Where to Stay in Southwark
Southwark was formed with the merger of three councils under the London Government Act 1963. As such, the different neighbourhoods of the borough each offer their own distinct ambience. One of the most popular places to stay is Bermondsey - an affluent area with a central location that offers easy access to London’s many landmarks. For those looking for something a little more laid back, West Dulwich is a leafy residential area that is known for its range of high-class local amenities. Alternatively, places like Kennington and Peckham offer a different experience of England’s capital - known for their vibrancy and multiculturalism, as well as being amongst the most fashionable areas of the city, with plenty of bars and restaurants.
Facts About Southwark
Southwark has long been an area of importance for London. In fact, during the Roman era, it was at the lowest bridging point of the Thames, providing a crossing from Londinium, and for centuries had the only Thames bridge in the area, making it a key location in the capital’s development. Below are a few other interesting facts about Southwark:
- Britain’s first self-service petrol station opened in November 1961 on the south end of Southwark Bridge.
- Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, and Charlie Chaplin have all lived in Southwark.
- Southwark’s Tate Modern is the top attraction in London, with some 5.86 million visitors annually.
- The name Southwark dates back to 900ad and was once a Roman settlement.
Things to Do in Southwark
Southwark is a large area that merges with London city center, so it is hardly surprising that the borough offers a huge amount to see and do - from world-famous landmarks to local hidden gems, Southwark has something for everyone. It also benefits from excellent transport links both into London and across the south-east, meaning it is also the perfect location for anyone looking to make an excursion or two.
What are some popular things to do in Southwark?
Southwark has plenty of attractions, particularly on the south bank. In fact, some of London’s most iconic landmarks fall within Southwark’s boundaries, including Tower Bridge and the Shard. There are also numerous low-key attractions away from the city centre, with plenty of historic pubs and markets and galleries. Southwark is also home to some of London’s most popular museums and galleries.
What are the most family-friendly things to do in Southwark?
Southwark is simply full of family-friendly activities. Many of London’s top attractions are to be found locally - from its world-class museums and galleries to many of the best viewing points in the city. From the ancient to the modern, Southwark offers plenty of fun, educational and fascinating attractions for all ages.
Is Southwark a good place to experience London culture?
Southwark has long been an important area for London’s cultural development. Whether it be the historically colourful areas, such as Peckham or Bermondsey, with their myriad pubs, bars, and restaurants, or the south bank of the Thames, which offers some of London’s finest cultural attractions, including world-famous theatres and galleries.
Places to Visit in Southwark
There are so many attractions and landmarks in Southwark that visitors to the area will find they are spoilt for choice when it comes to things to see and do. What’s more, the area is well connected to other important areas of the capital, meaning most of London’s iconic locations are within easy reach. Below is just a small selection of places to visit in Southwark and its surrounding area.
- The Tate Modern - Southwark’s most visited attraction housing some of the world’s finest modern artworks.
- Shakespeare’s Globe - authentic replica of the original 16th-century Shakespearean theatre, offering visitors the chance to experience the bard’s plays as they were meant to be seen.
- Westminster and the Houses of Parliament - the seat of the UK government and one of the world’s most iconic buildings, and the infamous Big Ben.
- Covent Garden - the heart of London’s theatre and entertainment area, with a host of bars and eateries. Just across the Thames from Southwark.
- The Tower of London- the iconic palace-fortress is one of London’s most recognizable landmarks and houses numerous historical exhibits within its walls.
- The London Eye - a 135-metre observation wheel that offers spectacular views of the Thames and London cityscape.
- Buckingham Palace- the London residence of Queen Elizabeth and a stunning example of 18th-century architecture.
- The Clink Museum - built on the site of a notorious prison, this interactive museum shows what life was like for the unfortunates who ended up in the London penal system before the 20th century
- The Imperial War Museum - a world-class museum dedicated to Britain’s military history, with plenty of large scale exhibits and artefacts.
Places to Eat in Southwark
Southwark is also one of the best areas of London when it comes to places to eat. Being such a large city-centre area, visitors will find pretty much every kind of cuisine imaginable on offer. Most people will find they come across numerous places by simply walking around - especially along the south bank. However, what follows are a few suggestions on some of the most popular eateries in the area.
For fine dining, visitors to Southwark are spoilt for choice. Some top establishments include:
- Story.
- Oblix.
- Arthur Hooper’s.
- Tom Simmons - Tower Bridge.
Alternatively, Southwark also boasts plenty of more casual restaurants and bistros, such as:
- Casse-Croute.
- Hawksmoor Borough.
- The Table Café.
- Oxbo.
Finally, as with most areas of London, Southwark also offers plenty of international cuisines:
- Tower Tandoori Restaurant.
- Padella.
- Bar Duoro.
- Arabica Bar & Kitchen.
Street Food Southwark
Of course, London is also notorious for its excellent street food and this is more than apparent in the different neighbourhoods of Southwark. Visitors will find the area around the South Bank offers a great selection of independent eateries - from pop-up restaurants to burger vans and juice bars. However, there are also plenty of other locations across the borough to enjoy world-class street food. Some highlights include:
- Tabard Street Food Market.
- Luxury Flats Street Food.
- Them Vietnamese Street Food.
- Beboz Italian Street Food.
Shopping in Southwark
Most of Southwark’s neighbourhoods offer some degree of shopping facilities, ranging from small scale shopping centres to basic high streets. Most of the area’s best shopping is to be found in close proximity to South Bank and Borough Market, where visitors will find everything from consumer electronics to independent fashions. Of course, being in the centre of London, there are also plenty of shopping centres and plazas within easy reach. These include:
- Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre.
- Hay's Galleria.
- Borough Yards.
- One New Change.
Transportation in Southwark
Southwark is extremely well connected to the rest of London, as well as to the wider south-east of the country. London Bridge is the main overground station in the area, which offers links to Brighton, Cambridge, and Peterborough as well as services across Kent and West Sussex. However, for journeys in central London, the tube is the preferred means of transport for most locals. Southwark has its own tube stop, which is served by the Jubilee Line. London Buses routes 45, 63 and 388 and night routes N63, N89 also run from the station to locations across the city.
Other noteworthy stations in Southwark include:
- Bermondsey.
- Borough.
- Canada Water.
- Elephant & Castle.
- Kennington.
- London Bridge.
Weather in Southwark
Southwark has a moderate climate that experiences four distinct seasons. Typically, summers are warm without being too hot, with temperatures reaching around 30 degrees in the months of August and late July. Summer is a popular time to visit Southwark - and London in general - due to the abundance of green spaces and outdoor activities. Both the springtime and autumn can experience both hot and cold days, so anyone visiting during these times should pack for all weathers. Of course, the UK can experience rainfall at any time so it’s always worth having an umbrella to hand! Finally, winters - particularly in January and early February - can be cold, with temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. However, many people enjoy London at this time of year as it has plenty of events around Christmas.
