Things to do in Vauxhall

Attractions

Vauxhall is one of the key districts in London, with outstanding connections all round and is home to a mixture of residential and industrial areas. While it doesn’t seem like the place for hordes of attractions, the fact is that the opposite is true, there is enough here both in terms of the city’s history and pleasure to keep any business or leisure travellers occupied.

• Vauxhall Bridge

Opened in 1906, the Vauxhall Bridge is a Grade II listed structure that crosses the River Thames in a southeast-northwest direction between Vauxhall on the south bank and Pimlico on the north bank. With great views on both sides, walking across here is walking on history. It costs nothing to cross the bridge, so travellers can go back and forth as much as they please. Otu of all the things to do in Vauxhall, crossing the bridge will be one of them.

• SIS Building

Seen in many James Bond movies, this is the UK’s juggernaut of national defence and foreign policy. While guests won’t be able to go inside and see 007 do his world-saving acts of heroism, they can still see the outside of the building from Vauxhall Bridge. Please bear in mind that no one can go inside the building, for national defence purposes.

• Tate Britain

Across the Vauxhall Bridge is Tate Britain, home to the best artworks that the nations own have crafted throughout the many centuries. From the likes of JMW Turner to William Blake and so many others, this is one of the top galleries to see some of the most exquisite artworks ever drawn.

While entry is free, donating is encouraged and special exhibitions do cost - although the costs vary on the special exhibitions.

• Vauxhall Park

Opened in 1890 by Albert, Prince of Wales, this Victorian park is one of many green areas in London but it is exclusive to this area. Complete with a playground for younger travellers, a cafe for weary adults and green green grass for the chilled visitors, the park is a tranquil area where all can get away from London’s hectic disposition.

• Vauxhall City Farm

Run by a charity and home to numerous local projects throughout the year, the Vauxhall city Farm is there to bring a smile on all faces and to help the less fortunate, through education programmes, horse riding lessons and so much more that makes the hours pass by. Travellers that are staying in the area should come here to see how a community really comes together.

Museums in Vauxhall

Vauxhall is naturally renown for the sights of the river and SIS building, but there’s more to it and the surrounding area. It may not have all the big delights like those in Leicester Square but a few stops away on the Underground are some great museums that can be enjoyed by all, and add to the many things to do in Vauxhall.

• Imperial War Museum

Discover the roots and causes of the two World Wars that brought devastation to millions. From the dark trenches to the advent of warfare in the air, bombing and other atrocious acts of humanity, explore some of weapons and tools that were used by the allies to win and learn why this should never happen again in our lifetimes. Visitors are advised that there are some aspects of the museum that can be very upsetting, like the Holocaust Exhibition.

While entry is free, visitors are encouraged to donate (it helps to keep the museum running) and some extra exhibitions aside from the free displays will vary in cost.

• Tate Britain

Just across the Vauxhall Bridge is Tate Britain, home to the best artworks crafted by Britain’s greatest artists. From the likes of JMW Turner to William Blake and so many others, this is one of the top galleries to see some of the most exquisite artworks ever drawn by extraordinary geniuses in the Britsh Isles.

While entry is free, donating is encouraged and special exhibitions do cost - although the costs vary on the special exhibitions.

• Cinema Museum

Just a few stops away in Kennington is the Cinema Museum, full of memorabilia and cinema history that will excite as well as fascinate. Those that are enticed by the silver screen will find much to appreciate here from all eras of film. With events on throughout the year and screening of special indie movies, this is a film lover’s dream come true.

Guided tours are £10 per adult and £7 for children.

• The Guard’s Museum

By travelling to Westminster (not too far away once the Vauxhall Bridge is crossed), guests can find this treat...along with a few horses. The museum contains a wealth of information and artefacts relating to the five regiments of Foot Guards namely Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards. An eye-opening experience, this is definitely a must for those interested in history, military and history.

Tickets cost £8 for adults and children (under 16) go free as long as they’re accompanied by an adult. Senior citizens and ex-military personnel pay £5, whereas citizens serving in the military pay £2.

• Churchill War Rooms

While WWII was raging across Europe and the world, Churchill ran the nation and the war effort from the war rooms below ground. WWII and Churchill aficionados will love touring the bunkers and seeing how the war was won in such a tight environment. While this was all kept secret in the day, guests can happily spill the beans to their friends and relatives and get them to come to one of the top museums in London.

For tickets, adults will have to pay £22 and children will pay £11 (aged 5-15). Various ticket packages can be bought for at various prices and IWM members go free.

Shopping

Out of all the many things to do in Vauxhall, shopping is most certainly one of them. No trip away from home is complete without a little dabble in consumer spending. Luckily, when it comes to shopping in Vauxhall, there are plenty of options to consider that will bring the spending adventure to a whole new level.

