South Bank London: 15 Secret Spots, Viewpoints & River Gems

South Bank, London: 15 Secret Spots, Viewpoints & Activities - free things to do in london aesthetic london bridge

A local’s guide to the best things to do in South Bank, London, with hidden spots, peaceful viewpoints, shops, and unexpected river walks!

How many times have I told you throughout my posts that South Bank is but one of my favorite areas of London?

Nestled between London Bridge, Borough Market and Westminster Bridge and Big Ben, the South Bank is usually framed as one long tourist stretch.

To some degree, it is.

Between the crowds outside the London Eye and the Tate Modern and groups of peeps making their way to St Paul’s Cathedral via the Millennium Bridge, it’s easy to to write this part of the city off as a mere checklist.

South Bank London: 15 Secret Spots, Viewpoints & River Gems

Well, you know me – I mean, I’m the one’s who’s written guides for overthinkers in London, slow ways to enjoy London when you’re homesick, and other secret historical sites.

I walk slower.

I love treading off the main paths.

And that’s how I want to make you discover London’s South Bank, with my favorite concept stores, free rooftops and just, ways to come away with more than you expected 🙂

Things to Do in South Bank: Take the Quiet Route Behind the National Theatre

Instead of walking the main promenade, cut behind the National Theatre.

You’ll find angular Brutalist walls of the same kind we come across when walking around the Barbican, concrete staircases and moments of real quiet.

Sometimes there’s a pop-up exhibition tucked inside one of the outdoor spaces.

It’s also one of the best places in London to photograph shadows, and so close to the river you can spend some time reflecting before making your way behind the theatre.

Read: Visiting London: A Covent Garden Itinerary in 10 Top Spots

Things to Do in South Bank: Browse the Southbank Centre Book Market

Tucked under Waterloo Bridge, this open-air book market is covered but never (too) crowded.

You’ll find old Penguin paperbacks, obscure photography books, records, and the occasional art print that looks like it came straight from someone’s attic.

It’s cash-friendly, low-pressure and not remotely curated for tourists – one of my favorite spots to get secondhand books in London!

PS. If you’re a bookworm, do read my Bookish London Itinerary; from beautiful bookshops to Shakespeare sculptures, it’s filled with literary references!

Read: Dark Academia in London: A Secret London Itinerary

Things to Do in South Bank: Sit on the Rooftop at Queen Elizabeth Hall

Walk up the gently sloping path at Queen Elizabeth Hall and you’ll reach one of London’s best free rooftops.

This green garden is planted with wildflowers and herbs, and has benches overlooking the Thames.

You can see St Paul’s, the Shard, and rooftops that stretch out toward the City, all without paying for a ticket or fighting for a view.

Now, should you wish to get find other rooftops and secret spots with a view, check out these posts as well:

Things to Do in South Bank: Find the Undercroft Skate Spot

Under the Royal Festival Hall, the Undercroft has been a protected skateboarding space since the 1970s.

It’s full of murals, graffiti, and that hollow sound of wheels hitting wood.

If you’re into photography or just want to watch something that feels unscripted, stay a while here.

It’s best just before dusk, and since I’m an ex-rollerskater, I love seeing the odd skater trying new figures.

Read: London’s 2 Day Itinerary: Attractions & Old-Meets-New Spots

Things to Do in South Bank London: Catch the Sunset by the River

One of the first things to do in Southbank, in my opinion, is to laze around on the shore and by the water.

There are stairs that lead down to the river close to the Oxo Tower and Gabriel’s Wharf, and this is but one of the best spots to enjoy the sunset in London.

Read: 15 Themed London Itinerary Ideas Off the Beaten Path

Things to Do in South Bank: Visit The Cut and Lower Marsh, Waterloo

South Bank is mostly famous for its proximity to the Thames river, its museums and immersive experiences like the Shrek Experience, but behind it, just 10 minutes away, are two streets I can’t recommend enough.

Set aside Leake Street Arches, one of London’s most colorful places, Lower Marsh, just minutes from Waterloo Station, is filled with secret cafes, street food and the odd concept store.

Then you also have The Cut on the other side, which leads down to Bermondsey Street and then to London Bridge and Borough Market on the left.

Both of these gorgeous streets offer village vibes in London, and are much less crowded than other spots in Southwark closer to the main stations.

Read: Muslim Friendly London: 20+ Hidden Gems and Halal Eats

Things to Do in South Bank London: Street Food at Kerb

When people are looking for worthwhile street food in London, I know Kerb is always a great spot to send them, whether they need vegan or halal food.

Kerb has branches all around town; Camden, Canary Wharf, White City, even St Mary Axe in the City of London!

Make sure you check online which Kerb to go to in the end, so you see which street vendors are open and where, and if they cater to your specific diet!

