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Discover the South Bank

This area sparkles with attractions – not least the London Eye. Explore our interactive maps to inspire your next visit

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With stunning views of the Thames, the Houses of Parliament to the west and St Paul’s to the east, a day spent along the South Bank is one of the most wonderful introductions to London that you can offer friends who are staying with you from out of town. Take your time exploring some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, stopping here or there for a drink, and sample one of the many world cuisines on offer at restaurants that overlook the river.

The London Eye Whisky Tasting Experience

The London Eye Whisky Tasting Experience
The London Eye Whisky Tasting Experience
See the best of London and make the most of quality time in the air with a special drinks tasting, led by a resident whisky expert from nearby Vinopolis. On a two-rotation trip sample five varieties of Scottish whisky with tasting notes and a Q&A session so you can learn to distinguish single and blended malt, single and blended grain, and blended whisky. Savoury nibbles are served, too.

South Bank/Festival Terrace gift shops

South Bank/Festival Terrace gift shops
South Bank/Festival Terrace gift shops
While you’re taking in the sights, you’ll find plenty of excuses to stop and browse South Bank’s eclectic shops, too. Find stylish stationery, elegant designer furniture and unique gifts at the Southbank Centre Shop on Festival Terrace, and a branch of Foyles bookshop on the Southbank Centre’s Riverside. Through the week, there are also often stalls along Jubilee Walk and the piazza at the back of Royal Festival Hall.
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The Florence Nightingale Museum

The Florence Nightingale Museum
The Florence Nightingale Museum
About ten minutes’ walk from the London Eye, you’ll find this fascinating little museum. Located in a discreet corner of St Thomas’ Hospital (where the pioneering nurse founded a nurses’ training school in Victorian times), the galleries here tell the story of Nightingale’s life and achievements. It also presents exhibitions and regular events.

Skylon Grill

Skylon Grill
Skylon Grill
Set inside the Royal Festival Hall, with a row of window tables that enjoy glorious views of the river, Skylon is a fabulous place to eat when you have a special occasion to mark. Go for a cocktail in the sumptuous bar, treat guests to lunch in the more formal restaurant, or keep things relaxed with a brasserie-style dinner at the Grill.
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Shakespeare’s Globe

Shakespeare’s Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe
Walk east along the riverside and you come to Bankside. Here, The Globe is an evocative and unique theatre experience. Its annual season attracts the greatest actors, and audiences enjoy sitting or standing to watch the action as their ancestors might have done in William Shakespeare’s time. The main season runs April to October and through the year you can take a tour of the theatre.

Tate Modern

Tate Modern
Tate Modern
Anyone new to London should take a stroll around the magnificent building and permanent collection (free entry) of this world-class art gallery, which is also on Bankside and stands virtually next door to The Globe. Through the year there are blockbuster exhibitions of international importance. For a different perspective, pop along to one of their concerts or have lunch in one of their great cafés.
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Backstage tour at National Theatre

Backstage tour at National Theatre
Backstage tour at National Theatre
For decades, the National Theatre’s various performance spaces have played host to groundbreaking plays, and many acting legends have appeared here. The daily backstage tours offer a glimpse into the National’s incredible history. There are also tours suitable for families, and special event talks with actors, playwrights and directors. On selected Saturdays, you can discover more about the craft of the costume department, too.

The Old Vic

The Old Vic
The Old Vic
The Old Vic is one of London’s great theatres and its programme is consistently excellent, attracting major stars of stage and screen. Expect cutting edge writing and new interpretations of classic theatre pieces. There are also great deals like their cut price tickets for under-25s at every show.

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