I love walking around the London Bridge area it has so much to offer from history, food and evenings out. It you are the City of London, the London Bridge SE1 postcode area is a great place to start. There are plenty of things to do in London Bridge and near London Bridge Station from the famous Borough Market, old pubs, quiet park’s and attractions such as the Shard.
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I love this part of the city and you could easily spend a few days here. Even if you just want to walk along the Queens walk and take in views of the river or simply go to Borough market for lunch you wont be disappointed.
Ultimate Guide on Atractions and the Best Things to do in the London Bridge Area.
Here we will explore London Bridge’s highlights and even some of its history with a guide to the best things to do in the London Bridge area. The station is called London Bridge and it covers quite a big area. I have included in this guide the main area with all the main attractions and historic places within walking distance.
Where is London Bridge and how to get there?
London Bridge is located in the City of London On the South of the river, linking the financial district with the South Bank.
You can get to London Bridge by several means:
- Tube, the London Bridge tube station is on the Northern and Jubilee lines. You can also walk from Mansion House underground station.
- Overland rail to London Bridge Station from London Airports such as London Gatwick, Heathrow and Luton airports,
- By Eurostar in to London St Pancras International.
- By London Buses
- Uber Boat by Thames Clipper river bus services on the Thames.
Hotels to stay in London Bridge
London Bridge is a great base for exploring the capital. You can book hotel rooms close by to London Bridge Station or just across the road from Tower Hill. These are a few of the top Hotels in the area all within walking distance:
- Hilton London Tower Bridge
- London Bridge Hotel
- The Mercury London Bridge
- Ibis Styles London Southwark
- The Novotel London Bridge
- The Luxury Shangri-La up The Shard, London.
Eat Your way Around Borough Market
Borough Market is a renowned open air food market found in the Southwark area of London, very close to London Bridge. It is also one of the oldest and largest food markets in the city with history that can be traced back 1,000 years.
Borough Market is usually open from Monday to Sunday with the full market running on Wednesday through to Saturday. You will find a wide variety of produce, specialty foods, and street food. There are often events held at Borough Market including cooking workshops, chef demonstrations, tastings, and seasonal celebrations.
Go Up the Shard for View from the Shard
The Shard is the tallest building in the UK and one of the tallest in Europe . The observation deck is on the 68th, 69th and 72nd floors, giving panoramic views of the city. You can see St. Paul’s cathedral, the Tower of London,and the Houses of Parliament among other things.
There are also interactive experiences offered for visitors, these include touchscreen telescopes on the viewing platforms which allow guests to zoom in on specific areas of interest. There are also multimedia displays and informative panels giving insights into London’s architecture, culture and more. Visitors do need a ticket to access The View. You can also stay in the Shards Hotel or eat in one of the many restaurants.
Find Some Quiet at Potters Field Park
There’s also Potters Field Park which is a green space So you can go and take a seat in the Quiet.
Climb Onboard the Golden Hind
The Golden Hind is a full scale replica of the famous 16th-century ship that was captained by Sir Francis Drake. It sailed the world between 1577 and 1580 though the replica was built in the 20th-century. It is around 120 feet long and 25 feet wide. You can find The Golden Hind usually moored in St Mary Overie Dock which is near London Bridge.
Address: St Mary Overie’s Dock, Cathedral St, London SE1 9DE
Opening times: November-March: Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, April-October: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm
Cost: Adults £6, Children £6, Family of 4 £18, Children under 3 free.
Have a Pint in the Historic George Inn Pub
The George Inn has a history dating back to the 17th century. It was built in 1676 and can be found in Borough High Street in Southwark. The pub is also close to Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral.
The inn has a unique Tudor-style timber-framed façade which is a strong characteristic of the building. It is also one of the few remaining galleried coaching inns in London, with a courtyard surrounded by galleries on three sides. Famous literature figures that were known to frequent the pub in their time include William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens.
The pub serves traditional pub food and a cosy atmosphere. There also outdoor picnic table for during the summer.
Address: 75 Borough High St, London SE1 1NH
Explore Southwark Cathedral
Southwark Cathedral is a Christian parish church located in London Bridge. The cathedral has a rich history dating back to the 7th century and has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the years. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike who come to admire the cathedral’s stunning architecture. It was frequented by William Shakesphere and Southwark was Shakespeare’s parish and he worshipped at the cathedral when he lived near the Globe Theatre. His brother, Edmund Shakespeare was buried on the church grounds in December, 1607 but the exact location of his grave is unknown.
His brother Edmund has a memorial in the floor of the choir section. Shakespeare has a beautiful stain glass window dedicated to him in the Cathdral which depicts characters from his plays. There is also a statue of Shakesphere under the window and in the Garden of the Cathdral.
There are also Roman remains of a road under the Cathdral on display. When visiting you can learn about its history and cultural significance, and attend religious services and events.