• Greensmiths Market 

This market brings the butcher, the baker, the greengrocer and many others together under the same roof to give customers a wholesome experience. This is not just another supermarket. Visitors can also buy readymade meals cooked in the in-house kitchen here, themselves coming in a variety with plenty of available options to consider. The market is open from Monday to Friday, more than ideal for weekly shops.

• Cardinal Place Shopping Centre 

This is a colourful and contemporary shopping destination in Victoria. It is a place with the best brands, shoes, clothes and accessories all within close distance. The site comprises three buildings covering a huge area. Some of the goodies here include Zara, Topshop, L'Occitane, Hobbs and Marks & Spencer. The establishment also houses restaurants such as Zizzi, Nando’s and Wagamama to make the experience totally enriching for all involved.

• Other Shops

In Vauxhall, some of the best places for clothing are Cornucopia, I Knit London, Norton &Toensend, Redwood & Feller and Retro Mania. Whatever brands or clothing a visitor desires, they can find it in either of these shops, fancy or dressed down it doesn’t matter; it’s all here.

But there’s more. Those that love beautiful jewellery should try out Erickson Beamon. A truly inspired designer, Beamon offers pretty and very stylish jewellery that is ideal for any partner or fashion lover. Nominated for British Accessory Designer of 1999, this is more than worth a visit.

Food and Drink

Eating and drinking in Vauxhaul, a new city, are one of the many perks that travellers of all kinds look forward to. Tasting new cuisines is always a treat for anyone, as they never know what to expect. However, as Vauxhall is in London, there will be many cuisines to enjoy, from the traditional British cuisine to cuisines that are much further afield - after all, London is a global city.

• Bonnington Café

Very unique and quirky, Bonnington Café is a haven for vegan lunches and quiet dinners. It is beautifully nestled in the quiet Bonnington square and is one of the top places to eat in Vauxhall for a smaller approach to dining for business and leisure travellers. Starters cost £3.50/£4.00, mains are £9.00 and desserts are £3.50/£4.00.

Address: 11 Vauxhall Grove, Vauxhall, London SW8 1TD

• Casa Madeira

Located on Albert Embankment, Casa Madeira is a lively and simple restaurant serving pizzas, burgers and pastas along with all the other delights of Portuguese cuisine. The home-style food and old-school service is what makes this place different from all the other choices around the area. Given that it has been open for over 30 years, any guest is bound to find something they love here.

Address: 46b Albert Embankment, Lambeth, London SE1 7TL

• Kennington Lane Café

An apt place to try British classics like fish and chips, this small and low-key place is known to serve a delicious meal for little money. People who have eaten here highly recommend the place and it’s of no surprise as tasty and nutritious food can be bought for a good price. Sandwiches, breakfasts, salads, kebabs and sweet desserts are just some of the choices on offer here.

Address: 383 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, London SE11 5QY

• Estrela Bar

The venue, Estrela Bar serves an eclectic range of Portuguese delicacies and is considered to be an excellent drinking option for those that want to go beyond the traditional approach. The atmosphere is informal, relaxed and of course Iberian - just what business and leisure travellers need after a long day in the city.

Address: 113 S Lambeth Rd, Stockwell, London SW8 1UZ

• Waterfront London Vauxhall Restaurant

Close to the River Thames, this bar and brassiere is one of the top picks for everyone in the area. With a highly experienced team and a menu that includes all sorts, from steaks to Japanese food, burgers, seafood and much, much more, nights out here will never be regretted. Overall, a meal in this restaurant will go down a treat for everyone.

Address: 3 Street George Wharf, Vauxhall, London SW8 2LE

Churches and Cathdrals in Vauxhall

While modern times are more secular, churches and cathedrals are still places of attraction for visitors. When it comes to the like of Vauxhall, there a few choices that have all the architectural brilliance that the landmarks are known for. Walking around them is one way to waste away a few loose hours.

• St Anne’s, Vauxhall

Built between 1903-07, St Anne’s is a catholic church, with its presbytery St Anne’s House next door. With a domineering quality and an interior that is welcoming to all followers of the denomination, St Anne’s will be a worthwhile venture for anyone looking to shed a few minutes from their day or followers that want that extra bit of comfort while they’re away.

• St Peter’s Church, Vauxhall

Constructed in 1863, this is one of the few Grade II listed buildings in the area. While the exterior may look a bit drab, the interior is far more attractive and has the usual imposing and reverent nature that most would come to expect from a modern church. With such an elegant interior, this is one local landmark that is not to be missed.

• St Anselms Church

Built in 1932–33 by Stanley Davenport Adshead and Stanley Churchill Ramsey, the St Anselms Church is another option to consider for those that love a sweet slice of architectural brilliance. While it may be more low key than the others on the list, it’s “barn-like” exterior is still one that makes it stand out from the rest.