Southbank Centre Tours and Activities

Southbank Centre featuring café scenes, views and theatre scenes
Southbank Centre
Southbank Centre
Southbank Centre showing modern architecture and theatre scenes
Southbank Centre which includes theatre scenes, markets and a square or plaza


Enjoy a range of cultural events on show by the River Thames at one of the largest centres of art in the world.

The Southbank Center sits on the lively south bank of the River Thames and is one of the most significant centers devoted to the arts in Europe. It claims to be one of the largest arts centers of its kind in the world, boasting three vast buildings. The complex consists of the Hayward Gallery, the Royal Festival Hall and the Queen Elizabeth Hall among other important spaces. Thousands of performances ranging from theater and music productions to literature readings take place in these halls annually. There are many temporary art exhibitions throughout the year.

See theatrical events in one of the halls. Listen to live music and watch dance displays. Some of the activities are free for the public and ticketed events usually offer special prices for children. Watch one of the events for kids, such as junior comedy clubs, singing time and magician shows.

Peruse the Hayward Gallery, which is home to small exhibitions by budding artists throughout the year. Have a look around the Saison Poetry Library and its special collection of children’s books.

Buy a snack at the Real Food Market, which is on from Friday until Sunday every week. Dine at one of the many restaurants and cafés around the center.

The complex dates back to the Festival of Britain in the 1950s. The event was designed to showcase the country’s recovery from World War II. The Royal Festival Hall is still standing from the original festival. The center now attracts about 22 million visitors each year. The halls open in the morning and close late at night every day.

You can find the Southbank Center in the middle of the South Bank area by the River Thames. Take the London Underground to Embankment then cross the Hungerford Bridge or make the 5-minute walk from Waterloo Station. Nearby attractions include the London Eye and the Sea Life London Aquarium.

Plan a trip to see Southbank Centre

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Top Southbank Centre Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Sea Containers London

Sea Containers London

5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground, London, England
Sea Containers London
Park Plaza County Hall London

Park Plaza County Hall London

4 out of 5
1 Addington Street, London, England
Park Plaza County Hall London
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
The Royal Horseguards, London

The Royal Horseguards, London

4 out of 5
2 Whitehall Court, London, England
The Royal Horseguards, London
Park Plaza London Riverbank

Park Plaza London Riverbank

4 out of 5
18 Albert Embankment, London, England
Park Plaza London Riverbank
The Z Hotel Strand

The Z Hotel Strand

3 out of 5
Heathcock Court, 415 Strand, London, England
The Z Hotel Strand
The Z Hotel Holborn

The Z Hotel Holborn

3 out of 5
75 Kingsway, London, England
The Z Hotel Holborn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Southbank Centre

At Southbank Centre, immerse yourself in a vibrant mix of activities including world-class theatre performances, contemporary art exhibitions, and diverse shopping options. Don’t miss the dynamic music venues that host a variety of genres, making it a perfect city break destination. Enjoy the lively atmosphere along the Thames, where you can explore cultural events and enjoy the local food scene, all contributing to an unforgettable experience in London.

Shopping

Borough Market, only 1.6km from Southbank Centre, offers a vibrant atmosphere with fresh produce and gourmet treats. Just 1.6km away, Brunswick Centre combines shopping and entertainment, perfect for families. Selfridges, 3.2km away, is a must-visit for high-end fashion and gifts. If you're up for a drive, explore more options further afield.

Recreation

The O2 Arena offers an energetic atmosphere with various sports events, perfect for those seeking an active experience. The ABBA Arena brings vibrant entertainment, while Hampstead Heath provides a tranquil retreat with lush greenery, ideal for relaxation and unwinding amidst nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, offering stunning views from 9.7km away. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill is a short 805m away, providing an exciting challenge. Don't miss the adrenaline at Oasis Go-Kart Track, located 3.2km away, perfect for karting adventures.

Nightlife

In Southbank Centre, the London Eye offers thrilling views and adventure vibes, just 322m away. The Royal National Theatre and Globe Theatre, both 0.2 and 1.3km away respectively, provide a rich cultural experience perfect for families or a romantic night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Southbank Centre

While visiting the Southbank Centre in London, you can explore a range of attractions, including street art, the picturesque piazza, and charming churches. This vibrant area caters to culture lovers and families alike. Don't miss iconic sites such as the South Bank Tower, the Southbank Centre itself, and the famous London Eye for a fantastic view of the city. There's something for everyone to enjoy in this lively hub.

  • Big Ben: Marvel at the iconic clock tower that stands as a symbol of London. Located 805m from Southbank Centre, Big Ben offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, making it a perfect spot for photos and admiration.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Experience the buzz of London at Piccadilly Circus, 1.4km away. This lively street is famous for its neon lights and bustling atmosphere, ideal for people-watching and soaking up the urban vibe.
  • Buckingham Palace: Visit the historic residence of the British monarchy, located 1.6km from Southbank Centre. Buckingham Palace showcases stunning architecture and regal history, providing a unique cultural experience during your trip.

Best time to go to Southbank Centre

The best time to visit Southbank Centre is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Southbank Centre

To save money on your visit to Southbank Centre, consider travelling during the off-peak months from January to March for lower accommodation rates. Booking a hotel about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can yield significant savings. Sundays are typically the cheapest nights to stay, while Wednesdays are pricier. Use Expedia's filters to compare prices and find eco-friendly options, and consider booking a package deal for your stay, flights, and activities to maximise savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Southbank Centre are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Southbank Centre is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Southbank Centre is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Southbank Centre is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on your trip by booking a package through Expedia that combines your hotel stay at Southbank Centre with your flights and activities.