Read: London on a Budget: 20+ Travel Guides For Your Bucket List

Things to Do in South Bank: Visit the Hayward Gallery Side Exhibits

Everyone talks about the big exhibitions, but the side galleries and installations near the Hayward entrance often host smaller, weirder shows.

You might find experimental video pieces, student shows or just quiet rooms filled with strange objects.

Entry is often free and no one rushes you out; same vibes as at the Saatchi Gallery, definitely a must-visit when you’re in South Bank!

Read: The Most Historic Neighborhoods in London

Things to Do in South Bank: Walk to the Oxo Tower Wharf Galleries

Beyond the usual shops, the Oxo Tower Wharf has hidden art galleries inside the design studios.

These spaces open onto the river and often feature textile work, ceramics, and small batch furniture design.

The walk there is part of the charm; pebbled floors, dark corridors and sudden bursts of light all bring an additional piece to the local London life.

Read: 15 Historical Places to See Ruins in London

Things to Do in South Bank: Spot the Tiled Poetry Under Blackfriars Bridge

Beneath Blackfriars Bridge, along the Thames Path, there are ceramic tiles embedded with poetry, short verses, and seemingly-hand drawn boat pictures.

Some are faded, some cracked, but they still read clearly.

These are part of old public art installations, and almost no one stops to read them on the way to the Tower Bridge and London Bridge art trails.

Read: The Best Secret and Free Museums in London

Things to Do in South Bank: Step into the Bargehouse at Oxo Tower

The Bargehouse, an abandoned industrial warehouse, is occasionally opened for art shows and design festivals.

Raw brick walls, metal staircases and open concrete floors make it feel like something left behind.

Entry is usually free, and there’s always something experimental going on. Best when the weather’s bad and you need shelter that isn’t sterile.

You can also go through the Oxo Tower, and you will reach a secret courtyard – pretty huge – with faded company names on the outside.

Keep walking through, and you’ll reach the very heart of maritime Southbank; take in the colors, the textures… and the scents of London!

Read: The Prettiest Mews in London

Things to Do in South Bank: Stroll Through Bernie Spain Gardens

Between the river and Upper Ground, Bernie Spain Gardens is one of those rare central London green spaces that feels mostly ignored.

Sit here with a pastry or bring your lunch and stretch your legs out on the grass.

Surrounded by buildings but never boxed in, especially pretty in the spring, and just two steps away from the Oxo Tower and its very special shops.

Read: The Best Things to Do in Notting Hill, West London

Things to Do in South Bank: Browse Vendula London at Gabriel’s Wharf for Odd Finds

Gabriel’s Wharf is small, but full of things you won’t find elsewhere.

Handmade candles, recycled fabric journals, off-season ceramics, and studios with open shelves; walk it slowly and talk to the shopkeepers if you can.

My favorite, and one of the most unique shops in London, is Vendula London, that I’ve mentioned so, so many times before here.

It feels like it just happened to land by the river, and offers the quirkiest handbags and accessories, all with a theme, hand sewn and overall a great representation of British craft.

Read: The Best Things to Do in Camden Town, North London

Things to Do in South Bank: Spot the Paddington Mural and Other Street Art Pieces

Behind Jubilee Gardens, which are located higher up South Bank and closer to Big Ben, you’ll find a colorful Paddington’s London mural.

For whoever’s after all the Paddington places in London, this fresh new street art piece, unveiled at the end of 2024, makes for one more perfect backdrop for pictures!

Read: The Best Things to Do in Spitalfields, East London

Things to Do in South Bank: Cross to the North Bank by the Golden Jubilee Footbridge

Instead of the main road bridge, take the pedestrian-only Golden Jubilee footbridge.

The views stretch out endlessly across the city, and the light just before sunset hits the glass of the Southbank buildings like a mirror.

Pause halfway and look east and you’ll see the dome of St Paul’s in perfect frame; just another way of seeing London when you’re tired of London.

Read: The Best Things to Do in West Hampstead, North London

Things to Do in South Bank: Follow the Path to the Garden Museum

A 10-minute walk from the London Eye heading west brings you to the Garden Museum, near Lambeth Palace.

We’re not technically in South Bank anymore, but so close, and hey, when ever do we get the chance of finding secret churches in London turned into museums?

There is the Southwark Cathedral, kind of, and more church cafes than actual church museums.

So, even if you don’t go inside, the riverside approach is lined with old wall signage and sudden pockets of green – but architecture lovers would do well to go in.

The Garden Museum coffee shop has plenty of vegetarian options and no loud branding, ideal for a quiet stop if you’re trying to stray off the beaten track.

Read: The Best Cheap and Free Things to Do in London With Kids