Corporate Accommodation in South Bank
Located right in the heart of London, apartments in the South Bank provide excellent access to all of the city’s financial and commercial hubs, making it the perfect destination for those visiting the capital on business. The neighbourhood is centred around Waterloo Station, a major transport hub both locally and nationally, meaning that journeys into Canary Wharf and the City of London can be completed in a matter of minutes. What’s more, any traveller looking to trade in the wider country will find plenty of regular rail services to help them make their meeting in good time. Functioning as veritable homes away from home, all corporate accommodation from TheSqua.re is designed with its guests’ comfort in mind. Featuring fully-equipped kitchens, flatscreen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi and a host of other amenities, serviced apartments can help even the busiest business traveller unwind after a long day, ensuring every trip is a productive and profitable one. What’s not to like?
Holiday Accommodation in South Bank
The South Bank is also a convenient destination for those looking to book that long-awaited weekend getaway or city break. With numerous local attractions, as well as easy access to best sights of Central London, serviced accommodation in this area is perfect for any families or solo travellers looking to get the most out of even the shortest stay. Whatever is on the agenda, the apartments can accommodate for quiet evenings in and nights on the town, thanks to their home-cooking and entertainment facilities. Plus, the cosy bedrooms allow guests to be well-rested for the next day, no matter what time they return from that busy night out.
Where to Stay in South Bank
A bustling neighbourhood in Central London, there are a number of great locations in South Bank in which guests can find serviced accommodation. Apartments around Lambeth North boast easy access to the local Imperial War Museum and Florence Nightingale Museum, as well as to family friendly attractions such as London Dungeon and Sea Life Aquarium. Properties around Southwark station meanwhile will benefit from close proximity to the many nearby entertainment venues, including The Old Vic, Young Vic, Shakespeare’s Globe, National Theatre and BFI IMAX Cinema. Though London is generally a safe city to visit, guests are still advised to keep an eye on their possessions in whichever neighbourhood they choose residence, as pickpockets may operate in even the quietest areas of the capital.
Facts About South Bank
A bustling neighbourhood in the heart of London, the South Bank is home to a number of hugely popular modern attractions, alongside multiple buildings of specific historic interest. A capital with over a thousand years of history, it is only natural then that such an area would have its fair share of interesting factual titbits. Here then are some of our favourite facts about the South Bank to engage and inspire visitors to the area:
- The London Eye is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the UK. Offering some of the best views in London, a ride on the Eye takes around half an hour, and at the time of its construction, the Eye was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world (now surpassed by similar attractions in Nanchang, Singapore and Las Vegas).
- The Royal Festival Hall was designated Grade I listed in 1988, the first post-war building to gain this status.
- The famous 13-foot lion statue that stands at the southern end of Westminster Bridge is actually part of a pair. Originally located on top of a brewery near the Royal Festival Hall, it was moved to a pillar by the bridge, while its twin was painted gold and taken to Twickenham Stadium. They are known as the Coade Lions due to the type of stone used in their making.
- The BFI IMAX, close to Waterloo Station, boasts the largest cinematic screen in Britain, with a seating capacity of just under 500.
- The roof of the National Theatre is home to an apiary of around 60,000 bees. Set up as part of a project to promote urban greening, the insects are kept on the roof to positively inflate the declining bee population, and their honey can be bought from the National Theatre shop.
- Not many tourists stumble upon the Southbank Centre’s daily book market. Unusual for its outdoor location, the market sells a variety of antique and second-hand books, as well as maps and prints, and fortunately there is sufficient shelter from the elements to keep all wares in good condition.
Cost of Living in South Bank
Due to its highly desirable location in Central London, rental prices in and around the South Bank can be relatively high. Rental costs can range from £800 to upwards of £2,000 monthly, making serviced accommodation from TheSqua.re a comparatively cheaper option for longer term residents, particularly given the many perks offered to supplement extended tenancies.
Day to day expenses tend to vary depending on the activity. Like the rest of the UK, London benefits from the NHS, meaning that huge healthcare costs are not an issue. Residents may need to pay for private or cosmetic surgery or dental care, but these will still be minimal. Dining out can range from £15 to £55, depending on the calibre of restaurant, however this can be offset by the reasonably low price of groceries and the apartments’ fully equipped kitchens. Money can also be saved on local entertainment venues, with many cinemas and theatres offering discount ticket options and membership schemes.
