London South Bank Sights & Culture
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre,Tate Modern,Royal Festival Hall,The Eye
The South Bank is home to some of London's most popular attractions. Below are six of the best - there are many more.
Compared to North American cities, London is not an easy place to find your way around. There is no street plan, as such - roads often follow the same roads and byways laid down by the Romans. This is fine if you have time to explore. If not, wend your way over to the South Bank where there is something for almost every taste.
The South Bank is the area alongside the River Thames which stretches between Westminster and Tower Bridge. It was inspired by the 1951 Festival of Britain after post-war austerity and to celebrate the centenary of the 1851 Great Exhibition - opened by Queen Victoria.
London's South Bank - Royal Festival Hall
It started off with the Royal Festival Hall, one of the world’s leading venues which showcases international orchestras, operas, and contemporary music events from jazz and world to rock and pop. If it rains there are lunch-time concerts and free live music in the foyer.
London's South Bank - The National Theatre
Building began on the National Theatre in 1967. With performances in three different theatres it brings to life a dream of David Garrick, the 18th century actor and theatre manager who, as early as 1848, had suggested a national theatre. Championed by Laurence Olivier and George Bernard Show, it finally opened in 1976.
London's South Bank - The London Eye
Probably the first thing you will see as you approach the South Bank is a newer arrival, the London Eye, the world's tallest observation wheel at 135m high. This is the place for fabulous views of London. A gem of design and engineering, it is London’s most popular visitor attraction, visited by 3.5 million people a year (an average of 10,000 a day), The trip takes 30 minutes and on a clear day you can see forever. Well, 25 miles anyway.
London's South Bank - Tate Modern
Now seven years old, this huge complimentary venue to Tate Britain, has an outstanding modern art collection inside what was once Bankside Power Station. The old turbine hall is cathedral-like in its vastness and is possibly the largest indoor art space in the world. This allows the showing of huge installations which otherwise may have to be shown out of doors.
Its collection is of modern and contemporary art and admission is free, except for special exhibitions. (This is the case for all London’s national museums and galleries).
London's South Bank - Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
When theatres were banned from the City in 1574, Bankside (a continuation of the South Bank) became the local entertainment centre with theatres, bear-baiting, brothels and taverns. One of these was the original Globe Theatre, built by the actor, Richard Burbage. Here, some of Shakespeare’s plays were first performed. Unfortunately, it burned down during a performance in 1613.
Although the Globe was rebuilt in 1614 it was closed by the Puritans in 1642 and demolished two years later. Then, along came American actor-director Sam Wanamaker who had long nurtured a dream to rebuild the Globe and a reconstructed building was completed in 1997. It is as authentic as it possibly can be. Read more about the Globe.
London's South Bank - Gabriel's Wharf
Gabriel’s Wharf is a riverside oasis where you can stop for a rest and a meal in a number of small outdoor or indoor restaurants with a fab view of St, Paul’s cathedral. Lots of good shops here too, including jewellery and ceramics, fair-trade furnishings, and affordable artwork.
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