Address: London Bridge, London SE1 9DA
Entrance: Free
Go Inside Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge links London Bridge to old city side. There are also lot’s of other things to do in the Tower Bridge area too. is one of the most magnificent of Londons attractions and was designed by Sir Horace Jones and completed in 1894. The bridge spans the Thames and connects the boroughs of Southwark and Tower Hamlets. Tower Bridge is known for its unique Victorian Gothic style and features two towers which are connected by a walkway at the upper level. The bridge offers a visitor attraction called the Tower Bridge Exhibition. Visitors can also explore the high-level walkways which give a panoramic view of London. The exhibition also includes the Victorian Engine Rooms which hold the original steam engines that were used to power the bridge. It is located near the Tower of London and the City of London financial district.
Do not forget to look up the Bridge Lift Times!
Address: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP
Cost: Adults from £13.40, Children from £6.70, Seniors and students £10.10, under five free.
Hop onboard the HMS Belfast
The HMS Belfast is a historic warship that is permanently moored on the Thames between Tower Bridge and London Bridge. It was a Royal Navy light cruiser that was built during World War 2 and was launched in 1938 for active service during the war. HMS Belfast played a big role in the D-Day landings and the Arctic Convoys. It also served in the Korean War in 1963.
The ship measures 613 feet in length and has a displacement of 11,500 tons; it is armed with a variety of weapons which includes battery guns, anti-aircraft guns, torpedoes and mines. It has operated as a museum ship since 1971 and offers a variety of exhibitions, displays, and artefacts.
Where: The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2JH
When: 10am-6pm (last entry at 5pm)
Cost: Adults from £25.45. Members and under fives free
Walk the Millennium Bridge
Take a walk across the Millennium Bridge for great views of the river. The Millennium Bridge, officially known as the London Millennium Footbridge. This steel suspension bridge for pedestrians crosses the River Thames in London, England, linking Bankside with the City of London.
Hays Galleria Shops
Hays Galleria Is is a contemporary warehouse workspace set within an historic riverside destination between London Bridge and the River Thames. It is full of shops and Restaurants and is stunning to view. The whole way along the Bankside and Queens walk is littered with Restaurants and pubs so plenty of places to take a break.
Learn at the Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
The museum can be found in the garret of St. Thomas’ Church in Southwark. It is believed to be the oldest surviving operating theatre in Europe. The garret was also used by St. Thomas’ Hospital from 1822 to 1862 as an operating theatre for teaching surgical procedures. This offers visitors a glimpse into the history of medicine and surgery in the 19th century.
The museum displays a collection of surgical instruments, artefacts, and artworks related to the medical practices of time. Guided tours and interactive exhibits give insights into the challenges and insights into the surgical procedures carried out. The Herb Garret also showcases a range of medicinal plants and herbs used in traditional medicine. The entrance is via a 52-step narrow spiral staircase.
General Admission: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10.30am – 5.00pm, Last admission is 4.15pm, (on occasion we may close the Museum early for group visits)
Price: Adults £9.00, Concessions £7.00, Child £5.50, Family £20.00
Opening Times: Thurs-Sun: 10:30am-5pm (last entry at 4:15pm)
Visit the Clink Museum
The Clink Prison was one of the oldest and most notorious prisons in England, dating back to the 12th century. It operated until the 18th century and gained a reputation for its harsh and inhumane conditions. The Clink became an overall symbol of punishment and suffering.
The museum is located on Clink Street in the Southwark area of London, near London Bridge. There are exhibits that show the grim realities of prison life in the past and displays original artefacts, like torture devices. Visitors can also experience the reconstructed prison cells and learn about the history of the prisoners. The museum also offers a virtual reality experience where visitors can use VR headsets to experience mediaeval prisons first hand.
Address: 1 Clink St, London SE1 9DG
Opening Times: Mon-Sun: 10am-6pm (last entry at 5:30)
Cost: Adults £8.80, Children £6.60
Find Nancy’s Steps
Just off of the Queens walk along the Thames path is a set of steps. These steps were supposedly the scene of the murder of Nancy in Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist”
The Plaque at the bottom of the steps reads “These steps and arch are surviving fragments of the 1831 London Bridge designed by John Rennie and built by his son Sir John Rennie. These steps were supposedly the scene of the murder of Nancy in Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist”
Where: Tooley Street
Explore the street art of Bankside
The London Bridge area has lots of street art to explore. If you wander around Borough Market you will find it on many walls. Take a walk along the southbank and explore.
Walk the Merchant Line in Borough London
The Merchant Line is a 250-metre-long public striking bronze installation bringing to life the engaging tale of London Bridge City’s rich maritime trading history. The cast bronze strip located in More London Place, runs along the route between London Bridge Station and the River Thames. It pays tribute to the area’s rich maritime trading history as part of the Upper Pool of London. Markers point to the direction of important historic maritime towns and trade in the area. Such as Soap coming from 50 miles away in Chichester and Port coming 800 miles from Porto.
Visit Maltby Street Market
This is a vibrant and popular food market located in the Bermondsey area of London, it is adjacent to Ropewalk. Opening in 2010, it is known for its diverse selection of food stalls and artisanal products. There is an offering of international cuisines, gourmet street food, baked goods, fresh produce and much more. It is often recommended to arrive early due to how busy it can be in peak hours.