Things to Do in South Bank
From tourist hotspots to unique cultural attractions, there are plenty of sightseeing opportunities to be found in the area around South Bank. Here are some of the top activities in the area to help guests make the most out of their precious leisure time:
Q. What are the most popular things to do near South Bank?
Here are just a few of the many opportunities for entertainment and enjoyment to act as the cherry on top of any stay:
- Explore some of the most popular sights of Central London, including the Palaces of Westminster, Covent Garden, Buckingham Palace and London Eye
- Take in a show at the Royal Festival Hall or Old Vic theatre
- Visit the creative art spaces of Hayward Gallery and the Tate Modern
- Embark on a guided tour of Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury
- Check out the latest blockbusters and independent releases at BFI IMAX
Q. What are some free things to do near South Bank?
Want to save some pennies on those day-to-day activities? Here are some great ways of passing the time close to home without breaking the bank:
- Dive into history with a trip to the Imperial War Museum, Florence Nightingale Museum or St. George’s Cathedral
- Check out some of the free music on offer on Fridays at the Southbank Centre
- Head over to Oxford Street to engage in a spot of retail therapy
- Walk the Thames Path to Greenwich and experience London from the river
- Cut through the Leake Street tunnel and take in some truly stunning (and tolerated) graffiti art
Q. What are the most family-friendly things to do near South Bank?
For families with children, or simply the young at heart, there are a number of fun days out we would recommend:
- Visit Sea Life Aquarium and discover secrets about the creatures of the deep
- Scare the kids silly with a visit to London Dungeon
- Take a trip to the Golden Hinde, a full-size recreation of the ship that made Sir Francis Drake an Elizabethan hero
- Experience the excitement of Namco Funscape, an indoor games station featuring bowling, go karting and arcade machines
Places to Visit in South Bank
Wondering how to spend that precious day off? The area around South Bank provides plenty of fun things to see and do locally, as well as easy access to a host of popular tourist attractions in nearby area. Here are a few of our activities to help guests make the most out of their leisure time:
- London Eye - also known as the Millennium Wheel, the Eye is one of the most familiar features of the London skyline. Standing at 135 metres tall, this cantilevered observation wheel commands some of the best views of the city from its summit, and is the most visited paid attraction in the UK to date, with over 3.75 million visitors annually.
- Palace of Westminster - better known as the Houses of Parliament, the Palace of Westminster is the meeting place for the current government of the United Kingdom, and is a stunning work of architecture dating back to the 18th century. Equally as famous is the tower housing Big Ben, though not many people know that Big Ben is the bell, rather than the clock itself.
- Buckingham Palace - the current residence of the British royal family, this stunning palace is one of the most visited attractions in London. Guided tours are available of certain state rooms and the Royal Collection, and tourists are also encouraged to witness the changing of the guard. Classic.
- Royal Opera House - a famous opera house and major performing arts venue, this Grade I listed building was constructed in 1732, and can currently hold over 2,000 people in its main auditorium. It is the centrepiece of Covent Garden Piazza, a popular shopping and entertainment hub specialising in fashion stores, craft stalls, and street performers.
- Lambeth Palace - the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, this ancient manor house has been in use since the early 13th century, and features a stunning garden and library containing over 120,000 books and manuscripts. Guided tours available.
- Green Park and St. James’s Park - two closely-linked royal parks surrounding Buckingham Palace, these historic green spaces cover an area of some 97 acres between them. St. James’s Park is currently Grade I listed due to its historic significance, and features lakes, a playground, and Duck Island Cottage; Green Park in contrast has no lakes, no buildings, no playgrounds, and only a few monuments. Combining with Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, these parks form an almost unbroken stretch of open land between Whitehall and Notting Hill.
- Tate Modern - a gallery located on the south bank, the Tate Modern is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the world, with collections ranging from 1900 to the present day. The museum regularly pulls in millions of visitors every year, and admission is free.
- Imperial War Museum - a popular free museum close to Lambeth, the museums exhibitions chronicle the conflicts of Britain and the Commonwealth since 1914. Collections include archived official documents, photographs, film material, numerous art artifacts, and examples of military vehicles and equipment.
- Shakespeare’s Globe - this reconstruction of Shakespeare’s famous Elizabethan-era playhouse is again located on the south bank of the Thames. Built based on approximate estimations of the original, the theatre opened its doors in 1997 with a performance of Henry V, and has a capacity of 1,400.
