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Things To Do In Southbank London
If you’re visiting England for the first time, you must see London. You could easily spend a week and not be able to see all there is in London. Here are suggestions from the lesser known areas such as Bankside and South Bank to the well-known attractions of Westminster, The Tower of London and Buckingham Palace.
THE TOWER OF LONDON
A visit to London wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Tower of London. Built by William the Conqueror, the Tower has stood since the 1070s. It is three places in one: a castle, a fortress currently housing the Crown Jewels, an infamous prison where people disappeared, and site of the beheading of two queens. As with many historical sites, there are plenty of legends to go around, too. Probably the most famous surrounds the ravens of the Tower. It is said that if the ravens leave the Tower, both England and the Tower will fall.
BANKSIDE
Right across the Thames from the Tower of London is the area known as Bankside. Here is a wealth of history, museums, restaurants, and markets that make London a treasure trove of things to do.
For those who love museums, you should visit is the Tate Modern. The Tate houses contemporary art featuring rotating exhibits from top artists. The outside is an imposing structure built in a refurbished power station which belies the bright, innovative spaces that form the interior. The fact that it is free to the public is an added bonus.
Fans of Shakespeare will enjoy a visit to the Globe Theatre, which was constructed about 750 feet away from the original structure built in 1599. The theater is a faithful replica of what it looked like when Shakespeare wrote his plays here. This is a must-do experience simply due to its unique, open-air architecture and history.
Insider Tip: Plan your visit. Some plays can be had for as little as £5 on certain performances.
Right by the London Bridge, and only a short walk from the Globe Theatre, is Borough Market.
Borough Market has a 1000-year-old history. The first mention of a market in this area is referenced in a chronicle dated 1014. By the Middle Ages the market had been firmly established for centuries and became an integral part of London in the early 1400s. As London grew over the centuries so did the market which evolved into a major wholesaling operation by the 1900s.
As supermarkets became more popular, the Borough Market’s fortunes declined, but by the late 1990s, the artisanal and local food trend found a welcome home in the market. Today, it is a large and varied collection of food stalls with a focus on products with a commitment to sustainability.
Many of the vendors at Borough Market are themselves the producers. You can find game, seafood, baked goods, all types of cheese, coffee, confectionery and much more. The market has a definite international component, which is to be expected in a cosmopolitan city like London. It also offers prepared foods, samples, and restaurants. It’s fun to wander the stalls sampling whatever tempts you.
Insider Tip: Make sure you give yourself enough time to relish Borough Market. You will need it. Come very, very hungry.
SOUTH BANK
Across the Thames from Westminster, you will find the area of London known as South Bank. It extends from Westminster Bridge in the west to Blackfrair’s Bridge in the east and has a history as fascinating as any in London. Over the centuries, the area has experienced many transformations; from a marshy outpost, slum, center of prostitution and bear baiting, and potter’s field to its current place in history as London’s cultural and creative center.
The best way to cover the area is on foot crossing either of the bridges and walking east or west depending on where you started. This is a walk that can take a couple of hours, a day or two, or even more depending on your interests.
DOGGETT’S COAT AND BADGE
One great place to have a meal in South Bank is Doggett’s Coat and Badge restaurant by Blackfriars Bridge. The food is traditional pub food, the view over the river is beautiful and the service is spot on. The most interesting aspect is the history of the place. On one of the restaurant’s walls is a legend stating that “For almost 300 years, there has been an amateur rowing race on the Thames, from London Bridge to Chelsea. Originally organized by Thomas Doggett, the winner was awarded a coat and badge, hence the historic origin of our name.”
Another legend has it that the location where this restaurant now stands used to be a brothel named The Dog’s Head during the Middle Ages. Twin sisters with the last name of Doghead were the proprietors, and they passed the business on to their children, also named Doghead. Over the years the business remained, but the name was distorted and Doghead became Doggett.
MUSIC, THEATER AND ART AWAIT
Southbank Centre is a well-known entertainment complex consisting of several venues. The Royal Festival Hall is the home of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The Hayward Gallery is a center for contemporary art. Other important venues in the Southbank Centre are Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room, both of which are now open after being under renovation.
In addition to entertainment, Southbank Centre is also a great place to sample local fare. There is a wide array of choices including restaurants, street and global food, and bars, all in various price ranges. The area also hosts frequent food and arts festivals on the banks of the river.
If you walk a little further west to the Waterloo Bridge, you will find the BFI (British Film Institute), a mecca for independent cinema and foreign films. The complex houses three cafes an and an IMAX theatre with its enormous screen. You can sometimes find smaller performances in the large bar area.
