the sleek, futuristic Millennium Bridge. This pedestrian-only steel suspension bridge is a marvel of engineering.

I love the feeling of walking across it; the gentle sway and the perfectly framed, breathtaking view of St Paul’s Cathedral on the opposite bank make it a truly special experience.

It’s a view that never gets old, connecting London’s modern art scene with its centuries of history in a single glance.

A short stroll from the bridge brings you to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

This is a stunning, faithful reconstruction of the original open-air playhouse where many of Shakespeare’s greatest plays were first performed.

Built in 1997, it stands just a few hundred metres from the original site. Even from the outside, the classic Tudor-style building, with its timber frame and thatched roof, is a remarkable sight against the modern cityscape.

Stop 4: Historic Southwark and Borough Market

As you move from Bankside into historic Southwark, the atmosphere shifts. You’ll walk down Clink Street, home to the Clink Prison Museum, a notoriously grim medieval prison that gave us the phrase “in the clink”.

Nearby, you can see The Golden Hinde, a beautiful full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake’s 16th-century galleon .  

Just past the magnificent Southwark Cathedral, a Gothic church with over 1,000 years of history, you’ll find a true highlight for any food lover: Borough Market .

This sprawling market is one of London’s oldest and largest, with a history stretching back to at least the 12th century.

It’s a vibrant maze of stalls selling everything from artisan cheeses and freshly baked bread to gourmet street food from around the world. It’s the perfect place to grab lunch or simply soak up the bustling atmosphere.  

Stop 5: The Grand Finale at Tower Bridge

The final leg of our walk takes us from London Bridge towards our grand finale. As you approach, the skyline is dominated by The Shard, the pointed glass skyscraper that is the UK’s tallest building.

You’ll also pass HMS Belfast, a Royal Navy warship that served in World War II and is now a floating museum .  

And then, you see it. Tower Bridge, with its iconic twin towers, is arguably London’s most beautiful bridge.

This Victorian engineering masterpiece, completed in 1894, still raises its bascules for tall ships passing underneath. It’s a spectacular sight to end our walk, offering stunning views back along the river we’ve just explored.

Practical Tips for Your South Bank Adventure

To make the most of your day, here are a few expanded tips:

• Best Time to Go: Weekday mornings are generally quieter. Weekends are much busier but have a fantastic, lively atmosphere with more street performers and open market stalls. Evenings offer beautiful sunset views and the magic of the city lights.
• What to Wear: Comfortable shoes are an absolute must! The path is mostly flat and paved, but you’ll be doing a lot of walking. If you’re planning a lot of walking on your trip, it’s worth reading our complete guide on how to choose the right footwear to keep your feet happy
• Food & Drink: You are spoiled for choice. From the food trucks and cafes at the Southbank Centre to the endless options in Borough Market and the historic pubs in Southwark, there’s something for every taste and budget.
• Facilities: Public restrooms are available at major venues like the Southbank Centre, Tate Modern, and near Tower Bridge.
• Accessibility: The main riverside path is wide, flat, and generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There & Away

London’s public transport system, especially the Tube, is the easiest and most efficient way to get to the start of the walk and home from the end.

• To the Start Point (Westminster Bridge): The most convenient station is Westminster (Jubilee, District, and Circle lines), which emerges right beside the bridge with immediate views of the Houses of Parliament. Alternatively, Waterloo station (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, and Waterloo & City lines) is just a short and scenic walk across the river.
• From the End Point (Tower Bridge): You have two excellent options. On the north side of the river, Tower Hill station (District and Circle lines) is located right next to the Tower of London. On the south side, London Bridge station (Jubilee and Northern lines) is a short walk away and also offers national rail services.

We recommend using the official Transport for London (TfL) website to plan your specific journey. The London Underground is an experience in itself and a great way to get around the city.

If you enjoyed this riverside walk, discover a different side of the city with our guide to walking along Regent’s Canal.

For a true escape into nature without leaving the city, don’t miss the incredible urban sanctuary of the Walthamstow Wetlands.

South Bank Walk FAQ