Monday to
Saturday
8AM – 8PM
Sunday
9AM – 7PM
The Sidings,
Waterloo Station,
London SE1 7BH
Here at The Sidings we’re lucky enough to be rubbing shoulders with some of the country’s best and most popular tourist attractions on the South Bank. But which ones are the most popular and how many have you been to?
Here’s our rundown of the top five local tourist hot spots, do you have a favourite?
The London Eye is (literally) one of the biggest attractions in the whole country, attracting around 3.5million visitors each year!
Since opening to the public in 2000, it has become the ‘must do’ experience and a favourite photo opportunity thanks to the amazing views across the city.
Can you believe that it was only supposed to be a short-term installation for the millennium? Fortunately, it was so popular it was made permanent and has inspired a trend of Ferris Wheels around the world.
An amazing collection of modern art housed inside an incredible building and all for free – it’s hardly surprising that it made our list or that 1.5 million people visit annually.
The Tate Modern is the art gallery that even kids love It’s a cool place to visit as a couple or great with friends – it even works for the solo visitor looking for a chilled place to hang out.
Consistently in the top 20 most visited art museums in the world, during the pandemic, it actually peaked at number three on that list! As with most London museums, it is free to enter and can keep you entertained for hours.
The only difficulty with the South Bank Centre is deciding which part to visit first. Love art, pop along to the Hayward Gallery. Music lover, how about the Royal Festival Hall. Just looking to chill? Head to the rooftop garden and enjoy the view.
The South Bank is so cool even the benches are works of art and it hosts amazing performers, street food and an inspiring poetry library. Unquestionably, the best and most eclectic arts venues in the country – attracting over 7,000 visitors per year.
Since opening in 1997 the London Aquarium has become a staple for visitors to the South Bank (and London as a whole) and it’s not tricky to see why. Come for the 10,000 sea creatures and stay for the fun and interactive exhibitions. Get excited by the shark tunnel and fall in love with the Gentoo penguins.
We always recommend checking out what other attractions you want to see in London, as the Aquarium can be much cheaper if you buy as a joint ticket with something like the Dungeons or London Eye. If you really want to make your visit to South Bank special, why not book to go diving with the sharks!
Less of an attraction more of an activity – but hugely popular nonetheless. The Queen’s Walk is a promenade by the River Thames between Lambeth Bridge and Tower Bridge. The pedestrian only route was created to mark the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977.
This slice of the South Bank is packed full of iconic bridges, buildings and street art for you to enjoy all completely FOC!
And for something a bit different, why not meander to Leake Street Arches, which is a celebration of urban art, dining and entertainment located underneath Waterloo Station.
This street-culture led destination is also home to the longest legal graffiti wall, where you can see live art being created and as well as marvel at the existing colourful works on display.
The final stop after a busy day sightseeing has to be the world’s biggest BrewDog (conveniently) located here at The Sidings. Experience two-floors and 27,500 ft of craft beer paradise with over 60 draft beers on tap plus an onsite brewery, restaurant, ice cream truck and secret cocktail bar!
If you need a caffeine hit instead then London-based, sustainable coffee experts Grind Coffee have their own coffee shop within BrewDog where you can relax and take it easy.
So, there you go, the top five attractions on the South Bank. Who knew that some of the best places to visit in the UK are just a 10-minute walk from Waterloo station? Get out and get them ticked off your list or why not revisit some of these hot spots this month.
