Defined as the area between York Road/Stamford Street and the river from Westminster Bridge to Blackfriars.
In Victorian times the riverfront was lined with wharves, warehouses and industrial premises. Some of these were replaced with County Hall, designed for the LCC (later the GLC) and built 1911-33. The South Bank was also the site chosen for the Festival of Britain held in 1951. The only building remaining from this is the Royal Festival Hall, built on the site of a bomb-damaged brewery. This now forms part of an arts complex which also includes the Hayward Gallery, BFI Southbank and National Theatre. Coin Street was a community development incorporating the OXO Tower, previously used as a power station then a factory.

	WHEN TO GO The National Theatre is closed on Sundays.
	GETTING THERE Waterloo Station (mainline and Underground) is central to the area. There are numerous bus services including the RV1 and boats serve the Royal Festival Pier. Travelcard Zone 1
	INFORMATION South Bank is mainly within the Borough of Lambeth [website] Some information on attractions and events in the area can be found at the National Theatre and OXO Tower. Online information [website] Research the history of the area at Lambeth Archives at the Minet Library, Knatchbull Road SE5. Tel 020 7926 6076 (booking recommended). A digital archive is available [website]
	WALKS The riverfront is part of the Thames Path Trail A series of 'Walk This Way' guides are available with suggested walk routes The foreshore between the Royal Festival Hall and Blackfriars Bridge is accessible at low tide [more info]
	PLACES TO VISIT NATIONAL THEATRE Tel 020 7452 3400. Foyers with changing exhibitions. Permanent display on the history of the RNT in the Olivier Circle (rather hidden away - ask if you can't find it!). OXO TOWER Tel 020 7401 2255. Coin Street project display. Gallery with changing exhibitions. 8th floor public viewing area. COUNTY HALL Mainly chargable attractions but some public access.
	ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS NATIONAL THEATRE Tel 020 7452 3400. Foyer Music at 6pm Mon - Sat plus 1pm Sats. Watch This Space outdoor events programme mid June - mid August. SOUTH BANK CENTRE Tel 0871 663 2501. Foyers of Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall stage musical and other events. COIN STREET FESTIVAL Held May - September
	EATING OUT Bernie Spain Gardens Riverside seating available The foyers of the National Theatre and South Bank Centre provide shelter if wet or cold. Toilets in the above buildings plus County Hall and OXO Tower
	SHOPPING/MARKETS Second hand book stalls are set up under Waterloo Bridge. There are craft shops at Gabriel's Wharf and in the OXO Tower. The National Theatre shop sells specialist merchandise.
	GREEN SPACES JUBILEE GARDENS Currently rather plain but redevelopment is proposed. BERNIE SPAIN GARDENS Named after a local resident and campaigner these occupy the site of the Eldorado Ice Cream Company
	WATER FEATURES THE THAMES - most obviously (see walks) There is a water feature behind the Festival Hall in Whitehouse Garden. This is private property but public access is permitted.
	WORTH SEEING Views from Golden Jubilee Bridges, OXO Tower (8th floor), National Theatre (upper levels). The London Eye from Belvedere Road False buildings painted at Gabriel's Wharf Kinetic sculpture on the Hayward Gallery (colour changes with the wind) Dolphin lamps along the Embankment (alternate ones are dated)

© london-footprints.co.uk 2008

Back to Intro