Not too far away from the BFI is the National Theatre. Originally founded by Laurence Olivier, the venue showcase everything from Shakespeare and other international classic drama to funky and innovative new plays by contemporary playwrights. The complex houses several theaters, all of which can run several plays simultaneously. With all these choices, there is surely a plays that suit everyone’s tastes.
Insider Tip: To score preferred seats and performances at Southbank Centre, the BFI, and the National Theatre, make sure to research events online beforehand and return later, if possible.
SEA LIFE, THE DUNGEON, AND THE EYE
The Sea Life London Aquarium is a top-notch learning experience masquerading as entertainment. Here you can come face to face with some of the world’s most fascinating sea creatures and learn about the aquarium’s important conservation efforts. You can snorkel with several types of sharks or witness the shark feeding process.
Insider Tip: Don’t do both simultaneously.
Next to the Sea Life Aquarium is The London Dungeon, a truly scary and fun attraction.
It’s no surprise that The London Dungeon attraction is so popular. It is an exhilarating, heart-thumping, rip-roaring good time. With scary rides, a cast of notorious characters and several shows featuring audience participation, there is nowhere to hide. The London Dungeon is more than a horror funhouse. You also pick up quite a bit of London’s history as you travel through the eras of the Black Plague, The London Fire, highway robbers, religious wars, and other events that shaped the city.
Insider Tip: If you have kids, consider their ages before buying a ticket.
If you venture across the road to your right, you will see the famous London Eye, a Ferris wheel that provides epic views of London during its 30-minute rotation. Whether you take the London Eye at night or during the day, both times have their unique charm. It is a unique experience that shouldn’t be missed. Make sure to explore the attraction’s special offers, such as a combined ride with a 40-minute cruise on the Thames, a private capsule, champagne experience, and more.
Insider Tip: No time to wait on line? Get a fast-track ticket and enter through a dedicated entrance. See details here.
Need a break? Continue east on the riverbank and stroll through the Jubilee Gardens enjoying the green spaces and manicured landscapes.
If visiting South Bank and Bankside isn’t enough for you, there’s always London’s most iconic sites: Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace.
THE WONDERFUL CATHEDRALS OF LONDON
A tour of London wouldn’t be complete without seeing two of its most famous cathedrals: Westminster Abbey and Saint Paul’s Cathedral.
With over a thousand years of history, Westminster Abbey is a must-see. Not only is it a modern-day place of worship, but it’s also home to the coronation site of all the kings and queens of England. You can see the wooden coronation chair, which dates back to 1296. The Abbey is also the resting place of 17 monarchs including Elizabeth I, Mary I, and Henry V and home to memorials and burials of over 1000 notables including Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens, George Handel, and more.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is probably best known for being the site of Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding as well as for its iconic dome, known the world over. Believe it or not, it is the fourth iteration of the cathedral that has stood on this site, which dates back to 604 AD. Built in 1675 by England’s most famous architect, Sir Christopher Wren, it was the first cathedral to be built after the English Reformation. One can marvel at the ornate architecture, visit the ancient library, and see hundreds of works of art.
BUCKINGHAM PALACE
And last but not least, there is the royal residence of Buckingham Palace. Since 1837, it has served as the official London residence of United Kingdom’s monarch and as well as the administrative headquarters. Buckingham Palace is a palatial estate first bought by George III in 1761 for his wife, Queen Charlotte, to use as a home away from St. James’s palace.
Over the centuries, it has undergone many expansions to become the ornate, palatial palace it is today with over 775 rooms including staterooms; royal, guest, and staff bedrooms; 92 offices; and 78 bathrooms. It is open to the public for tours only in the summer months and for a limited number of tours in December, January, and Easter. But you can always see the ceremonial Changing of the Guard that takes place outside the palace each and every day!
How to Reach London
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How To Book Your Stay When Visiting London
London hotels – If you are planning to visit London then you must be wondering where to stay in London or the best hotels in London or the best accommodation in London. Stay options to suit your budget are available at London and can be easily booked. For best accommodation – hotels in London we suggest checking out our favorite sites to book here. We always use these sites to book our stay. London hotel booking can be done through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline to save huge and get best deals on booking your stay in London.
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Tours/Activities available in London
London points of interest are many and if you are wondering what to see in London or what to do in London, then look no further. London attractions pass are available for the best London tours. You can now book tours in London as well as activities in London. Plan the best places to visit in London and experience London.
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These tips will ensure you maximize your trip and hit the best spots and attractions, both hugely popular as well as little-known gems.
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