- Southbank Centre - a complex of artistic venues overlooking the River Thames, the centre comprises three main performance venues (together with the Hayward Gallery), and showcases everything from theatre to dance, music and film. It is the largest arts centre in Europe, and regularly attracts more than 4 million people annually.
Places to Eat in South Bank
Whatever is on the agenda, dining out is always an option in South Bank. This area of Central London is littered with a huge number of excellent restaurants and eateries serving a diverse range of cuisine, from familiar chain names to independent establishments. There is plenty on the menu: traditional pub grub, Chinese, Italian and more, and all offering great meals for any budget.
Here then are a few places to eat in South Bank we would recommend to any traveller:
- BFI Riverfront.
- La Cucina Di Mamma.
- Primo Bar.
- Hannah Japanese.
- Sticky Mango.
- Gillray’s Steakhouse and Bar.
- Carluccio’s.
- The Archduke.
- Black & Blue.
- Baltic Restaurant and Bar.
Street Food in South Bank
Street food is also an option in the area, with the popular Southbank Centre Food Market playing host to a huge range of popup stalls serving all manner of meals on the go. Likewise, Vauxhall Street Food Garden is a great place to visit for those looking to sample American, Greek, Italian and Asian menus in a lively setting. And for those out and about in the wider city, regular markets including Street Food Union, Model Market, Leather Market and even Stratford Westfield’s Food Court can help sate the appetite of a busy commuter. Delicious!
Shopping in South Bank
Close to both Oxford Street and Covent Garden, two of the most popular shopping destinations in London, the South Bank area is littered with a whole host of high street stores and independent boutiques for those looking to indulge in some retail therapy. Boasting a great selection of fashion, food and technology close to home, as well as easy access to these central hubs, residents of South Bank are guaranteed to find anything and everything they seek in the near vicinity.
Some of the best places to shop near the South Bank include:
- Gabriel’s Wharf - an arty enclave and shopping centre, Gabriel’s Wharf offers a design-led shopping experience, with stores selling everything from jewellery and fashion to fair-trade furnishings and artwork, plus a number of excellent cafes and restaurants.
- Oxford Street - one of the most popular shopping destinations in London, this bustling road in Central London offers designer outlets and household brands all in one location.
- Covent Garden Market - a shopping and entertainment hub, Covent Garden centres around the elegant Piazza, home to fashion stores, craft stalls at the Apple Market, and the Royal Opera House.
- Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre - a down-to-earth retail centre featuring over 60 shops and eateries, including many independently-owned stores.
- The Cut - a main street running past Waterloo and Southwark stations towards Blackfriars Bridge, The Cut boasts a number of well-known high street chain stores, as well as artisan and independent outlets.
Transportation in South Bank
The South Bank is well-served by a number of transport routes around the city and wider country. The centrally-located Waterloo Station is a major national rail hub and one of the most visited stations in the country. Providing services throughout the south of England, Waterloo is also served by a number of Underground lines, including the Jubilee Line, Northern Line, Waterloo & City Line, and Bakerloo Line. In addition, the South Bank is home to Southwark station (Jubilee Line) and Lambeth North (Bakerloo), with day Travelcards available to buy (accepted through Zones 1-5) for £18.10, arguably the most effective way of travelling around the capital.
London is of course famous for its iconic red buses, and these can both be a great way of sightseeing during travel. Buses in particular are exceptionally useful: they can be boarded with a simple tap of a Contactless Payment Card, Travelcard or Oyster (£1.50 for a single fare, £4.50 for a day of bus-only travel), and run over 700 routes, including 52 night services. Black cabs are another useful way of travelling around the city, and many of the cab drivers can also offer unique insights and local knowledge of the various areas. These can be a little pricy though, so make sure to use sparingly.
Weather in South Bank
For the most part, the UK boasts a generally temperate climate, and London is no exception. This does however mean that weather patterns are unpredictable, and so longer-term residents are advised to pack for all seasons, just in case. During the coldest months of winter, temperatures can easily fall to below freezing, while summers in July and August can have temperatures ranging into the high twenties and above, as well as a dry and balmy feel. September is usually a good month to visit London’s South Bank, as this time of year offers warm, bright days and comfortably cool evenings, allow travellers to maximise their time away.