Address: Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby St, London SE1 3PA
Find out whats going on at the Scoop
The Scoop is an outdoor amphitheatre near to City Hall and can easily be accessed from the London Bridge underground station. It is a sunken amphitheatre with a seating of around 800 people. The Scoop is mainly known for hosting free pen-air performances including theatre, music, dance and film screenings. It is a key venue during the Summer by the River Festival which takes place annually from June to September.
Address: The Scoop at More, London SE1 2AA
Look For Art Trails and Wild Life For Wildlife Sculpture Trail
This exhibit comes and goes but there is always an Art Trail of some sort along the south Bankside walk.
A Wild Life for Wildlife can be found at More London near London Bridge City. The sculpture trail of Chimpanzees was there prior to this. The outdoor display comprises 11 sculptures, all featuring animals in unusual poses. You can find it. in-between London Bridge and Tower Bridge on the south bank of the river Thames and is a great way to see parts of London you haven’t seen before. I love statues and there are plenty in London to find such as the Leicester square film statues too. These statues however are a temporary display so you need to get up and walk around London soon.
Address: Along the Thames near Tower Bridge
See a Exhibition at the Fashion and Textile museum
The Fashion and textile museum is in the Bermondsey area near London Bridge station. It aims to celebrate and promote the innovation and creativity in fashion and textile designs. It is a known platform for exhibitions, educational programmes, and events. The museum hosts a rotating programme of exhibitions that vary in focus from work of renowned designers, historical fashion eras, textile techniques and emerging trends, or cultural influences. They also offer educational programmes and workshops for adults and children. Currently showing the BIBA exhibition.
Where: 83 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3XF
Opening Times: Sun & Mon- Closed, Tues-Sat- 11am-6pm
Cost: £12.65
Get Scared at the London Bridge experience
The London Bridge experience is a scary haunted interactive experiance. It is situated near the southern end of London Bridge and is based on the history of London Bridge and its horrors back in the day. It showcases its history, from the Romans to modern day. It gives an interactive and theatrical experience for visitors; there are live actors, special effects, and exhibits to bring the history of London and its bridge to life.
The experience also incorporates spooky elements and is known for its haunted tales and ghostly encounters. It lasts around 1 hour but this can vary between experiences and its definitely not for the faint hearted!
Address: The London Bridge Experience 2-4 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2SY
Opening Times: Mon-Fri: 12pm-6pm, Sat-Sun: 11am-6pm
Cost: Adult from £26.95 to £31.00, Child from £19.50 to £25.50
Have a drink in the Vaults 1894 bar and pub under Tower Bridge
Under the large trusts of Tower Bridge is a hidden bar and pub called the Vaults 1894. This pub has lovely views under the bridge either from inside or on its quiet terrace area.
Find Winchester Palace Ruins
Winchester Palace are ruins situated on the southern bank of the Thames in Southwark and is near Clink Street and Borough Market. The palace was originally built in the 12th century for the Bishops of Winchester. The architecture was of the Gothic style and consisted of several buildings surrounding a central courtyard. Nowadays only the remains of the palace can be seen which includes the Great Hall’s south wall, the rose window, and more architecture.
Address: Winchester Palace, Pickfords Wharf, London SE1 9DN
See a Play at Shakespeare’s Globe
The Shakespheres globe is situated on the South Bank of the Thames in the Bankside area of London. The Globe was first built in 1599 by SHakespeare’s playing company but the modern reconstruction was built in 1997, only a short walk from the original site. This is a round open-air theatre that aims to replicate the conditions of Shakespearean theatre. Visitors can book guided tours which gives an insight into the history of the Globe, the architecture, and the theatrical practices of Shakespeare’s time.
There is also an on-sight exhibition which showcases aspects of Elizabethan theatre. The Globe is committed to education and offers a range of educational programmes and workshops. It also hosts talks, concerts, and special performances over the year.
Address: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
Opening times differ due to performances
Watch a film at the Boutique Everyman Cinema Borough
Everyman Cinema Borough is on Southwark Street and is located in the Borough neighbourhood. This is a boutique cinema so it provides a luxury experience including comfort, style and quality. There are multiple screens that have a daily small seating capacity; the seating is made up of both plush sofas, armchairs, and footrests. There is always a wide selection of films from mainstream new releases to indie films. Everyman Cinemas offer plenty of food and drink that you would typically find in a cinema but they also have a licensed bar which serves both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. This cinema also hosts special events and screenings, including premieres, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, themed film nights.
Address: 3 Dirty Ln, London SE1 9PA
Walk along the Embankment
Finally if that has not given you enough ideas then a just a simple walk along the embankment and the Queens Walk would be a lovely day out. You can take in the sights of the Thames, look for street art and stop off in a pub or cafe of which there are many! Try the Mug house which is tucked under a bridge. The Queen’s Walk is always bustling with people. Along the way you’ll pass the HMS Belfast, Nancys steps, and the shopping and food centre at Hays Galleria.
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